How can Madonna's daughter NOT get into acting? The minute she was born her tiny little foot was placed inside a director's chamber. I mean, this just makes total sense to me!

After moving back to NY, Lourdes' first order of business was to enroll in the acting school made famous by Macaulay Culkin, Scarlett Johansson and Sarah Jessica Parker.

‘Lourdes is desperate to become an actress and has joined Manhattan’s Professional Children’s School. She is determined to prove herself and plans to throw herself into studying the technique.’

Can't wait to see what she will bring to the industry table. Some would argue Madonna is one of our generation's greatest performers...

Photos by WENN 

Cha-ching! Madonna made more money in 2008 than any other touring musician according to a recent poll. Her North American shows brought in $105.3 million pushing Celine Dion to the number two spot with $94 million. 

Who came in third? The Eagles!!! The group made more than $73 million for their series of dates. The top five highest-grossing tours of the U.S. in 2008 was rounded out by country singer Kenny Chesney with $72 million and Bon Jovi with $70 million.

Can you imagine that is money earned for one year? I mean, how much money do the Eagles have at this point? They've been touring since I was a child!

Photos by INF

Madonna was spotted leaving Bar Secreto in San Paulo, Brazil on Monday night. Madonna was there celebrating the end of her current tour, 'Sticky and Sweet'. The singer was sporting an all-black number accessorized with a gold beaded head-piece.

That is quite an interesting accessory!

What do you think of Madonna's head gear?

Photos by WENN

Although Madonna is experiencing one major life change as she and Guy Ritchie divorce, she reportedly isn't allowing that to stop her from another life change: adopting another child.  Madonna has supposedly already signed the papers to adopt a 4-year-old girl, also from Malawi, the same country where her adopted son, David, was born.

She's hoping to bring the toddler home by early next year." 

The girl is named Mercy James.  She currently lives with her grandparents, who are reportedly too poor to care for her.

It breaks our hearts to know she will leave us, but adoption is best for her," Mercy's grandfather, Saxon Maunde, said."

The divorce may have actually made it easier for Madonna to adopt; Guy was said to be against adopting more children after the flack they took for adopting David.

If this is true (it's from Star, after all), then hopefully everything will go well, although the idea of a family having to give up a child as old as 4 is heartbreaking.

Photos by WENN and Bauer Griffin

This is a first.  On Monday, Madonna's publicist, Liz Rosenberg, announced that Madonna and Guy Ritchie reached a $75 million settlement in their divorce.  Today, Madonna and Guy have issued a joint statement.

'A misleading and inaccurate statement, specifically in relation to the sums of money involved, was wrongly issued to AP this week,' it [said].

These types of denials are nothing new, but a denial to a statement put out by Madonna's personal publicist? My understanding, at least, was that a publicist doesn't speak without their client's consent?  Especially not about something as private as a divorce settlement.

'We have tried to maintain a dignified silence regarding the details of our divorce for the last few months whilst accepting the obvious media interest,' said a joint statement from the pair.

That is commendable, especially with children involved.  So why was Monday's statement even released?  No answers to that question.

'The financial details of the settlement will remain private, save to say that both of us are happy with our agreement. Our primary concern, like any co-parents, is the care and well being of our children.' "

Hmmm.  Custody is reportedly still being negotiated.  

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After being granted a divorce in November, Madonna and Guy Ritchie have reached a financial settlement, according to Madonna's rep, Liz Rosenberg, for approximately $75 million dollars (50 - 60 million pounds).

'I'd assume it's one of the largest payouts ever in a divorce settlement,' Rosenberg said. "

Now I really admire Madonna's willingness to spend Christmas in England!

Madonna and Guy are still negotiating custody of their two sons, Rocco and David. 

This is a lot of Madonna news today, isn't it?  That's how it goes with superstars of Madonna's caliber: when it rains, it pours!

Photos by Bauer Griffin

Although Madonna and soon-to-be ex Guy Ritchie are still wrangling over custody issues regarding their children (the divorce itself was agreed to last month), they have agreed to halt the feud for the holidays.  They will spend the holidays together in England with their children at their $15 million Ashcombe House in Wiltshire, England.

An insider tells British newspaper The Mail On Sunday, 'Madonna and Guy want the best for the kids and so she has decided to come over to the U.K. so they can be with their father. Madonna arrives in England on December 23 and is planning to stay for Christmas.

'Madonna doesn't really like Ashcombe but she thinks it's important that they put on a united front for the kids.' "

They have three children: Madonna's daughter, Lourdes (12), from a previous relationship, and their two sons: Rocco (8) and David (3).  Since the split was announced, the children have travelled with Madonna while she performs on her Sweet & Sticky world tour.

The source adds, 'Guy hasn't seen the kids for weeks and he is desperate to be with them over the holidays. They have been traveling a lot and he just wants them home.' "

Good for them!  A divorce is such an emotional time, it's good that Madonna and Guy can put their personal feelings aside for their children's sake for the holidays.

UPDATE: Madonna's rep is now saying it is unlikely Madonna and Guy will actually spend the holiday together, although Madonna will be in London.  At least the kids get to see both parents on Christmas.

Photos by Bauer Griffin and WENN

Well, I suppose there you have it! If only it was that cut and dry. This wouldn't be the first time a public figure lied to their fan base to protect their personal lives. But let's give Alex Rodriguez the benefit of the doubt. After all, that's what INO is all about right?

A Rod has finally addressed the rumor that he is romantically linked to Madonna. The baseball slugger says it's absolutely untrue. 

"We're friends. We're friends – that's it."

"I've been to two [of her] concerts, yet I've read that I went to 20. I've also read that we were buying an apartment together. That is absolutely ridiculous and not true." "You have to have a sense of humor when it comes to this stuff.

"If I answered every rumor we'd be here for three weeks."

What do you think? Where there's smoke there's fire? Or is this friendship completely blown out of proportion?

Madonna and Alex Rodriguez really aren't wasting any time at all, are they? This relationship seems to be getting serious enough to the point where she's trying to get in good with his little girls Ella and Natasha.

"Madge is so comfortable in the parental role. She also knows how happy it makes Alex when she shows her nurturing side. She picked up a little red Burberry wool coat and a little black Burberry dress for Natasha. She knew Alex will recognise the brand, even if Natasha just thinks it's pretty.

"And for Ella, she ordered a round crib from Bonne Nuit and one of their tables. Alex appreciates it when someone makes an effort and goes out of their way."

Alex has been following Madonna on her tour, accompanying her to various cities and sitting in the wings off stage while she performs to hand her water bottles in between sets. Aww, what a good boyfriend!

When rumors first came out about these two, I really didn't believe it. Now I'm just wondering when they'll make their first red carpet appearance together!

When news first broke that Madonna was going to be the new face for Louis Vuitton next season, many INO readers couldn't understand the selection. Some even went so far to say that the choice of Madonna had a negative brand impact for them.

Is your opinion changing now that you see the actual ads? Does this set of pictures make you want to look into Louis Vuitton's new 2009 line? Or were the initial assumptions on point?

I suppose the look is better than this one. 

Click on the thumbnails to enlarge each picture. 

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