"Madonna was furious, telling him to reschedule, saying she and the family came first. But Guy would not budge.

"Guy thought the trip had disaster written all over it. They were both very hurt over the way their adoption was criticized, and Guy thought it was too soon to be going back with a film crew," said the friend.

"Guy also thought it inappropriate to film baby David's reunion with his father - and that it was a private moment.

"And he thought from one look at her schedule that it just didn't look good to revisit on a whistle-stop tour of a few orphanages in a cavalcade of chauffeur-driven cars.

"He said to Madonna 'if you do go then at least make sure you get your hands dirty this time'.".

It had widely been assumed that Madonna was here on an expedition to adopt another child.

The trio went to the Home of Hope orphanage, where Madonna first met David last year, the much-publicized father and son reunion failed to materialize.

A source told People magazine: "Yohane was there all day on Saturday and in the morning of her visit.

"He was told he would spend some time with his son but the meeting was canceled."

Madonna's representative, Liz Rosenberg, said she did not know whether the reunion took place. During the trip, it was revealed Madonna had met the three-year-old Malawian girl she reportedly wants to adopt.

Despite her publicist denying she is to adopt again, Madonna reportedly told friends she is looking for a sister for David and is considering welcoming orphan Grace into her family.

A source said: "Madonna was talking with Grace and looked very happy. They were together for about 15 minutes."

After departing Malawi, Madonna, 48, and her children initially had planned to go to South Africa to meet former South African president Nelson Mandela, but Mandela's handlers said early last week that the veteran human-rights campaigner might be busy.

In other news, Madonna has been added to the roster of stars appearing on tonight's "Idol Gives Back" charity special reports Access Hollywood

"American Idol" executive producer Nigel Lythgoe made the announcement this morning on Ryan Seacrest's KIIS-FM radio show.

"I'm gonna blow [a secret] now: Madonna came on board yesterday," said Lythgoe."And that is just fantastic."

Madonna's rep confirms the appearance, noting that it will be a pre-taped message.

And finally, Madonna is reportedly to follow in her husband's footsteps by directing a film.

The performer is to take on the role of director in the low-budget comedy Filth and Wisdom.

Filming for the upcoming movie begins in London later this month.