What really caused Madonna and daughter Lourdes’ ‘tense’ relationship — and why she is still singing about Sean Penn

Madonna is poised to claim the number one Billboard album with "Confessions on a Dance Floor Part II," featuring deeply personal lyrics about her late brother, stepmother, and ex-husband Sean Penn. A friend told Page Six that Penn, whom Madonna sings was "threatened by" her, remains "the love of her life." The album also includes a duet with her 29-year-old daughter, Lourdes "Lola" Leon, which Madonna said was a way to heal their relationship. Sources describe a historically "tense" relationship between Madonna and Lola, marked by periods of estrangement. Lola reportedly felt her mother was unnecessarily tough on her growing up, while Madonna felt guilty about raising her daughter in a world of extreme fame. The song includes lyrics apologizing for the "flashing lights" and pain caused, with Madonna calling Lola "little star," a nickname from her 1998 album "Ray of Light." Lola, who has pursued her own music career as Lolahol, initiated the collaboration as a step toward reconciliation.