Watch Cynthia McFadden's exclusive interview with Madonna on 20/20 Friday night at 10 p.m.
In her latest incarnation, the wife, mother, children's book author and still-touring pop star says the ruling philosophy in her home is "pick up your s--t."
Madonna may have made a career on rebellion, irreverence and sexually charged performance, but when it comes to her children, manners are important. "Even my children have to clean up their mess, clean up their rooms. Manners, thank you, please, take your dishes to the sink. I mean … gratitude, being grateful, that is, that has to happen … If it's traditional to be a decent human being, then I'm traditional," she told ABC News' Cynthia McFadden. Madonna married film director Guy Ritchie in 2000. They have a son together, 4-year-old Rocco, and Madonna has a 7-year-old daughter, Lourdes, whose father is Madonna's former personal trainer, Carlos Leon.
Madonna says her favorite aspect of getting older is "getting smarter" and gives a rare glimpse of her private life with Ritchie. She tells McFadden she believes the key step to a successful marriage is "learning to apologize." She also shares one of the couple's daily rituals, saying that after her grueling performances, she goes in the tub and her husband talks to her about the day.
Call Me Esther
Madonna also speaks candidly with McFadden about her study of Jewish mysticism known as Kabbala, which she believes is "incredibly punk rock" and anti-establishment.
"Kabbalists believe in immortality. They believe that you can overcome death, overcome illness, whatever, so, it's … incredibly good to be a rebel," she said. Madonna also reveals that she has also taken on the Hebrew name of Esther, explaining that, "I was named after my mother. My mother died when she was very young, of cancer, and I wanted to attach myself to another name." "This is in no way a negation of who my mother is. I wanted to attach myself to the energy of a different name."
To Naughty Children Everywhere
Madonna also discusses her third and latest foray into children's literature, Yakov and the Seven Thieves, which hits bookstores June 21. Madonna has dedicated the book to "naughty children everywhere," saying that, "Even the naughtiest person in the world, big or small, has the capability to do something good in the world."
Describing herself as "naughty child, number one," she espouses the power of prayer. "I pray every day and I believe that it is a very powerful way to communicate, to heal, to affect change."
20/20 will also air exclusive footage from Madonna's Reinvention tour, which comes to New York City's Madison Square Garden today.  |
