Graham Norton has revealed what it was truly like spending time with Madonna for a world-exclusive special, describing the experience as 'scary and intimidating.' The chat show presenter met with the music legend in London's Camden, the venue of the 67-year-old's debut UK performance back in 1983.
Madonna's True Colors Revealed
Throughout the interview, the Frozen hitmaker looked back on her formative years in New York, her connection with the UK and her latest appearance at Coachella, among numerous other professional milestones. The programme also showcases special guests, including Madonna's longtime collaborator Stuart Price. Together, they offer Graham an exclusive glimpse into Madonna's new album, exploring the narratives, influences and artistic journey behind the record.
Having interviewed the performer on multiple occasions throughout the years, the 63-year-old has developed a professional rapport with her. Sharing what it had been like interviewing the legend, he admitted it was 'scary' and 'intimidating', but of course enjoyable.
Graham Norton on Madonna's No-Nonsense Attitude
Speaking on BBC Radio 2's Breakfast Show with Gary Davies, Graham recounted a particularly unforgettable live Q&A he facilitated 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 astonishment, 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 acknowledged 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 disapproves of the questioning, or the individual conducting the interview, the chat will simply be over. '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.
Madonna's Appreciation for Graham
After Gary highlighted that Madonna clearly appreciated Graham, having returned for multiple interviews across the years, the presenter reminisced about the occasion she also brought 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 described the moment as featuring 'epic dad dancing', which he characterised as 'mortifying', adding: 'I can't watch it back but I did enjoy it at the time.'
Behind the Scenes of the Exclusive Special
Asked about the preparation for the most recent interview, the chat show host disclosed Madonna turned up with a 'small core team' of individuals she has worked with for numerous years. 'She has these people who have just been with her the whole time,' he shared, referencing 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.'
He added: '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.
