MADONNA told pals she was "on top of the world" as it emerged she is allowed to adopt Malawian orphan Mercy James.

The singer said she was "jittery with the anticipation" of holding Mercy, three, in her arms again.


The 50 year old, has been told that appeal judges in the African country are on the brink of allowing her to adopt the tot -- overturning a block imposed on her in March.

A close pal said: "She's ecstatic -- over the moon.


"She made a promise she wouldn't give up on Mercy, and she can move mountains when she's this determined."

Officials at Madonna's charity Raising Malawi yesterday revealed she had already made plans for a private jet to fly Mercy to New York.