Madonna, A-Rod Make Beautiful Music Together

Photo by AP, Getty Images

Madrod has finally made its public debut.

As Madonna completed her second song before a sell-out crowd in Miami's Dolphin Stadium Wednesday night, New York Yankees slugger Alex Rodriguez handed her a bottle of water.

"It was easy for him to hand it off because he was sitting in the front row," a witness tells E! News. "He was all excited watching her perform."

And, just like that, Madonna acknowledged in public, less than a week after her quickie divorce from Guy Ritchie, that A-Rod is indeed the superfan (and waterboy) he's reportedly been for most of this year in private.

The two arrived in town together on Monday and spent most of Wednesday hanging around town with pal Ingrid Casares, a prominent Miami party promoter, who introduced the pair.

Madonna, 50, hit the stage of her last Sticky & Sweet American concert two and a half hours after the show was supposed to start. The Material One played from about 10 p.m. to midnight, including a guest appearance by Pharrell Williams during the closing set.

A-Rod, 33, who very publicly spent Tuesday with his family at a local restaurant, stayed throughout the entire performance.

by E!

Britney reunites with Madonna on stage

Fans turning up for the Britney Spears and Madonna reunion would have been expecting to see the 26-year-old in a typically raunchy outfit.

But instead the 50-year-old Material Girl was the one wearing the more revealing clothes as the pair performed a duet on stage.

The pop megastars looked like they should have swapped outfits as they sang together at the Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles during Madonna's Sticky and Sweet tour.

Megastars: Britney and Madonna perform a duet together on stage at the Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles last night

A demure looking Britney, dressed in a simple white blouse and black trousers was invited on stage by Madonna and joined in with one of her songs.

And Madonna was also joined by Justin Timberlake to join in with another of her hits.

Rumours that the former couple, who split in 2002, would perform together with Madonna proved unfounded though as they did not appear together on stage.

Madonna and Justin Timberlake show off some moves during the concert

It's a bit different from the last time Britney and Madonna appeared on stage together.

The pair caused a stir in 2003 when they shared a steamy lesbian kiss live on stage during the opening performance on the MTV Music Awards in New York's Radio City Music Hall.

It's not the first they have collaborated together, with Madonna appearing on Britney's track 'Me Against the Music' on her In The Zone album.

The Material Girl kisses Britney, on the hand this time, during their performance

The comeback Queen was pictured last week dressed up as a witch as she took her two sons Jayden James and Sean Preston trick or treating.

She posted the shots on her website, along with the cover art for her new album Circus, which is due out on her birthday on December 2.

And the 'Womanizer' singer is set to appear on the X Factor show in two weeks' time to meet the contestants and perform her new single.

Back on song: The pop stars put an arm around each other as they perform

Madonna has thrown herself into her 32-concert Sticky and Sweet tour of the Americas after the announcement of her divorce with Guy Ritchie.

She faces a bitter divorce battle with the film director, with Kabbalah leaders demanding a quick out of court settlement.

Flashback: Britney and Madonna share a lesbian kiss during the MTV Video Music Awards at New York's Radio City Music Hall in 2003

by Mail Online

Britney, Justin To Play With Madonna In L.A.?

Madonna will get a lift from Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake at her show tonight (Nov. 6) at Los Angeles' Dodgers Stadium, according to KIIS-FM personality Ryan Seacrest.

Spears and Timberlake have rarely been in the same place, much less seen together, since their messy break up in 2002. But both have collaborated with Madonna; Spears on the song "Me Against the Music" and a short film airing as part of Madonna's stage show, Timberlake on songs from Madonna's most recent album, "Hard Candy."

There was some concern that the concert would be postponed due to technical issues with the stage, but Madonna says the show will go on.

"Even though my stage roof was damaged and some lights and effects aren't working, I want to do the show anyway because I don't want to disappoint my fans," she said in a statement to the Associated Press.

The Americas portion of Madonna's current tour wraps Nov. 30 in Mexico City. It resumes Dec. 3 with the first of four shows in Buenos Aires.

by Billboard.

Gwyneth Paltrow: I'm helping Madonna over split

by AP

Gwyneth Patrol is helping her friend Madonna through breakup of her marriage.

The actress told reporters that she's supporting the pop star following Wednesday's announcement that she's separated from filmmaker-husband Guy Ritchie.

"She's a very good friend. I'm supporting her in all the ways that I can. I'm just there for her. I speak to her a lot," Paltrow said as she attended the premiere of her film "Two Lovers" at London's Film Festival.

Like Madonna, Paltrow who's married to Coldplay singer Chris Martin lives partly in London.

Madonna and Ritchie, who were married at a Scottish castle in December 2000, have two children: Rocco, 8, and David Banda, 3, who was adopted in Malawi in 2006. Madonna also has a 12-year-old daughter, Lourdes, from a previous relationship.

Madonna's publicist said Sunday that details of a divorce settlement are yet to be finalized, dismissing reports that the couple had agreed to a custody arrangement for the couple's children.

The couple own homes in London, Los Angeles and New York, and a 1,200-acre retreat in Wiltshire, England.

by Y!News

Madonna and Ritchie to announce divorce

Photo by AP

Madonna and filmmaker Guy Ritchie are to end their marriage after nearly eight years, British newspapers reported Wednesday.

Citing unnamed sources, The Sun and Daily Mail said the couple hoped to have a divorce finalized by Christmas. The Sun said that Madonna, 50, had wanted to wait until her latest world tour wraps up in Brazil in December before announcing the split.

The singer will perform concerts Wednesday and Thursday in Boston as her "Sticky and Sweet" tour continues.

Barbara Charone, Madonna's spokeswoman in London, declined comment on the reports. Ritchie's mother, Lady Amber Leighton, told reporters the family wouldn't be making any statement to the media.

This is the second time this year that the superstar couple's marriage has come under the media microscope. Over the summer, Madonna was linked — unfairly, she said — to the breakup of New York Yankee Alex Rodriguez and his ex-wife Cynthia.

In July, Madonna's U.S. publicist released a statement that said the singer and Ritchie had "no plans to divorce."

Madonna and Ritchie married in December 2000 at a Scottish castle. The couple have two children: Rocco, 8, and David Banda, 3, who was adopted from Malawi in 2006. Madonna also has a 12-year-old daughter, Lourdes, from her relationship with personal trainer Carlos Leon.

The couple are reportedly worth some $525 million, the bulk of that belonging to Madonna. Ritchie has an estimated $35 million fortune. They own homes in London, Los Angeles and New York, and a 1,200-acre retreat in Wiltshire, England.

Alan Kaufman, head of family law for London firm Finers Stephens Innocent, said he would be surprised if Madonna and Ritchie hadn't come to some arrangement before they were married.

Kaufman, who isn't involved in the case, also said he doesn't expect the case to end up in court because the couple would likely prefer to come to a private agreement both custodially and financially.

"They both had substantial assets and don't really need any money from each other," Kaufman said.

"This is not like the McCartney divorce," he said, referring to the acrimonious split between former Beatle Paul McCartney and Heather Mills earlier this year.

By Y! news

Madonna Kicks Off World Tour in Knee-High Boots

Photo by: Kevin Mazur / WireImage

Sitting on a diamante "M" throne in a fringed black leotard and over-the-knee leather boots, Madonna kicked off her Sticky and Sweet tour Saturday night at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium in Wales, opening with "Candy Shop."

The 40,000-strong audience was in for a night of treats, including onscreen appearances by Kanye West, Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake, who dueted on "4 Minutes."

The image of rapper West encircled the stage for "Beat Goes On" as fans screamed and Madonna cruised through on a white vintage convertible car.

Spears made her virtual guest spot during "Human Nature," writhing while trapped in an elevator as Madonna played the guitar. The popster departed with her trademark line "It's Britney B–!"

Madonna sưitched themes multiple times, going sporty for "Into the Groove" in diamante-encrusted shorts and a hoodie, and invoking the Far East for a segment that had her in a cage with computer-generated water gushing around it. "La Isla Bonita" turned the stage into a Mediterranean street party with Greek dancing and a flamenco solo performance.

While fans went wild, husband Guy Ritchie was lending support backstage, according to the singer's rep, who also said Madonna had spent the day rehearsing. "She's been putting the finishing touches to some of the dance routines today, in a good way, she's a perfectionist!"

The 50-year-old singer pulled out all the stops, even using a video interlude to send a political message with images of peace campaigners, Al Gore, Bono and Barack Obama mixed with scenes of war-torn continents and poverty.

Religious messages flashed on the screens behind her for a remixed house version of "Like a Prayer," which was met with mass cheers.

At one point the singer shouted to the crowd, "This is the bit where I take requests," and started singing "Express Yourself" – then changed her mind. "F– that s–. I choose the songs."

After two hours, Madonna left the stage as the screen flashed "Game Over."

The singer heads back to London before traveling to France to continue the tour around Europe before arriving in New Jersey on Oct. 4.

by People.

Guy Ritchie : "Our Marriage IS Fine"

Photo by: Richie Buxo / Splash News Online

All's well with the marriage of Guy Ritchie and Madonna, the film director tells PEOPLE – "as far as I'm aware of," he added with a smile.

A relaxed and cheerful Ritchie, 39, joined the cast of his upcoming directorial effort RocknRolla on Thursday afternoon at the San Diego International Comic-Con.

Joined by his film's costars Gerard Butler, Jeremy Piven and Chris "Ludacris" Bridges to show scenes and sign autographs, Ritchie also spoke about how being married to the pop icon – whom he referenced only as "my wife" – had allowed him to look at his hometown of London with fresh eyes.

"I was born there and I've seen it change and I know a great deal about it, I'm invested," the director said. "I live vicariously through my wife, so I was once a spy and now I've become a tourist, and it's much more fun to live in London as a tourist than it is as a spy."

He further observed, "Someone told me the definition was a spy always looks for the bad stuff, and a tourist always looks for the good stuff. So that makes it easy, being married to an American."

After spending time with Madonna, 49, in New York City – where the two faced intense speculation about the status of their marriage and she is rehearsing for her upcoming Sticky & Sweet tour – Ritchie headed to Los Angeles. There, he attended Kabbalah services and dined with Robert Downey Jr., who's set to star as Sherlock Holmes in a movie Ritchie will direct.

by People.

Brett Ratner: Miley's Madonna Vibe Was "Just Unbelievable"

Nancy Kaszerman/ZUMAPress.com, Kevin Mazur/WireImage.com

Working with Miley Cirus reminded Bret Ratner of a "Beautiful Stranger" he once knew.

“She turns it on,” the filmmaker, who last month directed the video for Cyrus' new single "7 Things," exclusively tells E! News. “A lot like Madonna.”

Ratner, who also helmed the pop icon's "Beautiful Stranger" video for Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me, says he sees many similarities between Miley and Madonna, besides the whole first-initial thing.

“Where a lot of other artists are nervous or they’re primping, you know, Madonna walks on and is casual; cameras are on her and then all of the sudden, wow!” Ratner says.

“Same thing with Miley. She’s hanging out, she’s telling the jokes, she’s laughing, she’s signing an autograph.

"Camera goes on her and she was just unbelievable.”

And it takes a lot to impress the X-Men: The Last Stand director, who in addition to ordering around Hugh Jackman and Halle Berry has collaborated multiple times with seasoned divas such as Mariah Carey and Jessica Simpson.

“She’s just a hard worker,” Ratner says of Cyrus. “She knows what her job is; she came and gave me 200 percent.”

Ratner also says that he was shocked that, of all the stars he has worked with in the past, he got the most personal requests from friends and friends-of-friends to scope out the “7 Things” shoot.

“Like I said, I’ve shot for Madonna, Mariah Carey—some of the biggest artist in the world—and I’ve never had more calls,” Ratner says.

"I had at least a thousand calls. 'Can I just come by the set and watch Miley?’ and I’m like, 'But you’re 40 years old!' "

"7 Things" was the first single off of Cyrus' upcoming album Breakout, the 15-year-old's first effort not involving her Disney Channel alter ego, Hannah Montana (who will surely be there in spirit).

The album is out July 22.

by E!

Britney Hits the Elevator for Madonna Concert Video

Here's the scoop, bitch.

Cameras started to roll today on the video that Britney Spears is making for Madonna's upcoming Sticky & Sweet tour, which, sources tell E! News, will be the opening video for each show.

The "Are you ready to rumble?!" video, if you will.

The shoot took place today at the Lot in West Hollywood, the former site of Warner Hollywood, United Artists and the Samuel Goldwyn Studios.

An on-set source said that Britney arrived at around 9 a.m. and was holed up in her dressing room by 9:30. The "Toxic" singer didn't start shooting her scenes until noon and was still on the set a few hours later.

According to our insiders, the planned "short movie" will take place inside an elevator, where seven cameras will be strategically placed to capture the magic. The scene-by-scene breakdown goes like this:

Britney, partially disguised by a gray hoodie, walks into the elevator. As she starts traveling upward, she seems particularly nervous and anxious. The popster starts pacing back and forth. Then she progresses to kicking and smacking the walls, all frantic-like. She screams into one of the cameras. Then she starts climbing the wall, pulls down her hood and, into another camera, says:

"It's Britney, bitch."

Well, at least she shouldn't have trouble remembering her lines.

Strains of Madonna's "Human Nature" were also heard playing during some scenes and Britney could be seen mouthing the words.

We're told that the 26-year-old mother of two acted "very professional" throughout and, a day after the shoot was postponed due to technical difficulties, everything seemed to be back on schedule.

But apparently even veteran performers need some time to shake the dust off if they've been away for awhile. Britney was also "really nervous and kept biting her nails—but she’s doing a good job," our source said, adding, "She's being incredibly sweet!"

Meanwhile, despite rumors that Madonna was going to wing her way west for a quick set visit, the Material Girl stayed put in New York today. According to a witness privy to her comings and goings, she went to her studio this morning and then returned to her Manhattan apartment.

Where, if Madonna weren't used to the current tabloid climate, she would have bolted the door, drawn the shades and pulled the covers over her head.

But she probably just ate lunch.

by E!Online

Lawyer: A-Rod and Madonna Had 'An Affair of the Heart'

Alex Rodriguez and Madonna Photo by: Ronald Asadorian / Splash News Online; Pascal Le Segretain / Getty

Alex Rodriguez's relationship with Madonna was "an affair of the heart" – not "sexual infidelity" – according to Cynthia Rodriguez's lawyer.

Still, the baseball star's relationship with the singer "was the last straw" before the Yankee slugger's wife filed for divorce Monday, her Houston attorney, Earle Lilly, tells PEOPLE.

Lilly says that A-Rod was smitten with Madonna, but makes no claim of any sexual liaison. "The correct analysis is a relationship," he says. "Some people categorize an affair as something as sexual infidelity. We're not claming that. It's an affair of the heart."

Over the weekend, Madonna issued a statement to PEOPLE denying a romantic relationship with the baseball star, saying, "I have nothing to do with the state of his marriage."

In fact, "Madonna's name is not even mentioned in the papers," says Lilly. "We don't want the public to think this is an aggressive action against Madonna."

Still, Lilly maintains that A-Rod has behaved badly for "a good while" and his client, Cynthia Rodriguez, has had enough. "She's just a Greek Orthodox lady who has had as much as she can take," he says.

Shortly before 9 a.m. Monday, Cynthia's Miami attorney Maurice Kutner filed the divorce petition.

"This is an action for dissolution of marriage, which is being filed only after [Cynthia Rodriguez] has exhausted every effort to salvage the marriage of the parties," the document reads. "However, Alex has emotionally abandoned his wife and children and has left her with no choice but to divorce him."

Without naming any names, the document states, "The marriage of the parties is irretrievably broken because of the husband's extramarital affairs and other marital misconduct."

The couple were married Nov. 2, 2002 in Dallas. They have two daughters, Natasha, 3, and Ella, 2 months.

Both Lilly and Kutner maintain that their client hopes to settle the divorce as amicably as possible.

"Cynthia has made it very clear to me that she wants to take the high road and protect her children and herself," Kutner said shortly after filing the papers. "She wants to resolve the issues between Alex and herself in an amicable fashion."

A lawyer reportedly representing Alex Rodriguez did not immediately return calls for comment.

Madonna & Guy Pray Together in New York

Photo by: Caros Vila / David Krieger / Bauer Griffin; INF

Amid swirling rumors of infidelity and divorce, Madonna and Guy Ritchie took their children to Kabbalah services in New York City on Saturday, July 5. Also in attendance? Guy Oseary, who manages the careers of Madonna and Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez, to whom she has been linked.

Madonna arrived at the Kabbalah Centre in Midtown Manhattan with wet hair and sporting large studded sunglasses to shield her face. During the service, the singer sat apart from her husband and on the women's side of the aisle—which is the custom in Kabbalah worship.

The couple's sons David, 2, and Rocco, 7 – wearing matching white T-shirts and baseball caps – sat with their mother, as did Lourdes, 11, who occasionally propped her youngest brother up on her lap.

After the service ended, Ritchie – also decked in a white baseball cap, white T-shirt and white pants – reconnected with his family. They all left together, with Ritchie holding David in his arms.