Madonna Defends Britney Spears, Opens School in Africa

Madonna has come to the defense of Britney Spears, saying the singer's erratic behavior is a result of "being under a microscope since [she was] a teenager."

Madonna told BBC Radio that the pop star and mother of two has been judged unfairly:  "She didn't get to grow up and make mistakes privately and try things out and just be a kid and be innocent."

No stranger to early fame herself, Madge has made recent headlines by speaking out for teen pop stars. Last month, she defended Miley Cyrus, who endured some controversy when suggestive photos of her surfaced on the Internet. "She's going to probably show her knees next — watch out!" Madonna joked.

But protecting her younger counterparts isn't the only cause Madonna has taken up lately. She's also pushing her new album, Hard Candy, which debuted at #1 on Billboard but slipped to the #3 slot this week, thanks to the resurgence of "Sweet Caroline" crooner Neil Diamond.

In related news, Madonna is spearheading a movement to set up a girls' school in the African country of Malawe (the home country of her adopted son, David Banda), according to multiple reports today.

As for her own kids, the Material Girl isn't too worried that they'll carry the burden of fame, à la Britney. "They come to the rehearsals [for her tour], but they're sort of over it. They like to skateboard around."

Looks like they'll have plenty of time to perfect their skating skills — Madonna is also gearing up for a huge world tour!

- Soikatron