Madonna preps 'fantastic' new album

While the jury's still out on her directorial career, pop matriarch Madonna's finally returned to her day job and is busy grafting in the studio.

Madge, 53, confirmed back in September that she'll be shacked up in her New York studio until the end of the year working on her as-yet-untitled 12th studio album with producer William Orbit.

Sources say the album's first single is expected to be released in February or March, followed by the album around April.

'Fantastic tracks and vibes...'

But what of the new record's progress? Prick up your ears, Madge fans ..."oohs" and "ahhs" in all the right places ... check out this juicy update, courtesy of the singer's longtime pal and Ray Of Light collaborator, Orbit.

"Madonna has phenomenal understanding of both the minutiae of music and the big picture. Zooming in, zooming out. 4ever amazing. Plus VISION!!!" he tweeted over the weekend.

"Working with Madonna is a treat. Fantastic tracks and vibes. Going deep. She's ON IT !!! This is THE album!"

He added: "WOWOWOWOW just looked out the window here in NY and IT's SNOWING !!!!!. A Fairy Tale in New York but Hot Hot Hot in the studioooooo."

Meanwhile, it's been reported that Madge has recruited some serious female star power for her first single.

According to fan website Madonnarama, Madge has teamed up with rappers Nicki Minaj and MIA on the new track - Give Me All Your Love, co-produced by French DJ Martin Solveig (think Hello).

The website also claims that the singer, as was widely rumoured, will perform the new track along with Minaj and MIA during the halftime show at the Super Bowl on February 5.

Word is that Madge will perform five tracks during the sports event at the Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, including her new single.

Expect "cheerleading tumbles, dances, and jumps" to accompany her performance, according to gossip website Just Jared.

Total tosh? Not so fast ... it's a sentiment seemingly reinforced by Orbit in a recent tweet: "I hesitate to make a comment about anything musical, y'all might think is a cryptic tease. But will say: \o/\o/\o/\o/\o/\o/\o/."

And according to British tabloid The Sun (so it must be true) Madge is also planning a mega comeback gig in London's Hyde Park next summer.

Imparted a snitch: "Madonna is planning a huge comeback and was determined to do it at Hyde Park while the Olympics are on.

"She's been out of the limelight musically for a while but is ready to jump back into the saddle and thinks there's no better time to do it than when London hosts the Olympics."

Rock on. Just not another Hard Candy, please, your Madgesty.

Watch Madonna's Give It 2 Me video from her 2008 album, Hard Candy:

- Blogger Bites Back