Full Breakdown
Madonna Returns to KOKO for World-Exclusive Interview on New Album *Confessions II*
6/27/2026, 2:59:03 AM
The Interview Event: Details and Highlights
On 26 June 2026, BBC One aired a 50-minute interview with Madonna, filmed at KOKO (formerly Camden Palace) in London. The 10.40 pm broadcast promoted her upcoming album *Confessions II* (release 3 July 2026) and featured performance clips, record discussion, and a cameo by Kylie Minogue as a barmaid.
Background & Context: Madonna’s UK Roots and Earlier Album
Madonna first performed in the UK at Camden Palace in 1983 and returned in 2005 to launch *Confessions on a Dancefloor*, her Grammy-winning disco-house album.
Key Participants
Participants included Madonna, host Graham Norton, producer Stuart Price, daughter (Lourdes or Lola) Ciccone, late brother Christopher Ciccone, guest Kylie Minogue, Glastonbury organiser Emily Eavis, and the BBC.
Album Themes & Personal Elements
Madonna called *Confessions II* a “whole story” blending dance tracks with personal reflections. It includes a duet with her daughter—named Lola in one source, Lourdes in another—and a tribute “Fragile” mourning brother Christopher. The record also nods to her 1980s New York dance-floor roots, emphasizing community.
Data & Statistics
The interview lasted 50 minutes; *Confessions II* releases 3 July 2026 on digital, CD and vinyl. Madonna’s first UK gig was in 1983, and her 2005 *Confessions on a Dancefloor* remains one of her best albums.
Official Statements & Responses
Madonna told Norton that dancing “is in my DNA” and that the new record “creates community – and sometimes relationships,” adding it “is not just dance music about nothing.” Emily Eavis reiterated her wish for Madonna to headline Glastonbury; organisers cited budget limits for a stage.
Criticism of the Interview Format
The *Guardian* review called the program “stilted” and “over-produced,” saying guest segments and pre-recorded clips reduced intimacy.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on Madonna’s Glastonbury 2027 headlining: some cite her hinting at a slot, others note talks collapsed over cost. The daughter on *Confessions II* is named Lola in one report and Lourdes in another. The interview hints at a Kylie Minogue album feature, yet Minogue’s camp previously denied any collaboration.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I was a dancer. Dancing is in my DNA. It just creates community - and sometimes relationships.” — Madonna, interview with Graham Norton
- “I think I irritate a lot of people.” — Madonna, interview with Graham Norton
- “I was deeply affected by the death of my brother Christopher, that was another song that just came…” — Madonna, interview with Graham Norton
- “I’m always nervous meeting Madonna,” — Graham Norton, interview
- “We were in a little bar at the top and I think I can say this now because it’s leaked to the papers today. Me and Madonna were there and the bartender turned around. Kylie. Kylie Minogue. I was in a room with Madonna and Kylie Minogue!” — Graham Norton, Radio Times
Upcoming Release & Availability
*Confessions II* releases worldwide 3 July 2026 on streaming, CD and vinyl. The interview is available on BBC iPlayer and will air on BBC Radio 2 on 4 July.
