Malawi's Supreme Court has allowed US pop star to adopt a second child.

The judges overturned a two-month-old lower court ruling blocking Madonna's request because she is not a resident in Malawi. The Supreme Court says the girl, 4-year-old Mercy James, will have a better life with the star. The ruling cannot be challenged.

Madonna adopted another child from a Malawi orphanage, 13-month-old David Banda, in 2006. The move prompted critics, including children's welfare groups, to accuse Malawi's government of giving the pop star special treatment.