For years, she expertly used controversy as a sales tactic, as she challenged sexual and social mores with her outlandish antics, defiant attitude, outspoken nature -- and, of course, her music.

Her last effort, 2003's ''American Life,'' trumpeted the star's opposition to the Iraq war, complete with a violent video that included a spoof of President Bush. It drew the usual cries of outrage from her detractors, but for the first time in her two-decade career, sales were lackluster.

But while some may see the album as her attempt to re-establish herself as a pop queen, Madonna -- who at 47 has become an icon, selling more than 60 million albums in the United States alone -- says the quest for more fame is a low priority. What's paramount to Madonna now, besides her family and spirituality, is creating music that reflects her evolution not only as an artist, but as a person.

While becoming Miss Congeniality may not have been Madonna's goal when she entered the business, her quest for success was undeniable -- and well-documented. Her 1991 documentary ''Truth Or Dare'' was a testament to her blond ambition, which she pursued with reckless abandon.

But on her new CD, the former Material Girl expresses disillusionment with celebrity. On the song ''How High,'' she wonders how much fame is enough -- and what it's all worth in the end. And her new documentary, ''I'm Going To Tell You a Secret,'' which premiered on MTV last month, shows a Madonna more interested in her family life and the lives of her dancers and friends than in living in front of the cameras.

Not that she doesn't still play the part of the trendy pop star. On this day, she looks like a fashionista, dressed in a stylish outfit accented by golden pumps. And the blitz to promote the album is as massive as her previous efforts -- she blanketed MTV's airwaves and has made high-profile appearances on behalf of the disc. But this time, there's no major reinvention from the woman who has made it her career -- from Madonna the disco queen to Madonna the vamp to Madonna the mother to Madonna the spiritual goddess and back again.

''I remember probably about a year or so ago, Madonna was here and 50 Cent was in the studio. And 50 was dying to get introduced to her, and then he walked away and said... 'She kissed me!''' he recalls.

But while Madonna remains keen on keeping up with trends, it's clear it's no longer her focus. She's unlikely to be in the clubs these days because she has to get up early and tend to her family. Married to director Guy Ritchie, Madonna spends most of her time with him and their two children at home in Britain; her free days revolve around her kids' activities.

She says her children get much of the credit for the kindler, gentler Madonna that's emerged in recent years (the former ''Sex'' author has even penned children's books).

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