Last week FOX producer Alicia Rancilio told me, “Looks like we’re getting you an 8-minute sit-down with Madonna.” My first reaction was fear, followed by joy, and then another wave of fear. Have you ever seen Madonna on Letterman? She tends to give brusque, one-word answers, rather than the fun, informative 15-second soundbites that make the TV world go round. Plus, she’s possibly the most famous celebrity alive right now … so that added just a touch of pressure for me!

The interview was in conjunction with the release of her new album, “Hard Candy,” and so it was fittingly set up at a huge candy shop in Manhattan. I arrived almost two hours early for a 7 pm interview. Then, as 7 pm approached, a publicist for the album told me, “Madonna has to be out of here by 7:30, and we’re running really late, so your interview is probably getting cancelled.” I spent the next half hour begging for one minute, one question, anything. In return, everyone gave me apologetic looks and sympathetic head shakes. Not promising.

Then suddenly, I was escorted into the room where the interviews are happening. I was greeted by Madonna’s longtime publicist Liz Rosenberg, who gave me a big smile and said, “OK, you have 8 minutes.”

As I approached Madonna, I did my usual move of giving a little wave, rather than reaching for the celebrity’s hand. I figure, if she sticks out her hand first, great, its handshake time.

But I’m not going to start grabbing at Madonna or any other star, because celebrities have people trying to touch them all day, and I want to give them as much space as I can (it’s the least I can do, before I started pelting them with personal questions!). So I did my little wave and she just smiled back, as a team of makeup people did a quick touch-up. Then the crew started adjusting the lights and setting up new lights and I realized I wasn’t going to just dive into the interview — this would take a few minutes. It was time to make small talk with Madonna.

She said she was tired, then added “I’m sorry, it’s not you, I just didn’t sleep last night.” And in a shocking burst of boldness I said, “Yeah, you were out doing shots with Justin Timberlake all night!” (Click here for full story on that) She smiled and said, “I’m paying for it now.”

My bold streak continued when we talked about that fact that she and I are both from Michigan. She told me her dad lives near Traverse City. I said, “I know, I got married near there and my Mom was praying you wouldn’t come to town that day and take all the attention away from the bride!” Did I just tell Madonna she was unwelcome at my wedding? Yup. Luckily, she seemed to find my cheeky comments amusing.

Finally, they finished perfecting the lights and we started the interview. It was so fun. Check out the video:

As the interview ended, I thanked her and started walking away, then I noticed something. Madonna had extended her hand. I turned back, shook the Material Girl’s hand, and walked out smiling. I love my job.