Every album "feels like first time" for Madonna

By Michelle Nichols

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Madonna's career may span more than 25 years, but during an exclusive performance on Wednesday to celebrate the release of her 11th studio album the U.S. superstar told fans it still feels "like the first time."

The athletic 49-year-old performed six songs for around 2,000 people at New York City's Roseland Ballroom, including four from "Hard Candy," her final album for long-term label Warner Bros. released internationally this week.

"Even though I have made what seems like 100 records, every time I put one out it's like the first time and the best time," said Madonna, dressed in knee-high black boots, black satin sweatpants with glittery side stripes and a corset.

"Hard Candy" scored solidly among critics, although much of the credit, or blame, they said, should go to the established hit-makers with whom she collaborated -- the likes of Justin Timberlake, Timbaland, Kanye West and Pharrell Williams.

Timberlake joined her on stage at the Roseland to perform the single "Four Minutes," which went to No. 1 in the British singles charts and peaked at No. 3 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 listing.

"I feel like the luckiest girl in the world to have been able to make a record with him, Timbaland, Pharrell, Kanye," she told the crowd.

The mother-of-three, who wowed the crowd with her dance moves, also performed "Candy Shop," "Give It 2 Me" and "Miles Away" from her latest album, along with "Music" and an acoustic version of "Hung Up."

Madonna, one of the world's biggest-selling artists, ditched Warner Bros. last year and signed a 10-year deal, including a three-album commitment, with concert touring company Live Nation believed to be worth $120 million.

Reuters/Nielsen