Last night Madonna played an intimate set and followed it up by chatting with our very own John Norris. MTV’s Deanna Caligiuri reports on what went into setting up an interview worthy of the inimitable Ms. Ciccone.

Often when you work here, you will find yourself saying one of two things:

1) This is why I love my job.
2) What is this crazy circus that I have elected to be a part of to pay the bills?

Last night, I was saying both. We entered the Roseland Ballroom through the backdoors at around 9:30 p.m. to get set up for the Madonna promo concert — and our exclusive interview with Madonna and Justin Timberlake together.

Lines of fans — some there since Monday — huddled in anticipation around the block. As we beelined for our interview space, the typical frenzy that occurs backstage was in full effect: eccentric dancers stretching and running around half-naked, wardrobe people steaming clothes, makeup artists adding their final layers to talent, groups of socialites and socialite-wannabes gathering in the hallways. The room where we were to hold our interview was a makeshift office for Madonna’s production manager. There were holes in the windows, overflowing garbage cans, an inch of dust on the fake plants and horribly mismatched tapestry on the walls.

Was MTV News able to pull the room together before Madonna’s grand entrance? (Plus, pictures from the concert!) Read more…

MTV News’ Sarah Muller Writes:

Madonna’s new video, “4 Minutes,” began making the rounds this week, and users commenting like crazy on the sci-fi/ hip-hop-inspired piece, which features Justin Timberlake and Timbaland.

As with most of her videos, Madge delivers what fans expect: tight corsets, booty dancing and a song that’s hard to get out of your head.

And as with most of her videos, this one is stirring up strong reactions. As of 4pm Friday, about 650 people sounded off on the iTunes reviews space.

The video opens with Timbaland standing in front of a massive digital-countdown clock, setting the tempo with pulsating beats. The heavy thumping gives viewers into a sense of urgency, as if the whole set will blow up.

Read more…

When it came time to choose cover art for her upcoming album Hard Candy (due April 29), Madonna went for a literal interpretation. The newly revealed photo shows the Hall-of-Famer looking tough in over-the-knee boots and a wrestling belt, with a background of pink peppermint swirls.

Like sugar, Madonna is addictive, so we’ve got more three more pics to satisfy your sweet tooth after the jump, including the Justin Timberlake-adorned cover art for the album’s first single, “4 Minutes to Save the World.”

In related news, Warner Bros. confirmed that “4 Minutes” will be used in the upcoming film remake of “Get Smart.” What is it with Madonna and spy spoofs? Read more…