While I think the described deal is insane (Madonna is getting a sweetheart deal), this is the key phrase:

In addition, after an undetermined period, Live Nation would return the rights to albums produced under the deal back to Madonna. Under her current deal with Warner Music, the record label kept control of Madonna’s albums; if she signs with Live Nation, Warner will still retain those works (and Madonna owes Warner one more studio album before she makes any for Live Nation).

This is a key thing for artists that get big. They should own their own catalogs, and the labels, once they’re done promoting the album, should relinquish rights. That just seems fair.

This actually makes me sad, more than anything.