Madonna wins custody battle early

Pop superstar Madonna is to get permanent custody of her adopted African son, David Banda five months earlier than she originally hoped.

Britain's The Sun newspaper reports that the 'Material Girl' singer will appear before the Malawian high court in November for a review of her temporary adoption order.

The hearing, which was originally not due to take place until April will grant Madonna full custody of the two-year-old tot. Banda has been living with her, her film director husband Guy Ritchie and their two children at their London for a year.

Human rights campaigners said Madonna, who is pouring millions into Malawi’s orphanages, was getting special treatment.

Lawyer Justin Dzonzi said the temporary order had stipulated that at least 18 months should elapse to assess Madonna’s suitability as a parent. He added: “If this is true it would appear the rules have been bent.”

Officials were also supposed to visit David twice to check up, but have done so only once.

Madonna is desperate to keep details of her trip to Malawi under wraps, but is believed to have sent some aides out already.

Meanwhile, Madge has signed a new recording contract - worth $120 million with promoter Live Nation - in a deal that gives Live Nation the rights to all of Madonna’s music products - including new albums, merchandise, websites, DVDs, sponsorship, TV shows and films.

The deal - which is said to be worth around $120 million over years, will see an end to her 25-year relationship with her current label Warner Music, where she has been her entire career & has sold more than 200 million records and CDs.