Graham Norton shed light on his exclusive interview with Madonna ahead of their special show, revealing what the music icon is really like both on and off camera
Madonna & Graham will see the singer open up about her life and career
Graham Norton has opened up about what it was really like spending time with Madonna for a world-exclusive special. The chat show host met with the music icon in London’s Camden, the location of the 67-year-old’s first-ever UK gig back in 1983.
During the interview, the Frozen hitmaker reflected on her early days in New York, her relationship with the UK and her recent performance at Coachella, among many other career highlights.
The programme also features special guests, including Madonna’s long-time collaborator Stuart Price. Together, they give Graham an exclusive insight into Madonna’s new album, discussing the stories, inspirations and creative process behind the record.
Having interviewed the singer on several occasions over the years, the 63-year-old has got to know her professionally. Speaking on BBC Radio 2’s Breakfast Show with Gary Davies, Graham recalled a particularly memorable live Q&A he hosted with Madonna in London.
“These fans had flown in from all over the world for this Q&A and it was for the Madame X album. I think it came out that day and so many people in the audience wanted her to sign their tattoos,” he recalled.
According to Graham, Madonna responded by telling fans she would only sign tattoos dedicated to her 2019 album. Much to his surprise, he said at least 20 audience members had already had such tattoos inked.
Asked by Gary whether it was “scary” interviewing the music legend, Graham admitted that it was.
“Yes I mean, she’s one of those people, she does not suffer fools and so she’s quite intimidating,” he revealed, adding that if she doesn’t like the line of questioning, or the person interviewing her, she will simply end the conversation.
“You know, she won’t play the game I don’t think. I don’t know, I’ve never got to that point,” Graham added.
After Gary pointed out that Madonna clearly liked Graham, having returned for several interviews over the years, the presenter reflected on the time she also invited him on stage during her tour.
“Everything in me was saying no but I couldn’t, my 21-year-old self would’ve punched me in the face if I hadn’t said yes,” he laughed.
Graham said the moment consisted of “epic dad dancing”, which he described as “mortifying”, adding: “I can’t watch it back but I did enjoy it at the time.”
Quizzed about the lead-up to the latest interview, the chat show host revealed Madonna arrived with a “small core team” of people she has worked with for many years.
“She has these people who have just been with her the whole time,” he shared, mentioning a PR who has been with her since 1983.
“And then once she’s in the building, then it’s like, ‘We better get this done’ because once the main event is here.
“And also it was a complicated shoot in that we were doing it in different areas, we did some on the dance floor, we did some [in a] little recording studio in Koko, so we talked to Stuart Price who is the legendary producer who did the first Confessions [on a Dance Floor] album and then we’re in a little bar at the top.”
Madonna and Graham airs tonight at 10.40pm on BBC One.
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