Pop star Madonna and her adopted son met with the young boy’s biological father in Malawi as the singer awaited a court decision on whether she could adopt a girl from the same country, her publicist said Tuesday.

Liz Rosenberg said in a statement that Madonna and her son David met Monday with David’s birth father, Yohanne Banda, for the first time since the young boy was adopted in 2006.

“Madonna is committed to maintaining an ongoing relationship with David’s Malawian roots,” Rosenberg said.

The publicist also confirmed, in the first public acknowledgment of what has been reported for weeks, that Madonna has filed an application “to adopt Mercy James, a 3-year-old girl Madonna met two years ago in an orphanage that she visited.”

A spokeswoman for Malawi’s attorney general told CNN that the singer appeared Monday in court in that country, one of the poorest nations in the world, for a hearing on whether she would be allowed to adopt the girl.

Madonna is to return to court Friday to hear the judge’s decision in the matter, spokeswoman Zione Ntaba said. The child’s family will have to give their permission for the adoption to proceed, according to Martin Geissler, a reporter for the ITN television network who is in Malawi.

Madonna has been involved with Malawi for several years. She made a documentary, “I Am Because We Are,” which highlighted poverty, AIDS and other diseases devastating that country’s children. She also helps run a nonprofit, Raising Malawi, which implements initiatives to help the needy in the southeastern African nation.

Source: CNN

Madonna's adopted son David was reunited with his biological father yesterday for the first time since the toddler left Malawi with the singer in 2006.

Yohane Banda met his child at 7am at the Kumbali Lodge where Madonna and her family are staying. But the peasant farmer, who gave David up for adoption when his wife died weeks after childbirth, revealed his son did not recognise him.

'He asked me who I was,' Yohane said after the scheduled meeting, which lasted two-and-a-half hours.
'When I told him "I am your daddy" he looked surprised.'

Mrs Wilo, an official from Madonna's Raising Malawi charity, acted as a translator between David and Yohane, who does not speak English.

Yohane continued: 'It's amazing how David has grown; I can't believe he is the same small and sickly baby we left at Home of Hope. 'He seems to be a polite boy for he asked if he could sit on my lap. Then he started playing with my nose; I don't know why.

'He is quite chatty and intelligent. He asked me lots of questions about lots of things. He asked me whether I ride horses. ‘I told him horses are for the rich and he asked me why I am poor. 
'He told me his mum likes riding horses and that he too rides horses.

'The he told me a story when one day he and his brother, Rocco, rode horses and fell. He told me his mum spanked him because they are not supposed to ride horses on their own.'  Yohane revealed how David spoke warmly of his adoptive parents.

'He told me his mum plays music and asked me what I do for life,' he said.

'I told him I was a farmer. He asked what a farmer does and I explained to him that we use hoes to till the land. 'He told me his daddy, Mr Ritchie, took him to a farm but it had a tractor. I told him in Africa we use hoes.'

Yohane, who has since married a new wife, Flor, and now has a young son, Dingiswayo, said he was disappointed to learn of Madonna's divorce from Guy Ritchie. 'He seems to like his daddy, Mr Ritchie, so much that I was a little sad Madonna broke up with him. 'I would have loved it if they sorted out whatever problems they had instead of divorcing because divorce is bad for kids.'

Yohane lost two sons prior to David's birth and says he is relieved Madonna is taking care of the toddler. 'I was very happy to meet David again. He reminds me of the two sons I lost in infancy.

'I sometimes shudder to think that David could also have met the same fate had Madonna not adopted him. I am really grateful to her for saving David from possible early death.'

Madonna and her two other children Rocco, 8, and Lourdes, 12, also met briefly with Yohane. 'She just greeted me and told me about David's school. She is a sweet lady,' he said. 'She told me David was clever at school. She then told me the children needed to take a bath because they were preparing to go out.'

Later that day, Madonna took her children for a tour of the Mphandula child care centre built by Raising Malawi about 30 miles from the capital of Lilongwe. The singer and her family arrived in the impoverished African country on Sunday and she is  hoping to leave with a new addition to her brood - four-year-old Mercy James. A judge will rule on Friday whether the 50-year-old should be allowed to adopt a second child from the country.

Mercy was placed in an orphanage after her 18-year-old mother died five days after her birth. It was reported that her father was a schoolboy and it is not clear whether he is alive. Madonna's determination to adopt Mercy was said to be a major cause of conflict between her and Guy, who was opposed to the idea.

Last year, he was said to have relented but soon afterwards the couple separated.

Source: Daily Mail

A Malawi court official says Madonna won't know until Friday whether she will be allowed to adopt a 4-year-old girl as her second child from the southern African nation.

Court official Thomson Ligowe confirmed that Madonna's adoption application has been adjourned by the court until the end of the week.

The 50-year-old pop star appeared in court Monday and left about an hour later. It was not immediately known whether any of the girl's relatives were present.

The one adoption case on Monday's court docket listed only the child's name - Chifundo James. The girl's name means "Mercy" in the local language.

Madonna has not commented on the adoption and did not speak to reporters Monday morning.

Madonna in court in Malawi:

             

Text source: Associated Press, photo source: All About Madonna

Many Malawians have expressed happiness with plans by US pop star Madonna to adopt a second child from the country despite criticism by British charity, Save the Children.
Madonna’s bid to adopt orphaned Chifundo James, 4, will be examined by High Court Judge Esmie Chombo in Lilongwe on Monday and the 50 year-old US singer will be present during the hearing.
The pop queen who adopted David Banda was encouraged by President Ngwazi Dr Bingu wa Mutharika to even adopt more Malawian children.

"Malawi has over one million orphans and some of them many aren't even able to go to school. And someone comes and takes ones child to give that child a future, an education and we want to make a noise? I don't know, I really don't know. I wish someone had come and taken 10,000 Malawian children because I know 10,000 Malawian would have better education and opportunities," Mutharika captured in a Reuters video clip said.

Mzondi Lungu a Malawian writing on the social networking site, Facebook, commended Madonna for her plans and trashed calls by Save the Children UK that the singer should rethink.

"I thinks that Madonna is doing lots of good works at home in Malawi which needs respect and recognition. I see no problem with adoption. These so called charities who oppose are just trying to sabotage her good works. After all , many orphaned kids roam the streets begging helplessly while some charity bosses live a luxury life in the name of the poor," Lungu who is based in England wrote on his Facebook page.

Lungu’s poem in support of Madonna’s adoption on Facebook also attracted positive comments.Abigail Mhango wrote: "Oh thank God for Madonna indeed. It makes me angry. Am sure if people had a choice they would say Madge please take me! Madonna woyeee!"

Tylon Kondowe also chorused his support comment and called the condemnation of Madonna by the charity as hypocrisy saying the organization is not really helping many orphaned children in Malawi.

Towera Ngwira, however is excited that Madonna’s adoption publicity is putting the southern African country on the world map.

"We should thank her because she is putting Malawi on the map now, everyone knows Malawi and also for the love and kindness she showed as a mother," pointed out Ngwira.

Save the Children UK, spokesman Dominic Nutt statement also received bashing by readers on Nyasa Times through their comments to the story.

James Malizani a regular contributor in comments section on Nyasa Times wrote: "I would suggest these rich British should live in an orphanage for a year and experience the hardship these kids are going through, before they open up their mouth and speak on behalf of the orphans.

"Can I suggest that Mr. Nutt has a nice, spacious home, bed, food in the UK and has a bright future and if he has kids they too are looking forward to a prosperous future? Orphans in Malawi and around the world are facing a bleak future and life."

Malazani added: "Madonna should be applauded for what she is doing by everyone around the world. The problem of orphans, poverty has no boundaries, or colour. It is a global problem and should have both global as well as local solutions. I get frustrated by these bodies, who purport to speak on behalf of these kids and yet, they cannot offer practical solutions that provides these kids with a bright future.

"Can I also suggest to Mr. Nutt to adopt one of two orphans from Malawi or other country, and stop killing the only little hope these kids have. May be Mr. Nutt should hear stories from people with personal experiences with orphaned kids, I am one of those. We all have a responsibility to help. One planet, all Gods’ people."

In another comment, one Njala Nthenda Nsanje wrote: "Now I know why President AlBashir of Sudan doesn’t want these so called charity organizations in his country. The fact is that these organizations are full of white people with blue eyes just to quote President of Brazil Luala Da Silva. These people with blue eyes do not in any way love a black person. Not at all. If Madonna adopted a white child say from Czechoslovakia, Hungary, Albania these organizations could kept mum but since Madonna is adopting a black child from s is a matter of concern."

Nsanje claimed the opposition was inspired by racism.
According to Associated Press report, Austin Msowoya, legal researcher with Malawi’s Law Commission, said the child’s best interests should be taken into account - whether that means staying in an orphanage in Malawi or getting "an education with Madonna."

The singer will be led by her Malawian lawyer Allan Chinula in court on Monday to sign the adoption papers.

Source: Nyasa Times

Madonna has arrived in Malawi to begin the process of adopting a second child from the African country.

The pop star wants to adopt a young girl called Mercy James, local officials have said.

The singer was seen walking through the village of Chinkhota with her 12-year-old daughter Lourdes.

She refused to answer questions from reporters but said it was "amazing" to be back in the country where she adopted David Banda in 2006.

Madonna is due to sign adoption papers in court in the capital Lilongwe in the coming days.

An unnamed welfare official told the Associated Press (AP) agency Mercy James' mother was an unmarried 18-year-old who died a few months after the baby was born.

The girl is in the same orphanage that was home to David, who is now three years old.

There are differing reports of Mercy James' age, with AP and Reuters saying she is four years old and Agence France Presse (AFP) saying she is three.

But Madonna has come in for criticism over her plans. David Nutt, spokesman for the Save the Children charity, urged Madonna to think again.

"We don't want to pick on one individual - any time, any set of circumstances can change," he said.

"But the problem is, very often this is the wrong thing to do, and Madonna tends to make it seem like it's the answer to everything and all problems, and it just isn't."

But Steven Whitehead from the charity Oasis, which represents families who adopt from abroad, said foreign adoption was a good idea in many cases.

He said: "There are a number of children for whom inter-country adoption represents their only chance of having a family, and the human convention on the right of the child gives every child the right to a family.

"And it's much better for them be in a family, wherever it may happen to be, than be in institutional care. The damaging effect of institutional care on children is so well recognised that, you know, it's just not an issue of debate."

Madonna's spokeswomen, Liz Rosenberg and Barbara Charone, and her lawyer in Malawi, Alan Chinula, have not commented.

Writing in response to e-mailed questions from Nation readers last week, Madonna said: "Many people - especially our Malawian friends - say that David should have a Malawian brother or sister.

"It's something I have been considering."

In 2006, critics accused the Malawian government of sidestepping laws banning foreign adoptions in order to allow the celebrity to take David home with her.

Madonna's adoption of David Banda was confirmed last year.

Source: BBC News

Madonna's official website announced that her "I Am Because We Are" documentary premieres on the YouTube and Hulu platforms today.

Directed by Nathan Rissman and narrated by Madonna, "I Am Because We Are" depicts a journey in the second poorest country in the world, Malawi.
In a country of 12 million people, so many children without parents has caused irreparable damage. The film attempts to explore what is going on in the heads and hearts of these orphans, and what the future holds for them. Suffering from AIDS, infections and malnutrition, most of the children in Malawi are in need for food, medical care, but also for proper education and guidance.

More than just a story about Malawi, "I Am Because We Are" provides the audience with keys to help changing the situation but also spreads hope for a better world.



Visit the "I Am Because We Are" channel on YouTube today to watch the full documentary.
"I Am Because We Are" is also available for online streaming from Hulu. Please note that location restrictions may apply.

For more info on the documentary, please visit www.iambecauseweare.com.

Pop star Madonna is to travel to Malawi in a bid to adopt a second child, government officials from the African country have told the BBC.

The 50-year-old is expected to arrive at the weekend and attend a procedural hearing at the High Court on Monday.

She recently told Malawian newspaper Nation that she had been considering another adoption, but wanted the support of the authorities.

Madonna's official adoption of David Banda was confirmed last year. She brought the child back to the UK from an orphanage in the country in 2006.

An official at the Malawian department of women and child welfare told the BBC's Raphael Tenthani that the pop star had already filed adoption papers and her case could be heard as early as next week.

The official later told the Reuters news agency: "We expect her over the weekend or earlier than that... but without a doubt she is coming before the end of this month."

Madonna's spokeswoman in New York, Liz Rosenberg, would not comment.

Her lawyer in Malawi, Alan Chinula, also declined to comment.

However, a US government official speaking under condition of anonymity told Reuters news agency that an adoption bid was under way.

Writing in response to e-mailed questions from Nation readers last week, Madonna said: "Many people - especially our Malawian friends - say that David should have a Malawian brother or sister.

"It's something I have been considering."

Critics accused the Malawian government of sidestepping laws banning foreign adoptions in order to allow the celebrity to take 13-month-old David home with her.

After the adoption was legalised, Madonna said the difficulties had arisen because "this adoption essentially was the beginning of the creation of adoption laws in Malawi".

She hoped it would make it easier for others to adopt from the country and explained: "I am the template or the role model, so to speak, for future adoptions."

The star also has two biological children - Rocco, her son with former husband Guy Ritchie, and Lourdes, whose father is Carlos Leon.

Film director Ritchie and Madonna's divorce was finalised in November.

Malawi does not as a rule approve adoptions for single or divorced people, but the official at the country's welfare department said that each case was considered on merit.

Source: BBC News

Pop superstar Madonna stunned fans after taking over her manager's online Twitter account on Wednesday (25 Mar 09) to declare she is "glad" to have divorced Guy Ritchie.
The singer's longtime friend and producer Guy Oseary delighted those subscribed to his page on the the social networking site by announcing he was sitting next to the Material Girl herself.

He wrote: "Sitting here with Madonna. Firstly she wants to say hello to all the iconers (fan club members) out there.
"Madonna wants to thank all of you that took the time to send in their thoughts for g-hits (Greatest Hits) album. We will be online for the next 10 minutes."
And when a supporter then congratulated the star on parting ways with filmmaker Ritchie last year (08), the singer appeared to join in on the cyber chat - typing a message that expressed her delight over her divorce.
A user under the name Nickfirth wrote: "Hello Madonna honey am glad you are single again - you made your best music as a single woman! yeehaw!"
Minutes later, the singer apparently replied: "NOT AS GLAD AS I AM! M..............."
But before she signed off, Madonna couldn't help but single out gossip blogger Perez Hilton, accusing him of favouring fellow pop star Britney Spears by filming a video clip to air during her Circus tour.
In a note directed at Hilton, she wrote: "You obviously love Britney more cause you made an opening film for her show and not mine. I still love you, - going to sleep! - M"
~ Additionally, ICON reveals that Madonna might appear on Twitter again in the near future.

Source: ContactMusic

Madonna may visit the southern African country of Malawi in the next few days, Reuters reports.
"We expect her over the weekend or earlier than that... but without a doubt she is coming before the end of this month," the official at the Ministry of Gender and Child Development said.
Madonna is expected to visit a site where her charity, Raising Malawi, will start building a multi-million dollar school for girls, the officials said.

David's father, Yohane Banda, told Reuters that he may see his son next week.
"Someone from Raising Malawi visited me last week and told me that my son may be visiting me sometime next week. I am delighted, I want to see my son," he said.
Madonna, who began adoption proceedings in 2006, took David when he was 13-months-old after his father had placed him in an orphanage following the death of his wife. She has said he was happy to be involved in a case that might pave the way for more adoptions in Malawi. An estimated one million children in the country have been orphaned by AIDS.
Child rights activist John Soo Phiri said Madonna may find it more difficult to adopt another child as a single parent after her divorce from film director Guy Ritchie.
"She will have to prove that as a single parent she still has the abilities to raise another child alone," he said.

Sources: Reuters, MadonnaTribe

Click on the link below and download the new Madonna’s interview that she did for French TV chanell RTL. The interview is in English with French subtitles.

Link:
RapidShare
MediaFire

Source: Absolument Madonna

Italian music TV station MTV reports that Madonna will film a new music video for “Incredible” in Venaria (in province of Turin).

 

She felt in love with Venaria after watching a CBS documentary about the town. The pop diva will consider the possibility of setting the shooting in the seventeenth-century palace. Apparently, the storyline will be placed in the 17th century, with costumes from that era and 100 extras.

Madonna’s spokesperson, Liz Rosenberg  admits that "she might come back to Italy since she did in Venice the "Like A Virgin" video".

Source: MTV. it

Tickets for the July 25 concert in Zaragoza will be on sale on Friday, March 27, the Spanish press reports today.
Ticketmaster Spain is also listing a fan-club presale starting on March 25 - although the official Madonna website is still lacking any official announcement for the concert.
The ticket range listed on the site starts from € 31,00 and goes up to € 232,00.

Source: MadonnaTribe

On this day, 20 years ago, Madonna’s forth studio album has been released. It has sold more than 11 million copies and it got great reviews by the critics. Singles from that album were: Like a Prayer, Express Yourself, Cherish, Oh Father, Dear Jessie and Keep it Together.

Source: All About Madonna

1) Would you consider an Asian leg for Madonna's next tour?
Madonna loves Asia and definitely would love to go back.

2) What are the plans, if any, for a Sticky & Sweet Tour DVD/CD Release? Will it include a tour documentary?
We plan on having the DVD/CD come out in the fall, hopefully in November. Nathan Rissman shot hours and hours of b-roll. We will edit it down and definitely include highlights in the DVD.

3) Now that Madonna has decided to extend her "Sticky and Sweet" tour, is there any chance for her to release a 4th single off her 'Hard Candy' album?
I don't see that happening.

4) Could you tell us more about the new Greatest Hits to be released by Warner Bros? Will it include unreleased tracks? Is there a release date available?
We are trying to get two new tracks on the album. But not sure if they should be "never before heard" gems, or simply start from scratch. She is thinking about doing something dance and up tempo, so stay tuned....

5) Will this summer's show be the exact same as last year's? Will Madonna make some changes to the set list, costumes?
Mostly it will be the same, with an added surprise song to the show. Again, stay tuned.

7) What is your best memory with Madonna?
My best memory? Too many to mention. I've been with Madonna for over half my life. My favorite moments are when we are alone, taking a walk through the countryside together or having dinner together. I do have fond memories of when I first became friends with Madonna. I was such a kid who knew so little , yet she took my hand and showed me the world. It's been an amazing ride.

8.) Do you know what Madonna thinks of her fan club and all of her devoted fans there?
She loves her fans. Honestly everything she does she considers her fans. I can give you an example from tour -
When she did the L.A. Dodger Stadium show the whole front of the stage broke the night before the show. We almost cancelled. When I said "don't worry, everything will be fine no one will care", she responded "no my fans will care, they notice everything!" She doesn't want to do anything less than amazing for her fans. But at the same time, she didn't want to let down her fans by canceling the show, so at 9 pm the night before, she said the show must go on. All these decisions are always made with the fans in mind. She has seen many of Iconers showing up at each show and she really appreciates it - you know who you are!

9) Will Madonna release some unreleased songs or demos from her past albums at some point?
At some point, would love to do something amazing with the remixes and demos. Thanks to you guys for many of your suggestions on this, they are all being considered.

10) Why wasn't Australia included in the tour itinerary and will she visit Australia anytime soon?
Madonna really needs to go to Australia!! Its a must...and I'm going to do everything I can to make sure we get there next time Madonna tours. Unfortunately it didn't work out for this tour. She appreciates her Aussie fans coming to many of the shows. Israel never missed one show in Europe or South America and he waved his Australian flag at every single show. We are long over due for a trip down under and apologize for that, it will happen.

Source: Icon

Our friend from News-Of-Madonna sent us the HQ recording of the latest Madonna’s interview on I Am Because We Are for the French TV channel.

Download link: zShare

Starting from April 2nd a very special auction benefiting Raising Malawi will be launched on Ebay! The auction will include some very special items including some copies of the book autographed by Madonna!

More info can be found on: www.ebay.com/raisingmalawi

Thanks to Axel!

Here are a few caps from the Madonna interview that was aired on French channel Canal + a few minutes ago:

 

Source: MadonnaTribe

On Tuesday, march 24th, a day before the release of the documentary "I Am Because We Are" in French theatres, French radio RTL will air a Madonna interview at 9am CET.The interview video will be available on RTL website on the same day.

You can listen to RTL online HERE.

As a reminder, two Madonna interviews will be aired on French TV over the next few days: tomorrow on Canal + at 6:15pm and on news channel LCI on Tuesday at 10am.

Source: MadonnaTribe

Best Video from a Film
AI “Okuribito” from “Okuribito(Departures)”
Jack White & Alicia Keys “Another Way to Die” from “Quantum of Solace”
Madonna “4 Minutes feat. Justin Timberlake & Timbaland” from “Get Smart”
Monobright “Ano Toumeikan to Shonen” from “Afterschool”
Remioromen “Yume no Tsubomi” from “Kansen Retto”

Best Collaboration Video
Anna Tsuchiya feat. AI “Crazy World”
Madonna “4 Minutes feat. Justin Timberlake & Timbaland”
Nelly and Fergie “Party People”
Schadaraparr+Kaela Kimura “Hey! Hey! Alright”
T.I. “Live Your Life feat. Rihanna”

The MTV VMAJ 09 awards are decided by the viewers and music fans who can vote for either Japanese or international artists nominated in the same category. The voting period is from March 18 through May 1 and can be accessed via web and mobile at www.mtvjapan.com/vmaj

Source: All About Madonna

Madonna joined the designer Valentino, for a dinner party to mark the release of new film Valentino: The Last Emperor last night in New York (March 17 2009).

                  

Source: All About Madonna

Calling all Madonna fans! The Queen of Pop is coming out with a long-awaited greatest hits collection this fall.
'We're hoping to have a greatest hits package come out in September," the singer's longtime publicist, Liz Rosenberg, tells PEOPLE. "We're all very excited about it."
With so many hit songs to choose from over her long career, the singer's manager, Guy Oseary, asked fans on Twitter Tuesday which tunes they think should be included. "Working on Madonna's greatest hits album," he wrote. "Any tracks that you think MUST be on?"
Still, the new album won't only feature songs her fans know and love. "Madonna does have plans to go into the studio to record a few new songs for this album," says Rosenberg.
The greatest hits album will be Madonna's last with Warner Records, with whom she sold more than 200 million albums. In October 2007, she ended her 27-year relationship with the label when she signed a reported $150 million deal with concert promoter Live Nation.

Source: People.com

Thanks to Eyzonme!

“Well, we’re friends,” Rodriguez says. “She’s an amazing entertainer. And it’s been amazing how she’s been able to stay on top for three decades. I have a lot of respect for her.” He says he’s enjoyed their conversations, and her counsel. “She’s very smart,” he says, “and she’s passionate about everything she does.” Rodriguez can’t name anything specific he’s asked Madonna for advice on, “but if there ever was any situation, she’s a great ear to have, you know?”

Their meeting was not, as some have speculated, arranged by Guy Oseary, who represents them both. “I met her about 12 years ago in Miami, believe it or not,” he says. “That’s how we know each other. I was trying to buy her house, and I couldn’t afford it.”

Source: Details Magazine

Pop star Madonna has said she may adopt another child from the poor southern African country of Malawi despite the controversy surrounding an earlier adoption. Critics accused the government of skirting laws that ban non-residents from adopting children in Malawi, which has been badly hit by the AIDS epidemic, after Madonna took on David Banda.

“Many people — especially our Malawian friends — say that David should have a Malawian brother or sister,” she said in response to emailed questions from Malawi’s the Nation newspaper.

“It’s something I have been considering, but would only do, if I had the support of the Malawian people and the Government.”

A Malawian court approved the adoption of David last year. Madonna has said the controversy had been difficult to deal with but she was happy to be involved in a case that might pave the way for more adoptions in Malawi. An estimated one million children in the country have been orphaned by AIDS.

Madonna, who began adoption proceedings in 2006, took David when he was 13-months-old after his father had placed him in an orphanage following the death of his wife.

David is growing up in the high-flying life of a leading popstar, worlds away from his village of Lipunga, where Banda’s relatives eat staple food like maize meal from simple bowls and meals are cooked on open fires.

Madonna said she wanted to keep him connected to his homeland. “It is a big priority for me to educate my son about the world, but always to stay connected to his Malawian culture,” she said.

“He has a big map of Africa in his room with lots of arrows pointing to Malawi.”

Madonna said her divorce from film director Guy Ritchie would not deprive their children of either parent.

“I believe in family. So, everything between us is very amicable…we both agree that our children should always feel a deep connection with both their parents. It is our responsibility to give them that foundation,” she said.”

Source: Reuters

The third Sticky & Sweet Tour stop in Spain seems more and more close to an announcement as Ticketmaster.es features a new banner on their concert highlights mentioning tickets for Zaragoza on sale "very soon" and local newspaper Heraldo publishing a new article with more detailed info.

What is missing, again, is an official confirmation from Madonna.com.

The concert should take place on July 25 and the venue will be the Feria de Muestras - the Zaragoza Fair site from the 2008 Expo.

The first venue to be taken under consideration for the concert, La Romareda, was scrapped because of the size of the Madonna stage, which would have occupied one entire side of the stadium limiting its capacity to 40.000 people only.

The open air venue at the Zaragoza Fair will allow promoters to sell 52,500 tickets - with the price range announced by the press - and not yet officially confirmed - being the cheapest for Madonna in Spain this year:

Fronf of Stage: 89 €
Pista A: 61 €
Pista B: 43 €
Reserved seat: €
VIP Reserved Seat: 257 €

According to ADN, details of the Madonna contract will be announced today and tickets will be on sale in the next few days.

Source: MadonnaTribe

Meet Tracy Anderson: the personal trainer who has finally silenced the scariest lady in showbiz. For the past three years, Madonna has handed all control of her body over to this size six slave driver – in return, Tracy has given her the most talked-about physique on the planet. ‘People say to me, “Madonna must really boss you around” and I tell them “No! She’s the most docile, sweet, quiet little student”,’ laughs Tracy. ‘She’ll follow everything I want. Madonna never slacks off. She’s like a gym nerd.’

Tracy’s method requires nothing less than total submission from Her Madgesty. ‘I said to her, “I’m going to be bringing crazy equipment into your house, and you can’t work with anyone else”,’ explains Tracy. ‘So she dropped all her other training and committed to me. She doesn’t tell me what she wants to achieve with her body – I tell her,’ says Tracy. ‘She trusts me, so she does it.’

That or Madonna doesn’t have the energy to talk back with Tracy’s schedule of two-hour workouts, six days a week. ‘We do 75 minutes of muscular structure work and 45 minutes of dance aerobics,’ explains Tracy. ‘I change the regime every 10 days. She’s an unbelievable mover so it’s easy for her. I’ve had her in all kinds of crazy positions.’

Madonna’s body has been showcased recently in photoshoots that have split the nation between, ‘Doesn’t she look amazing for 50?’ and, ‘Put your legs together, grandma’. Does it annoy Tracy to hear her creation being attacked?

‘Everyone’s entitled to their opinion,’ she says. ‘As her trainer, what matters is that I like how she looks – and I do. I challenge anybody to see Madonna in person and not want her body. What she’s achieved is not unnatural. If your body looks old at 50, it’s only because you’re not making the effort. Madonna will keep her physique forever because she’ll always keep up my programme.’

To ensure there’s no slip in standards, Tracy restricts her body-honing services to just one other client, Madonna’s best pal Gwyneth Paltrow. ‘She was my first celebrity client, Madonna was my second and that’s just how it’s stayed,’ says Tracy. ‘Gwyneth did her first workout with me then called Madonna and said, “You have to try this, it’s the hardest thing I’ve ever done”.’

You might’ve had Gwyneth down as a wet macrobiotic blanket, but according to Tracy she’s the handful of the duo. ‘Gwyneth is cheekier than Madonna, that’s for sure,’ she grins. ‘Some days she’ll be like, “Do I have to do cardio?”’

Gwyn and Madge now have Tracy on a timeshare arrangement (and no, they never fight over who has first dibs). ‘One of them always has priority,’ explains Tracy. ‘I’ll go on tour with Madonna or I’ll be with Gwyneth when she’s preparing for a film, and I’ll video train the other.’

Tracy has a zero-tolerance policy to skiving, even now her star pupils are in peak condition. ‘Would I let them go down to three days a week? Oh no! It’s not healthy to not work out six days a week. I’m obsessed with their bodies. I never stop thinking of how to make them a bit better.’ Now we mere mortals can get a taste of Tracy’s techniques with her new workout DVD. ‘It’s the same dance aerobics formula Madonna and Gwyneth do,’ she says. And yes, you can expect a similar transformation – as long as you’re willing to put in the six-days-a-week graft.

Source: Mirror

A new Madonna’s book for children from series of The English Roses, The Runway Rose, is about to get released on April 16th 2009. Pre-orders for book at Amazon.

Book description:
Amy’s absolutely thrilled when her mum gets her an after-school job working behind the scenes at Marks & Spencer Teen Fashionista week; it seems a perfect opportunity to polish her design skills and cultivate her true passion for fashion! But when a talent scout convinces Amy that she should actually appear on the runway as a model for the big show, things start to fall apart. Suddenly, Amy finds herself hanging with the beautiful people, and her head gets more than a little inflated as a result. What’s worse, she begins ditching the English Roses to hang with her fashionable new friends! The Roses have to wonder if she’s getting a wee bit big for her designer britches! Will Amy abandon her four best friends to follow the fashionista crowd forever?

Source: Amazon.com