madonna051009_01_X17.jpg A high Malawian court has ruled that Madonna can adopt a second child from the country, overturning a lower court's decision preventing the queen of pop from bringing home 3-year-old Chifundo "Mercy" James.

Chief Justice Lovemore Munlo said that the singer's commitment to helping disadvantaged children should have been taken into account when deciding on Madonna's request to adopt Mercy. Hmm, what about her fame? Just sayin'!

Madonna's lawyer Alan Chinula said he called his client after the ruling and told the press, "It's the wee hours of morning in New York but she is excited at the news. As her lawyer I am happy that this has settled this contentious issue...What the Supreme Court has done is grant a full adoption."

Chinula added that he is currently arranging a passport for Mercy, which could take a few days, and he's awaiting word from the material girl on her new daughter's itinerary.