SHE’S had the nickname Material Girl ever since she released the hit single way back in 1985.
But in her first ever podcast interview, Madonna has done a 180, telling the world that money, luxury goods and fame mean nothing.
Madonna has had her first ever podcast interview[/caption]
The Material Girl told the world that money, luxury goods and fame mean nothing[/caption]
The Queen of Pop, worth £700million, says she found out the hard way after achieving everything that is thought to bring happiness.
In reality, the singer was unhappy and searching for something deeper, crediting her spirituality for stopping her from going off the rails like many other chart stars.
Madonna has been an active follower of Kabbalah, a form of Jewish mysticism, since 1996.
Speaking on the Jay Shetty podcast, Madonna said: “Before I discovered Kabbalah I was looking for answers. I had everything that people would assume would give you happiness — I had a successful career, I had fame, fortune, monetary things, physical things. But I wasn’t happy.”
She added: “We get caught up in the belief system that our value in the world is based on people loving us, or other people’s approval, or how much money you have, or how many fabulous outfits you have, or how many followers you have on Instagram.
“Those things do not make us happy. Those things do not bring us peace. We live in a chaotic world with lots of noise and distraction. There is no peace. There is no quiet. We are not comfortable with quiet.
“I don’t want to go through life as a victim. I have had a pretty challenging life and it is easy to fall into the trap of feeling sorry for yourself.
‘Sense of purpose’
“Comparison is a killer of joy. To get out of that game you just have to have a spiritual life.”
Madonna has been keeping a low profile ever since wrapping up her sell-out Celebration Tour in May last year.
But she says her 15th album is almost finished and due out in 2026.
It is billed as a follow-up to 2005’s Confessions On A Dancefloor, which included mega-hits Hung Up and Sorry.
Madonna said: “I’m at a point where I feel the need to thank my fans. They put me where I am. That’s what my new music is about, where love and light are the key. It’s like saying, ‘I love you and you love me,’ in my divine code.”
Teasing the project further, Madonna went on to reveal two new track names, Fragile and Forgive Yourself.
Fragile is an emotional song dedicated to her brother Christopher Ciccone, who died from cancer aged 63, last October.
Keen to stress that material goods are not the way forward, Madonna told Jay: “My sense of purpose can’t just be, ‘I want to be rich and famous’ or ‘I want to sell a lot of records’ because none of that lasts.
“People ask me a lot, ‘Why have you not fallen by the wayside like others?’
“I would say that is my spiritual life. I absolutely would not be where I am or who I am if I did not have that.
“I want to share something that has saved my life.”
Stone album ready to Roll
The Rolling Stones’ next album is done[/caption]
LEGENDARY rocker Ronnie Wood has confirmed The Rolling Stones’ next album is done.
Speaking at the band’s RS No9 shop in Carnaby Street, Ronnie said: “Yes you will be getting a new album next year. It is done.”
The upcoming release will be their first since 2023’s incredible Hackney Diamonds, which featured collaborations with Lady Gaga and Sir Elton John.
The band – also featuring Mick Jagger and Keith Richards – are also hoping to get back on the road after being forced to axe plans for a summer tour this year, due to problems with venue availability.
Remaining coy as he signed copies of his new album Fearless, Ronnie, said: “Yes we are hoping to do some dates. Hopefully we will be back out there but I am still waiting to find out myself.”
The Stones are one of my favourite bands so I can’t wait to hear this record.
Meghan shows her metal
MEGHAN TRAINOR transformed into a real-life showgirl to take to the stage in Las Vegas.
The All About That Bass singer pulled on a glittering silver and gold tasselled one-piece for her performance at the Global Champions Arabians Tour.
She accessorised with glamorous white gloves and a long blonde wig, and even ditched her standard black mic for a rhinestone number.
Meghan’s clearly been taking notes from Taylor Swift’s upcoming album The Life Of A Showgirl.
Rob and Gary hit the road
Rob Brydon is joined by Gary Barlow on new show Honky Tonk Road Trip[/caption]
ROB BRYDON’s new TV show, Honky Tonk Road Trip, gets a very special guest for its first episode.
I can reveal the Gavin & Stacey legend was joined by the lovely Gary Barlow – who was visiting the country music capital of Nashville when Rob was in town.
The BBC Two series, which starts on Sunday, sees Rob travelling across the American South to learn about their musical history.
And it wasn’t just the Take That star he hung out with as country singer Twinnie was also on hand to help Rod on his journey.
I’ve caught the first episode already and, trust me, Rob line dancing in a bar is exactly what every Sunday night needs.
Ill Dolly puts tour on hold
Dolly Parton has been forced to move her upcoming Las Vegas shows to next September, over health trouble[/caption]
DOLLY PARTON may have scored a hit with fans’ fave 9 To 5, but it seems even she needs some quality time out now and again.
The Jolene singer has been forced to move her upcoming Las Vegas shows to next September, over health trouble.
With typical wit, the country veteran revealed she faces a number of ops – none of which are cosmetic.
She posted on Instagram: “I have been dealing with some health challenges, and my doctors tell me I must have a few procedures. As I joked with them, it must be time for my 100,000-mile check-up – although it’s not the usual trip to my plastic surgeon.”
She added: “In all seriousness, I am not going to be able to rehearse the show you deserve to see.”
But she added: “Don’t worry about me quittin’ the business because God hasn’t said anything about stopping yet.”
Wight out
TEDDY Swims, Tom Grennan and Rick Astley have all been added to the Isle of Wight 2026 line-up.
The trio will join headliners Lewis Capaldi, Calvin Harris and The Cure.
Next year’s festival will take place from June 18 to 21.
I fear my camping days are over, but I may have to make an exception for that line-up.
You bottled it again, Kylie?
Kylie Minogue is expanding her wine range[/caption]
KYLIE MINOGUE may be taking a well-earned break after wrapping up her Tension World Tour but she has not totally checked out of work mode.
The Padam Padam singer is once again expanding her ever-popular wine range – this time adding The Petit Rosé edition to the collection.
The booze is a lighter option to her main run of rose at 7% ABV, but with more kick than her alcohol-free range.
To date, Kylie has sold over 22million bottles of her plonk with the singer previously gushing to Bizarre about her love of Tesco.
The supermarket became the first mainstream retailer to stock her booze following its launch back in 2020.
We will say cheers to that.
CAUGHT LIVE: Grand Ole Opry Royal Albert Hall, London
★★★★☆
Mumford & Sons perform during Grand Ole Opry: Live in London, at the Royal Albert Hall[/caption]
IT was the US radio show that made country music famous after it first broadcast in 1925 – and has now celebrated its centenary with a show at London’s Royal Albert Hall.
Grand Ole Opry, straight out of Nashville, Tennessee, was making its international debut, no less.
Featuring Opry members Carly Pearce, Ashley McBryde, Marty Stuart, Darius Rucker and Luke Combs, it was presented by the show’s first female announcer, Kelly Sutton, and the UK’s Vernon Kay.
Mumford & Sons, and Scots folk band Breabach, each guested.
For a country fan such as myself, this brilliant, once-in-a-lifetime event at the weekend was a dream come true, an honour to behold.
Those who missed it can tune in to BBC Two this coming Saturday, at 8.40pm or catch it on iPlayer.
Enjoy, y’all!
