NEW YORK, New York (The Adobo Chronicles) – There is only one Madonna and she is retiring on August 16 this year, when she reaches the age of 57.

The diva hinted on her retirement shortly after she launched her latest album, Rebel Heart, which has taken an early lead in the race for this week’s Number 1 album.

If its momentum continues, Rebel Heart will be Madonna’s 12 UK Number 1 album following Like A Virgin (1984), True Blue (1986), Like A Prayer (1989), The Immaculate Collection (1990), Ray Of Light (1998), Music (2000), American Life (2003), Confessions On A Dance Floor (2005), Hard Candy (2008), Celebration (2009) and MDNA (2012).

“I want to retire in grace while I’m on top of the music world,” Madonna said. “I’m not sure that I will have the same staying power as Cher (who is 68).”

“I may no longer be able to successfully pull acrobatic stunts during my concerts and performances,” she said, obviously referring to the last BRIT Awards in which she took a serious spill while performing on-stage.

Many had questioned whether the singer could remain relevant at a time when the music industry is packed with younger female artists like Katy Perry, 30;  Lady Gaga, 28; Taylor Swift, 25; Ariana Grande, 20; Dionne Bromfield, 17; and  Lorde, 16.

As to who she thinks will be the “new” Madonna,” she said, “I already publicly anointed my successor — Kanye West.  As I’ve said, he is the new Madonna — the black Madonna.”

As a music legend retires, will we see the rise of a new one in Kanye West?