Editor’s Note: Drag diva and longtime-Madonna-pal Joey Arias is a singer, actor and writer who is currently performing in "Arias with a Twist," which was recently reviewed in The New York Times and runs until December 31.

Here are some of my thoughts and memories of Madonna …

I’ll never forget the first time I met her. I was with a group called "Man Parrish" and we had a hit dance called "Hip Hop Bee Bop." Madonna at the time was promoting her first dance hit. In walks the young Debi Mazar — who was doing Madonna’s makeup — and Martin Burgoyne — who at that time was her IT man, designing the album cover, etc. — and Maripol the stylist. These were my friends. Madonna was the new girl. I liked her directness and attitude. I didn’t think she had such a good voice in those days, and even though her stage show was a bit weak, she went out there and sold it.

When I saw her at the clubs she was always really working it, having a great time — and dancing all the time. She always looked great and we always had a laugh. But when we danced together it was a real workout … no posing!

Then a few years later when she was about to marry Sean Penn I was invited by Maripol to make a surprise visit — jumping out of a cake — at her VERY PRIVATE bachelorette party. I popped out and did a Prince number, wearing nothing but a jockstrap and little jacket. At first, Madonna freaked out; then she screamed: "It’s Joey Arias!" We rolled on the floor and had a good laugh.

I needed to change and Madonna invited me to do so in her bedroom, where she was on the phone with Sean. It seemed he got pissed off that I was there naked and Madonna was lying in bed with her breast popping out of her bustier. She asked if I saw her first concert at Radio City and, of course, I didn’t — so she played it for me. We sat there together, bouncing on her bed to the music. I told her she was sounding pretty damn good and she thanked me, since it seemed she really liked my style of singing.

Years later, I was invited to perform for her 1999 New Year’s Eve bash at Liquid in Miami! Only 100 of her friends were invited. The streets were filled with those wanting to get a glimpse of her before the century ended. Madonna had me sing and said she wanted me to weave my magic. "Get a boy to take his clothes off!" she screamed. And this I did with no problem. Madonna was laughing and screaming. I brought the boy over and he was shaking like a leaf. He was the house Go-Go Boy. Madonna asked me to kiss him. That was great. I proceeded to make out with him — and he was straight. He loved it! We danced all night till the sun came out.

A couple years later in Hollywood, after the birth of her daughter, I saw her again. She came by to see me sing and it was all very casual. We talked about her being a mom and she lit up bright like a star. I told her I was really proud of her and I also told her how beautiful her voice sounded, complimenting the way she can bend notes. It’s a singers’ talk. She told me she was blown away by what I said since she really respected the way I sang my songs, especially the Billie Holiday material.

She wanted to put me in some of her new projects but they never got off the ground. She called and apologized. This is the Madonna I knew. Today we all travel in different packs — yet if we see each other it would be just like yesterday.

She is the MOST-hard-working person in showbiz and very direct with NO bullshit. You know where you stand when you first meet her. I guess we both stood tall!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY GIRL

Your Pal Joey

XOXOXO

Click here to see photos from wowOwow Photo Gallery Salutes Madonna’s 50th Birthday.