Ananova:

Madonna has reportedly changed her name to Esther.

The singer was inspired to take on a new name by her study of Jewish mysticism known as Kabbalah.

Madonna is rarely seen out without Kabbalah's trademark red string bracelet.

Her husband, Guy Ritchie, is also a follower of Kabbalah.

Madonna and Guy have a son together, four-year-old Rocco, and Madonna has a seven-year-old daughter, Lourdes, from her previous relationship with her former personal trainer, Carlos Leon.

She said the best thing about growing older was "getting smarter".

The key to a successful marriage is "learning to apologise", she said.

She also told of her and Ritchie's ritual after she has had a tough stage performance - she takes a bath and he comes and chats about his day. Performances of Madonna's Re-Invention tour in New York were said to be selling slowly.