Madonna is the cover star of the August 2006 issue of UK music magazine Q.
There is also a five page article inside looking at her early years, a review of I'm Going To Tell You A Secret and a look at ticket prices for the Confessions Tour.

Click on the cover for an enlargement of this classic Madonna shot.

The second show at Madison Square Garden took place last night - here are some fan reports from the show:

From Colin:
Tonight's show was great. She did the Like A Virgin horse ride a bit longer and the band played more music as she rode around. She also said she had 'three hours of sleep this morning' but, the energy of the crowd was keeping her going.

From Michael:
The show was amazing! She had great energy. She said in one of her speeches that she only had 3 hours of sleep the night before and that the energy we were giving to her was contagious!

From Scotty P:
She showed us some vulnerability when she said, 'Every time I do a show, I die a little bit, but no shit is worth doing unless you're willing to die for it. You guys can understand that - you're New Yorkers. You're willing to die for a taxi cab!'
Then she got very humble and told us, 'You're energy and enthusiasm is contagious!' and she earnestly thanked us for that.

Here are the first lot of pictures from the Thursday night show at Madison Square Garden. These were taken by madonnalicious visitor Raga - visit the Confessions Tour gallery to view larger versions of all 28 of his pictures.

Included is a great shot he took of Cloud's rollerskates - which look like they have been specially customised for him!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

UK radio station Capital Gold have a brand new Madonna game for fans to try.

Identify the Madonna track just from the opening notes in the quickest time possible for the chance to win a digital radio. There's everything from smash hit singles to obscure b-sides, brilliant album tracks to soundtrack gems. How good is your Madonna musical knowledge? Step up to the challenge, go against the clock and you could walk away a winner!

To take the challenge visit: www.capitalgold.com/beattheintro

In Hungary Madonna's documentary DVD/CD, I'm Going To Tell You A Secret debuted in the Album Top 40 at #9 and in the DVD Top 20 at #1.

The Official UK Top 75 Albums chart has Madonna's 1990 album The Immaculate Collection as a re-entry at #61.

Get Together has debuted right at #1 in the Official Spanish Single sales chart. This is her third #1 single off the Confessions On A Dance Floor album in Spain.

For it's first week, the new album I'm Going To Tell You A Secret is #1 in the province of Québec in Canada!

Fans in Canada can vote for Get Together on MuchMusic's show MuchonDemand by emailing ondemand@muchmusic.com to request the video.

Yesterday the South African media were full of news that Madonna would be headlining a promotional concert there in November. At the time madonnalicious warned fans that this may just be a company's ploy to gain publicity - now Madonna's tour promoter has confirmed it was just that!

Madonna's agent has denied the pop diva will be the main act at an open-air concert to be held in November in South Africa.
The South African media, including News24, reported on Thursday that Madonna has agreed to perform on November 4 at the new 400 ha Pinnacle Point golf estate outside Mossel Bay.
Madonna's international tour promoter Arthur Fogel of The Next Adventure on Friday released a statement describing the reports of her South African performance as 'complete fantasy'.
'There is no such Madonna performance contemplated,' Fogel said.
He also threatened legal action against anyone making such claims in the future.
Pinnacle Point Holding group sales and marketing director David McGregor said on Thursday the concert will be held on the state-of-the-art driving range in a Kirstenbosch-style picnic environment.

Some great floor seat tickets next to the catwalk have just come up on www.ticketmaster.com - so if you haven't got a ticket for Madison Square Garden yet and are after one then go and take a look!

Madonna played her first night at Madison Square Garden yesterday. The show was late starting due to technical problems with the screens and Madonna had an announcer apologise on her behalf before the show began.

Below are highlights from the fan reports from the show - to read the full length versions visit the New York City - Fan Reviews section.

From albee:
Wow - what a big difference frome seeing her at Staples Center on 6/3. She was incredible. She did one helluva job with I Love New York. The difference was she extended with the guitar and afterwards said 'Come on Mother fuckers, I wrote this song thinking about you....I expect you to jump up and down for this next song.' Then Ray Of Light came on.

From Colin:
Jump is cool too, with the acrobatics - most of this you have heard before - the one thing that really stuck out is that she referenced New York City and it being her 'home' - she jokingly said that she did not have to 'impress nobody' - she also did say 'Come on Manhattan (I thought that was cool) - show me what you got!'

From Danialle:
She didnt start til after 9, I heard a security guard talking, saying she was pissed because the stage wasnt right. Then they made an announcement for Madonna apologizing that one of the screens (top center) was cut off....and said she hopes we enjoy the show despite that imperfection....WELL....WE DID!
Also I cant express how BEAUTIFUL Live To Tell was. All this drama in the media about Madonna crucifying herself....nobody took the time to just look at it and appreciate the artistic beauty. Seeing her up there, she looked like an angel....and singing those haunting words almost brought me to tears, it moved me. Thank you Madonna for that lovely moment in time.

From HeyMrJason:
'MUSIC' was DEFINITELY the BIG showstopper which made Madison Square Garden come ALIVE! It was spectacular, it could of went on forever as far as I'm concerned!

From John:
Madonna also fell during her performance of Ray Of Light. Given the size of the Garden the two side catwalks were on an incline heading up toward the loge seats. As Madonna was playing guitar heading back towards the main stage she fell on her knees but got right up and kept going. She made mention of it before she sang Drowned World. She said something along the lines of 'I keep fucking up the words and falling all over the place, I guess I just want to impress you guys.' I don't know where she fucked up the words but it was cool. She was pouring everything into this show and she delivered.

From Joni:
The combined humanitarian and artistic display leading into 'Live To Tell' was thought provoking and extremely well choreographed while her singing during the song moved the audience. It’s too bad some critics focused on the cross instead of the important message she was portraying.

From Robert L:
Anywho, AMAZING SHOW! She was on fire and very demanding, asking everyone to jump up and down. During Ray Of Light she scolded us, 'You're not jumping!' I love it when Madonna scolds her audience! The venue was hot and she was too!

From Scotty P:
At the end, she CONFESSED, 'I know it's an illusion, but it's a really nice one.' Also, I think it was Ray Of Light when she told us to, 'Jump up and down....whadda ya need an invitation, you're New Yorkers!' Hot. We ate it up. Half-way thru that song, we weren't jumping enough to her satisfaction. She says three words - 'You're not jumping.' Immediately, 16,000 people begin hopping up and down in unison. We were SO her bitches.

From Steve:
Madonna seemed in delicious spirits and was clearly enjoying her Dita routine in New York - which MUST be considered the leather and fetish capital of the world. I cannot say enough good things about her dancers - they are the best she has ever had. The entire first act was everything you pay to see Madonna for.

madonnalicious visitor Carlos sent in some great pictures from Madonna's first night at Madison Square Garden - visit the Confessions Tour gallery to view more.

 

 

 

 

 

Madonna begins her show by climbing out of a disco ball. It splits apart, like one of those chocolate oranges, and out she climbs: a star is hatched.
Wednesday night was the first time she did this at Madison Square Garden, although it's not scheduled to be the last: the concert marked the beginning of a four-night engagement (not counting two nights later in July). And for the next two hours, she put on a spectacular and mainly successful show, returning again and again to a place she knows well: the dance floor. Just about everything onstage is covered in mirror tiles, even the cross on which Madonna is briefly crucified. (It's a plea for AIDS relief, naturally.)

To read the rest of the review by Kelefa Sanneh visit the www.nytimes.com

News is coming in from the South African press about Madonna playing a show there in November.
NOW please bear in mind we have seen these sort of articles before where business managers have used Madonna's name to get press and then nothing materializes - so read on with caution ;-)

Word is pop diva Madonna will be the main act at an open-air concert to be held on November 4 at the new 400 ha Pinnacle Point golf estate outside Mossel Bay.
Will Young will be the supporting act. The coup was pulled off by the Pam Golding Property Group - the marketing agents for the estate.
PGP's group sales and marketing director David McGregor confirmed on Friday that the concert will be held on the state-of-the-art driving range in a Kirstenbosch-style picnic environment.
The space can accommodate around 16 500 people. Ticket prices will be announced in August and sales will be through Computicket.

Another article also stated that: Andrew Golding, the company's chief executive, said yesterday: 'I can confirm that (Madonna) has confirmed (that she will be performing).'

Madonna is featured in the new issue of In Touch Weekly magazine (10 July edition) which is out on newstands in the US this Friday.

In the magazine Madonna tops the Fountain Of Youth list, being named the star who never ages! Also featured is a small article on Madonna taming her tour down for her Dad and on mentoring Lindsay Lohan.

Remember how Hung Up leaked online for sale earlier than it should have, well read the story below from BBC News Online to find out what happened:

French music retailer Virgin France has been fined 600,000 euros ($754,266; £414,147) for music piracy.
The firm, owned by Lagardere, was fined for illegally downloading Madonna's Hung Up to resell on its own website.
An industrial court found Virgin France unit Virginmega had ignored an exclusive deal reached by Warner Music France with France Telecom and Orange.
Under the ruling, Virginmega was told to pay 250,000 euros to each telecom firm and 100,000 euros to Warner.
Warner welcomed the decision, saying it had succeeded in protecting its rights and those of its artists.
France Telecom's Herve Payan told the International Herald Tribune: 'This is an amazing case of simple piracy by a respected company.'
'Virgin behaved in a surreal manner by downloading the song, cracking protection measures and then selling it from their own web site.'
Under the deal with Warner, the telecom firms signed an exclusive 500,000-euro deal to offer the Madonna single on their website or for download on mobile phones for one week in October.
According to the Paris court's ruling, after the tune was made available the Virgin store downloaded it, repackaged it and made it available on the Virginmega website.
However, Virgin France said it had broken the exclusive agreement in the interest of consumers.
The judgement 'confirmed the need to do everything to help build a balanced market for legal downloads', the firm said.
The group, and fellow French retailer Fnac, have recently attacked record firms for releasing top selling singles to mobile and internet firms under exclusive deals.
Similar deals in the US involving the Starbucks coffee chain have also prompted anger, with retailer HMV claiming such moves limit consumer access to music.

In her first week with I'm Going To tell You A Secret, Madonna enters at #1, on the Norwegian DVD sales charts.

Confessions On A Dance Floor shoots back up to #7 on the iTunes Top 100 Chart.

Get Together debuted last week as the highest new entry at #5 on Channel 9 Hit list (something like TRL on MTV) in Serbia. Vote via email at hitlist@tvk9.net

Get Together has been moved onto the A playlist on BBC Radio 1.

madonnalicious visitor materialboy75 took this picture of Madonna as she left her Montreal hotel last week on Thursday 22 June.

The New York Post newspaper columnist Liz Smith got to ask several questions of Madonna in the run up to her six night residency at Madison Square Garden.

If there is one quality that marks my long professional relationship with Madonna, it is her matter-of-factness. She never ever beats around the bush, acts coy, promises what she cannot deliver. When I got through to her here in Manhattan, on the eve of her six-night sold-out stand at Madison Square Garden, the star said, 'Liz, I'm glad to do this for you, but what more do you need to know about me? You know more about me than I do myself.' I promised I wouldn't ask her more than 20 questions. She laughed, 'Oh, I've heard that before!'

To read the question and answer session visit www.nypost.com/entertainment

Visit the Confessions Tour gallery to view pictures taken by madonnalicious visitor Robert at the Sunday 26 June show in Hartford.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Madonna's I'm Going To Tell You A Secret will debut at #1 on Billboard's Video/DVD chart, but will only debut at #33 on Billboard 200 chart.

Here is another picture taken by madonnalicious visitor Anthony of Madonna leaving the Hotel St James in Montreal surrounded by fans, press and police!

Head over to the website of Australian morning TV show Sunrise to enter a competition to win tickets to see Madonna in London.

Sunrise together with Warner Music are giving you the chance to see Madonna live in concert. Madonna is not coming to Australia for her world tour, so we are giving you the chance to go to London to see her live in concert.

Check out the flyer below for details on the New York City Madonna After Concert Party taking place on Sunday 02 July - visit www.madonnanyc.com

New York City Public Radio did a Madonna special in it's recently broadcast Soundcheck music show.
Fans can now listen to the 27 minute programme online at wnyc.org/soundcheck

A two-page article on Madonna appears in the August 2006 issue of UK magazine Diva. The magazine will be onsale in London from Thursday 29 June and will be available worldwide by Thursday 06 July. Check out www.divamag.co.uk/diva

Below is a preview of the article - click to enlarge.

Fans can vote now for the video of Get Together in Canada:

MuchMoreMusic / www.muchmoremusic.com/top10
Musique Plus / www.musiqueplus2.com/top5/anglo
Musique Plus / www.musiqueplus2.com/pop
Musimax / www.musiqueplus2.com/top5musimax/anglo

In Greece fans can vote for Get Together at:

88.3 Village FM / top30.883villagefm.com
4@4 / www.883villagefm.com/top4at4

Check out www.clubohcr.com for information on a Madonna party taking place at Club Oh! on Friday 30 June in Costa Rica.

Jenny Sundel of the New York Post wrote this tongue-in-cheek article about how we can understand The Madonna Code:

Millions have delved into 'The Da Vinci Code.' But for more than two decades, equal numbers of Madonna fans have read far more meaningful messages into the icons, images and dance moves of our hallowed disco diva.
We Madonnologists see her Confessions tour, which arrives at Madison Square Garden for six nights on Wednesday, as a new chapter in the Gospel of the Material Goddess. While it's relatively easy to get a ticket to one of her sermons, understanding them is another proposition altogether.
So as one of her true believers, I offer you this sacred glimpse into The Madonna Code.

To read the full story visit www.nypost.com/entertainment

madonnalicious visitor Steve snapped this photograph of the Madison Square Garden marquee ready for Madonna's first show there on Wednesday.
Madonna's opening night there will mark her 18th performance at this historic location.
Steve also tells us that the Garden box office has exclusive tickets in Pod B that are not available through Ticketmaster.
New York is eagerly awaiting the arrival of Madonna. The entire area around the Garden is in full Madonna Mode 24/7. Her concert there is sure to be the music event of the year and is hours away.

Fans can now vote for Madonna's new video Get Together on MTV's TRL Countdown. To vote visit www.mtv.com/trl

madonnalicious visitor Marcus has sent in these great pictures from the Sunday night show at the Hartford Civic Center - visit the Confessions Tour gallery to view larger versions of his pictures.

 

 

 

 

Madonna's second and last show at the Hartford Civic Center took place last night, here are a couple of tour reports from madonnalicious visitors who attended:

From Elisabeth:
I went to both of the Hartford, CT shows. Madonna was beyond amazing as always. She gave every bit of herself to the crowd both nights. I feel the Sunday night crowd was much more receptive then the Monday night crowd. She was very unhappy with the Monday night people 'sitting down with their arms folded in front of their chests while she was up there dying for us.'
I truely cannot believe how she continues to outdo herself on every tour. Thank you Madonna for being the person we all wish we could be!

From Robert:
I am still in awe of how AMAZING this show was! I was right infront of the left catwalk and went completely nuts when she would look at me jumping up and down! This crowd was a little more apprehensive to get up off their seats and jump around but at home point she pointed out to some people in the audience and said how much she hates people 'that sit with their arms folded.'
She is completely stellar in this show and I love the fluidity of the concepts! So many favorite moments, but the best has got to be when we both our eyes met during LA ISLA BONITA! Wow - what a night!

TV production company Shine are currently producing a primetime show for channel FIVE all about the most shocking moments in entertainment over the last five years.

They are looking for a massive and passionate madonna fan who's going to be great on TV and willing to comment on the comments Elton made at the Q awards when he mocked Madonnas ability to sing live.

They are looking for a UK based (preferably London) fan who can be interviewed for no more than 30 minutes in Central London. Transport fees will be paid.

So if you can defend Madonna in the wake of Elton John's comments then please contact Tom Fryer on 0207 985 7542.

This stunning shot was on the cover of Montreal's free newspaper the Metro on Thursday 22 June - click on the cover to enlarge.

Here is an official press release from ANSA confirming that the Confessions Tour will not be stopping in South America as previously rumoured:

The North American singer Madonna will not come to Brazil, after the failure of the negotiations announced today by the producer who would have brought her to the country for two concerts, in Rio de Janeiro and San Paulo.
Luiz Carlos Niemeyer, of the producer Planmusic Entretenimento, was negotiating with the Madonna's managers to ensure that the popular pop singer would extend her world tour to Brazil.
Niemeyer confirmed today that, 'for problems in the personal agenda of the artist', Madonna will not be able to extend the tour to South America, which will make her two performances in Brazil impossible.'

More pictures are now online from the Thursday 22 June show in Montreal - these were taken by madonnalicious visitor Allan.
Visit the Confessions Tour gallery to view larger versions.

 

 

Madonna's tour documentary I'm Going To Tell You A Secret entered the Australian, UK and Italian Music DVD charts at #1.

The DVD+CD also charted at #18 in the UK music album charts.

I'm Going To Tell You a Secret also entered the Italian album charts at #1.

In the Netherlands the DVD/CD entered the Album Top 100 at #18.

Here is a look at the cover for Madonna's sixth childrens book, and sequel to The English Roses. The new book which is published in late October is called The English Roses: Too good to be true.

With a whirling dervish of a teacher and a sprinkle of magic fairy dust, the English Roses learn valuable lessons about friendship and surviving their first crush. Readers of all ages will delight in this much-awaited sequel to Madonna’s first children’s book, The English Roses.

Madonna played the first of two shows at the Hartford Civic Center last night, here are some fan reports from the show - to read the full reports visit the Hartford Civic Center - Fan Reviews section:

From Bill:
What a great ending to a miserable, gray, rainy day! The majority of the crowd stood/danced for the whole show (the only time I saw people sit was during 'Paradise (Not For Me)'. It's the first concert of hers where I never sat down the whole show. No one in my area on the floor did.

From Griselle:
I went to Madonna's concert, and as always she's the best! She puts on a show like no one else and I admire her for that. I loved La Isla Bonita and Sorry, they were my favorites, the performances she gave were great. I am really happy that she came to my hometown.

From Harvey:
Well, Sunday's concert was definitely HOT....but more in temperature than anything else. There was no AC, so the audience got hot, and even Madonna seemed a bit exhausted when she sat on the steps, looked out at the crowd, and stuck her tongue out like 'Wooh, I'm hot.'

From Kevin:
The concert was fantastic! After seeing her during 'Drowned World Tour' and 'Reinvention', she has gotten much better. She is even a greater performer! No wonder most of the reviews are overwhelmingly positive. I was very close and was able to see her face and maybe even made eye contact once.

From Nick:
She called the singer Isaac 'my friend who tells me dirty jokes,' and at the start of 'Ray Of Light' she said 'I want everyone front to back jumping up and down! Let's shake the building!'
After 'Let It Will Be' she sat on the edge of the stairs and pulled hair off her pants with this disgusted face, then joked 'This job is so stressful my hair's falling out!'

From Saul:
She was amazing, her body is perfect. She came down from the ceiling on a crystal ball, she said the it was boring not to take risks.

Visit the Confessions Tour gallery to view more pictures from madonnalicious visitor Sebastian taken at the Thursday 22 June show in Montreal.

 

Hartford Courant: Stage Presence
Madonna promised a disco-centric show for her current concert tour, and that's exactly what she delivered Sunday night at the Hartford Civic Center.
It was a club-friendly two-hour set, packed with the throbbing beats and ethereal, trance-like vocals that have filled her past few albums. But the music was almost incidental - it could have been piped in. This show was about production values, and though Madonna was the star, the stage was the true focal point.

Republican American: Madonna boogies the night away in Hartford
Only icons can deliver a show like this, when audiences know almost every word of every song. When the energy level remains so high that people stand or dance throughout. For this, fans were willing to dole out up to $352 each to see the spectacle. And what a spectacle it was.

Madonna attended the play Threepenny Opera in New York City - here is a report from madonnalicious visitor Alan:

On Friday 24 June, while waiting at the stage door at Studio 54 for Cyndi Lauper and Alan Cummings to come out, Madonna walked out and right past me. She got right into a waiting black SUV. It all happened in under 5 seconds. I don't have any pictures, because I was in total shock and couldn't move. She was wearing a hat, sunglasses, and her typical running suit. I assume she was there because Carlos Leon is in the cast.

Madonna is the cover star of the July 2006 edition of Latin American version of fashion magazine Harpers Bazaar.

The article inside is the same as the US and UK issues that were published earlier this year.

Click on the cover to enlarge.

Tonight Madonna plays the first of two shows at the Hartford Civic Center in Hartford, CT. Local newspaper the Hartford Courant previews the shows at courant.com by looking back at some previour press reviews.

Please keep sending in all your tour reports, pictures and clips to madonnalicious.
A big thank you to everyone who has done so already - you are helping us to provide great tour coverage....keep it coming!

This fantastic shot was taken by madonnalicious visitor Jeff at the Thursday 22 June show in Montreal - visit the Confessions Tour gallery to view a larger version.

madonnalicious visitor Phillippe will feature in a STAR TV Madonna TV show next month, here is his story:

Back in Febuary madonnalicious published that the show 'STAR TV' was looking for a Madonna Fan for the show 'I Heart....' I was chosen!
They've been to my house and filmed my entire collection!
I'm so excited, it will be broadcast on the STAR TV channel on Sunday 02 July at 7:00pm, North American Eastern time.

Visit the Confessions Tour gallery to view larger versions of madonnalicious visitors Antoinette and Paul's pictures from the Thursday 22 June show at the Bell Center.

 

 

 

 

It has now been officially confirmed by Madonna's Australian tour promoter that Madonna will not be touring Australia on this tour:

Madonna's Australian tour promoter, Michael Gudinski, said yesterday Australia was 'not under consideration for a Madonna tour'.
Gudinski added: 'I am sure she will come back here one day. She likes Australia. It'll be worth the wait.'

Fans can download this short clip of Madonna telling the crowd in the introduction to Ray Of Light at the Wednesday 21 June show in Montreal that Nobody sits down!

Here's madonnalicious visitor Ian's report on Madonna's new single in South Africa:

With a fantastic new music video out, 'Get Together' is climbing the South African charts. 'Get Together' last week was at #30 and now this week at #22. I'm so hoping for another #1 here.
With 'Hung Up' and 'Sorry' going to #1 here and staying there a good few weeks, Madonna's popularity has really hit a all new high over here. It's about time us South African's gave our long awaited praise to the Queen of Pop!

Back to the third Chicago show now - these pictures were taken at the Sunday 18 June show by madonnalicious visitor Chris J - visit the Confessions Tour gallery to view larger versions of all his pictures.

 

 

 

 

 

There have been lots of rumours published in the South American press about a possible tour finish in Brazil in October. However as stated these are all just rumours being escalated by the press and nothing has been confirmed at this time.

Argentinian newspaper Clarin tried to clear up some of these rumours recently:

A lot it's been heard about Madonna performing in River Plate stadium in October. Yesterday there were press agency news pointing that she would perform in Brazil - Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. Daniel Grinbank - the local businessman that would bring her to Argentina - said that the Latin American leg of the tour exclusively depends on the diva's kids, since they have asked her to stop working for a while. In a month, Madonna will end the USA leg of her Confession Tour. And then she would decide.

Below are two scans from the German and English press featuring new pictures of Madonna out and about while on tour.
The first scan is from German magazine In from Thursday 22 June and the second is from today's edition of UK newspaper The People.

 

Visit the Fan Reviews section to read reports from Madonna's second date in Montreal on Thursday 22 June - here are some highlights from the reports:

From Alain:
At one point in the show she asked if we wanted her to sing one more song, the fans said yes of course then she asked do you want me to put on another show during her tour, of course same thing we said yes and then said, OK would you like me to live in Montreal, we said yes she started to laugh and said we'll see.

From Allan:
I sat first row in front of the platform to her right, which probably were the best seats in the house as she would literally come and look us right in the eyes, wink and kiss us. She was less then a foot away, with no obstructions or fences. You could not get any closer or any better. This is far better than front row. The highlight was most certainly 'Like A Virgin', when she was on a saddle attached to a pole about 12” from our seats on this platform. The pole would go up and down and she would be doing a stripper routine by humping this pole while all along making eye contact with us. IT WAS PHENOMENAL!

From Chris:
This show was even better than the 1st! She talked to us more and asked 'Would you like it if I moved here?' Then she very coyly said 'just kidding' with her patented Madonna Bitch Face. She also said 'You've made me feel very welcome here.'

From Valérie:
I went to both show but the second one was so much better! Madonna was sexier than ever, her voice was perfect, her dancing moves too, the stage, the audience! WHOA!
After the show, CKOI (the biggest radio in Montreal) saw one of the dancers walking in the street and the dancer told them Montreal was the best audience since the beginning of the tour. It seems like Madonna just didn't believe how much love we gave to her the two days! The dancer was really nice and he said Montreal ROCKS!

madonnalicious visitor Marianne took some fantastic pictures at the second Montreal show on Thursday - here are a few of her shots but make sure you visit the Confessions Tour gallery to view larger versions of all 21 of her pictures.

 

 

 

 

 

Online music retailer iTunes is selling two videos from the Re-Invention Tour - Nobody Knows Me and Music as a 'single' at $1.99 price per video.

Here's a first look at a ticket for the second show in Prague on Thursday 07 September at the Sazka Arena.

Madonna's second date at the Sazka Arena in Prague went on sale today and sold out within two hours!

Here is the first look at pictures from last night's show (Thursday 22 June) at the Bell Centre taken by madonnalicious visitor Thierry-Maxime - visit the Confessions Tour gallery to view larger versions of the pictures.

 

 

'What's more exciting - me or the Grand Prix?' Madonna asked the sellout crowd, halfway into her show at the Bell Centre last night.
It was a rhetorical question, but the resounding 'You!' left no room for doubt. The Queen of Pop was in the house, and she was rocking the house.
It has been 13 years since Madonna's last visit, and this was only her third time ever playing our city, so yes, it was an occasion. Not only does Madge not come this way very often, shows of this calibre, magnitude and polish don't either. It was pop music spectacle on a grand scale.
She arrived as advertised, descending from inside a giant disco ball. This is her Confessions Tour, short for Confessions On a Dance Floor, the title of her club-cultured new album, from which she culled half her set list.
Clad in black dominatrix-style riding gear (complete with whip), she sang Future Lover, cooing seductively over a thumping beat. Eight dancers joined her - the men lurching about, dressed as horses, the women holding the reins.
Madonna strutted down the catwalk, exuding poise and eminent star power. She maintained control throughout the night, letting herself go in spurts, as the party vibe built to a carefully calculated climax.
Two songs later, she took off her hat and jacket, flashing a smile for Get Together, as disco fever momentarily kicked in.
'All right, Montreal! Are you ready to ride with me?' she asked. 'Are you ready? Are you ready?'
Into Like a Virgin, waves of nostalgia and exhiliration filling the room. Mounting a stripper-pole-enhanced saddle, she proceeded to bump, grind, straddle and stroke her way through the song, somehow maintaining a sense of decorum.
This show was about control, almost (but not quite) to a fault. Madonna was setting us up, keeping everything tightly wrapped, and moving along at her own precise pace.
She paused for water, taking a well-earned gulp before announcing: 'Ladies and gentlemen, mesdames et monsieurs - le spectacle commence.'
And it did. Her male dancers came out swinging for Jump, swinging and flying over monkey bars. As for much of the evening, they provided a flurry of activity, to which she played coy ringmaster.
She did the much-ballyhooed Jesus thing for Live To Tell, sung from a giant, discofied cross, a crown of thorns on her head. There was the bad-men montage to the a remixed Sorry interlude, featuring world figures including Nixon, Khadafi, Hitler, Blair and, of course, Bush.
She sang I Love New York, Ray Of Light, and a rollerskating, Disco Inferno remix of Music. La Isla Bonita was a vibrant standout in the homestretch, accompanied by a Latin-tinged acoustic guitar, with a saturated Fantasy Island backdrop. Lucky Star offered further satisfaction, and Hung Up wrapped it all with a bang.
Along the way, Madonna worked her magic, cast her spell and shared the showgirl savvy that comes from two decades at the top of the pops. I would say we won't see anything like it for a good long while, but she does it all over again tonight.

Visit the Confessions Tour gallery to view larger versions of all 10 of madonnalicious visitor Luc's pictures from the first show at the Bell Centre on Wednesady 21 June.

 

 

 

An online fashion file looking at Madonna's fashions throughout her career is available to view at MSN Lifestyle.

Here are details of two Madonna parties taking place in the US on Saturday 24 June.

Madonnarama in Boston - Madonna music all night long on June 24 Saturday at Buzz@Aria. More information at www.buzzboston.com

DJ Wes is doing a big party at OASIS NIGHTCLUB this SATURDAY JUNE 24th with Virgin Megastore & Warner Brothers. We'll be giving away two signed MADONNA 8x10's from the Re-Invention tour plus her entire CD and DVD catalog. Confessions remixed cd singles, vinyl banners and 3x3 foam core limited edition displays. Virgin will be at the club selling the new DVD/CD 'I'M GOING TO TELL YOU A SECRET'. The club will be Wall to Wall Madonna decor from Confessions.
Doors open at 6pm. 21+ OASIS NIGHTCLUB 1386 East Foothill Blvd. Upland, Ca 91786 (909) 920-9590 Cover $6. Special performances by Madonna Illusionists ANGELIQUE and SHAYLAVIE.
More information at www.oasis-nightclub.com and www.djwes.com

 

Madonna madness finally hit Montreal again last night after a 13 year wait.
Madonna played the first of her two dates at the Bell Centre to a great reception.
Here are a few fan reports from last night's show:

From Chris:
My favorite line in the show was 'Alright montreal, you know I have some Canadian blood in me. What's more exciting? Me, or the Grand-Prix?' and after more cheering than I've ever heard at any Madonna show....at any show for that matter....she said, 'good answer....' and laughed her heart out.

From Dino:
She was very open to the people on the catwalk, she touched our hands, smiled and winked at us! Even her dancers were interacting with the crowd! And it's good to see that she has a great sense of humour. For Hung Up when she was getting the crowd to sing with her, she put the mic in my face and chuckled at my level of singing (which is not very good!)

From Jake:
What an amazing show Madonna puts on. The stage is awesome. She asked us what was more hot: her show or the Montreal Grand Prix? The crowd went wild. She got her answer! Thanks Madonna.

From Jean:
People only really danced during 'I Love New York, Ray Of light', two of the best performances of the show: Madonna on the main stage, with a guitar and a great lights conception. Pure pop-rock delight.

From Marco D:
She addressed the crowed a few times and even spoke french at the beginning of Jump! 'Le spectacle commence' she said.
My favorite part is when she said: 'You guys know I had a French Canadian mother right?' That was so sweet to hear.
You know Madonna is sounding good when she hits every note of Ray Of Light on key! Her voice was the best I have ever heard!

From Rocky:
I absolutely loved the show and I had an amazing view! It went by so fast I feel like it only lasted 30 minutes or something.

From Sébastien:
The show was totally awesome, we havent seen Madonna for 13 years now in Montreal! The crowd was standing up and dancing for the whole show.

madonnalicious visitor Sébastien took some great pictures at in Montreal last night.
Visit the Confessions Tour gallery to view larger versions of all 12 pictures.

 

 

 

Madonna fans paralyzed a section of downtown Montreal on Wednesday as they staked out the hotel where the pop star is staying.
Police had to shut down a section of historic Old Montreal due to the number of fans congregated outside the St. James Hotel in hopes of catching a glimpse of the singer during the only Canadian concerts on her current Confessions world tour.
'The only reason we're here is for Madonna,' one fan told Global News.
'She's an icon,' her friend told the television station.
Madonna smiled but didn't otherwise address the mob of fans as she walked a red carpet from the hotel door to a waiting limousine around 3:30 p.m.
Fans were also lined up at the concert site hours before doors were to open.
The music superstar, who last performed in Montreal 13 years ago, is to perform Wednesday and Thursday nights at Montreal's Bell Centre.
Some 36,000 tickets, costing as much as $360, sold out in 40 minutes.
She is scheduled to perform 54 such sold-out concerts around the globe.
In addition to her own formidable private security, Montreal police also escorted the 47-year-old singer from the airport to her hotel and from there to the Bell Centre.
No less than 24 trailer trucks pulled into town with the massive amount of equipment needed to mount the show. It took technicians 15 hours to set-up.
At previous concerts on the tour, Madonna has been accompanied on stage by 22 dancers. Approximately 600 costumes were used in the spectacle and the singer herself made at least seven costume changes.
More than five million copies of Madonna's latest CD, Confessions on a dance floor, have sold since it was released in November.

Kicking yourself for missing out on tickets to Madonna's concerts July 22 and 23 at downtown Miami's AmericanAirlines Arena?
Here's your second chance:
A 'limited number' of newly released tickets to the pop icon's Confessions Tour at all price levels ($57, $97, $167 and $352) are available now through Ticketmaster.

Visit the Confessions Tour gallery to view all 7 pictures taken by madonnalicious visitor Dino at last night's Bell Centre show.

 

 

Anne Bleuzen, the author of «Madonna», an illustrated biography published in France by K&B in November, 2005 is starting a new project about Madonna and needs madonnalicious visitors help:

I'm working on another project about Madonna for which I need fans help. I'm looking for fan testimonies about each of the 7 tours, from the Virgin Tour till the Confessions Tour. When and where did they see the gig, and how did they feel about it? (In a few words) Any little story about it would be great. I need those testimonies before July 15th. Please email me at bleuzen.anne@wanadoo.fr

Madonna was snapped by madonnalicious visitor Luk2001 as she left her Montreal hotel with Guy Oseary to go to the soundcheck at the Bell Centre yesterday.

Musical superstar Madonna is about to learn the cost of a Montreal police escort.
Madonna is performing tonight and tomorrow at Montreal's Bell Centre. They are her only Canadian concerts. The 47-year-old singer will be sent a bill for the motorcycle cops who escorted several black limousine SUVs on Tuesday from the airport to the swanky St. James Hotel in Old Montreal.
As admiring fans waited by the freshly laid red carpet, the American singer entered through a side service entrance.
She later exited through the front door but didn't respond to the enthusiastic screams of fans.
A TV news helicopter aired the 10-kilometre journey along city highways.
Local taxpayers will pay for police protection outside the arena, as is customary for these type of events.

Madonna and her Confessions Tour entourage arrived in Montreal yesterday in preparation for tonight and tomorrows shows. TV stations even broadcast live coverage (from a helicopter) of her drive from the airport to her hotel in the city!

She dined at the trendy Time Cafe on St-Laurent Boulavard last night, with Stuart Price and another man.

madonnalicious also heard that Madonna is rumoured to go to a party organised by the owner of the Cirque du Soleil 'Guy Laliberté' after the Thursday 22 June concert.

Here is a picture of Montreal's HMV welcoming Madonna to the city:

It has now been confirmed that DJ and remixer Paul Oakenfold will be supporting Madonna at her Millenium Stadium concert in Cardiff.

He will also be supporting Madonna at her stadium shows in Rome, Dusseldorf, Hannover, Horsens, Amsterdam, Prague and Moscow.

madonnalicious visitor Garvin caught the moment on camera of when Madonna first appears from the disco ball. Visit the Confessions Tour gallery to view all of Garvin's pictures from the Thursday 15 June show in Chicago.

Madonna's Confessions Tour needs your vote on an MSNBC online poll asking What's your pick for the top tour this summer? - to vote for Madonna visit MSNBC

madonnalicious visitor Brian sent in 12 pictures from the Tuesday 14 June Chicago show. Visit the Confessions Tour gallery to view all of Brian's pictures.

BBC Radio 1 have added Get Together to their 'B' playlist. Capital Radio now also have Get Together on their playlist and so does Kiss100.

Fans can request Get Together on Capital Radio by texting MADONNA GET TOGETHER and your name and location to 83958.

Here's the international TV advert for the DVD release of I'm Going To Tell You A Secret. This is the advert that will have appeared on most TV stations with a local voiceover - this download is the advert without the voiceover.

Movie star Gwyneth Paltrow has been credited for bringing close pal Madonna back together with her father Tony Ciccone, after begging her to reconcile with him. Madonna, who made up with her dad last year, endured a troubled relationship with Ciccone when he remarried after the death of her mother in 1963 when she was just five years old.
Paltrow's own father Bruce Paltrow died in 2002 after a battle with throat cancer - and the Shakespeare In Love beauty has always regretted not spending more time with him. She warned the Ray Of Light star to forgive and forget - or suffer the agony of what might have been. Madonna's family friend Cheryl Buchhalter says, 'Gwyneth had a heartfelt talk with Madonna about her agony over losing her dad Bruce. Gwyn often talks of things she could have done with him, things she would like to have told him. Knowing he is gone forever is something that still crushes her.'
She told Madonna, 'If you don't make up with your dad and enjoy the time he's got left you'll regret it for the rest of your life.'

madonnalicious visitor Procopio won the MTV Front Row ticket contest for last night's show in Chicago - here is his story of his close encounter with Madonna:

I won front row from MTV for the June 19th show in Chicago. I arrived at the United Center with my friend Ian with major excitement. I couldn’t believe that in 3 hours I would be seeing Madonna right in front of me. I met up with Alison at the Ticket Box Office and she handed me my ticket. It was section 3, row 1, seat 3. Yes, I wanted seat 1, but I could not be selfish.
As I sat in my seat, the couple next to me, who were also from Michigan, Kalamazoo to be exact, knew from conversation that I was a huge fan, as I was at the previous three Chicago shows. They gave me permission to stand next to the railing, right next to the steps that Madonna uses. The show started and I was already soaking wet by the second song.
Then came the moment I was waiting for, Madonna sat down and I read my shirt to her. It said, 'Detroit’s Front Row Bitch' (thank you to the original front row bitch), she stated to the audience that Detroit’s Front Row Bitch was here and the she asked if there was anyone else from Michigan. Then I yelled to her, Ti Amo, Baby, Ti Amo. She looked and smiled then said, say it into the microphone, as she reached over and put the microphone into my face and I yelled my love for her once again in Italian. She laughed and looked at Stuart and said, 'Oh, he speaks Italian.'
The whole time, this was being played on the video screen (please keep in mind that I was so excited, that some of it is a blur and others helped me remember, lol).
I could have just died at that moment. I was making eye contact with Madonna the whole night and we gave each other the finger during Sorry, etc.
However, having the chance to tell Madonna, Ti Amo, into her microphone, will be something that I will never forget.

Last night's I'm Going To Tell You A Secret DVD/CD launch and Madonna Karoake Party at the Virgin Megastore in Times Square was a great success - here is a report from Ryan:

It was a hoot! We had so much fun! Over 250 people showed up to watch and we had 50 contestants get on stage to perform. Starting at 10:30pm and finishing at 1:00am, our host Murray Hill, kept the crowd entertained. The crowd was very enthusiastic and very vocal about who they liked and who they disliked. The most popular song choices were Sorry, Hung Up, and Hanky Panky. For the twenty minutes in between the final performance and the announcement of the winner, Murray Hill led the crowd in turning the Virgin Megastore into a Times Square dance party!

I went last night to the party Virgin Megastore in NYC had and expected the routine Madonna thing, but I was amazed at how many young girls and boys were singing to Madonnas music, talented people and great impersonators.
The security staff was awesome and so was Virgin staff, it was so organized and well co-ordinated, I myself got a giveaway maxi single of Get Together and some memorabilia and a big poster.
We were celebrating and dancing to her music which is rare these days other than her grand concerts. But all in all it was a great celebration. They played the DVD on all the screens and played the soundtrack on the store speakers which sounded fantastic. We danced to many numbers.

Last night was Madonna's fourth and final date at the United Center in Chicago. Although the Chicago press seemed more interested in the air conditioning rather than the show - Madonna seemed to enjoy playing Chicago and even got to perform for her Dad on Thursday 15 June!

Here are some quotes from the show - with thanks to madonnalicious visitor Tony:

Before Ray of Light she said 'Okay this next song, I don’t wanna see anybody sitting down, okay! Nowhere. Get off your asses. I want this whole building jumping up and down. Alright! I’m gonna jump with you. I wanna see you up and down!'

Before Drowned World she said 'I see we’ve got some very special front row bitches tonight. I feel honored to have you here. I see a lot of Michigan T shirts. Are there people from Michigan here tonight? Oh come on, I said are there people from Michigan here tonight? Were a little bit sad that this is our last night, you guys have been amazing. The Midwest has got it goin’ on! I aint just blowing smoke up your ass.'

madonnalicious visitor Tina got some great shots at the Sunday 18 June show in Chicago - visit the Confessions Tour gallery contains larger versions of her pictures.

 

 

As revealed by madonnalicous - Madonna will indeed be playing a second date at the Sazka Arena in Prague on Thursday 07 September.

The tour promoters confirmed this date today and stated that tickets for this date go onsale on on Friday 23 June at ticket outlets and online from Saturday 24 June.

madonnalicious visitor Jose attended Donna De Lory's meet and greet at the Borderline Music store in Chicago on Saturday - below are pictures of Donna signing his Confessions Tour balloon for him and the finished article!

German Country and Western band (and Eurovision entry) Texas Lighting have covered Like A Virgin country and western style.

You can listen to a small snippet on www.amazon.de (scroll down to Track 2).

Monday's edition of the Chicago Tribune published this small piece on how Madonna keeps in shape whilst in Chicago on the Confessions Tour.

Here's an important note for any fans who may have purchased ticket packages via Canadian firm ETSTours.

ETSTours is no longer in business, and people are now unable to contact them to find out about tickets - any companies who worked in affliation with them have advised any fans who purchased tickets from ETSTours (and have had their credit card charged) to dispute your credit card charge immediately.

Here is our first batch of pictures from last night's show in Chicago - these were taken by madonnalicious visitor Mary.
The Confessions Tour gallery contains larger versions of her pictures.

 

Madonna played her third Confessions Tour show last night at the United Center in Chicago - here are some brief fan reports from the show:

From Barry:
I can't really describe the feeling of seeing her in person after wanting to all these years. It was surreal. I would look down from the screen and see her body in the near distance on the stage and think 'That's HER! Right there! I'm not watching her on a DVD. This is for REAL!'

From Dave:
Madonna really gave it her all in dancing, she worked up a sweat and nailed down every routine with perfect timing. She talked to us a few times, saying 'I'm not just saying this to kiss your ass Chicago, because that's not the kind of girl I am, but you guys have been the best audience so far!'

From Tony:
Some quotes, she said we were the 'best audience!' 'People talk a lot about LA and New York but the Midwest has a lot of heart.' 'Don't throw shit on my fucking stage!'

These flyers were available at last night's Chicago show - they feature the charity Raising Malawi which Madonna is supporting.
The flyer features a message from Madonna and more information on the charity can be obtained from the official website www.raisingmalawi.org

A teaser radio advert has started airing about the upcoming H&M campaign - Madonna's voiceover in the advert says:

This is Madonna....I figured out what H&M stands for. It stands for 'Her Majesty'. Isn't that nice of H&M thinking about me?

madonnalicious visitor Brian took these pictures from the front row at the Thursday 15 June show in Chicago - visit the Confessions Tour gallery to view larger versions of all 16 of his pictures.

 

 

 

 

To celebrate announcement of Madonna's first-ever concert in the Czech Republic, Prague's premiere gay and lesbian venue Friends Prague will be hosting a spectacular Madonna party on Friday 23rd June.

With performances by DJ Henriette and DJ Femme. Start time 22.00. Address Bartolomejská 11, Praha 1. More information at www.friends-prague.cz

madonnalicious visitor Vince took some great shots at Thursday's Chicago show - to view larger versions of the pictures visit the Confessions Tour gallery.

 

Get down! MTV is 25! That’s 25 years of legendary music, 25 years of amazing videos and 25 years of breaking the rules!
So it’s time we celebrated that fact. We’re gonna count down the Top 100 Videos That Broke The Rules.
We want to celebrate 100 clips that epitomize the various risk taking MTV generations as we highlight the videos that made Music Television an irresistible media force – and we need your help.
You watched them, you loved them, and you bought the records so now it’s time to pick your number one favourite.

Madonna has five videos listed for you to vote for, Like A Prayer, Like A Virgin, Material Girl, Ray Of Light and Vogue - you can vote at www.mtv.co.uk/vh1

There is also a space at the bottom of the voting page for fans to submit a video not already listed - apparently over 500 people have already asked for Hung Up so if more people ask for it the video may also be included!

These super pictures were taken by madonnalicious visitor Shaun at the United Center in Chicago on Thursday 15 June.
Visit the Confessions Tour gallery to view larger versions of these pictures.

 

 

SP Productions is producing the Official Madonna DVD Release Party at the Roxy, 515 W.18th Street in New York City on Wednesday June 28th 8pm-4am.
This is a roller skating party (skates available). Admission is $20 and is open to the public. Roller Disco Attire is appreciated.

Let's go back to San Jose and the first show there back on Tuesday 30 May.
madonnalicious visitor Marvin sent in 64 fabulous shots from that show, a few of which are shown below, to view the rest visit the Confessions Tour gallery.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pure Nightclub in Philadelphia is hosting a Madonnarama event on Friday 07 July. The event features all Madonna music and videos and is taking place the weekend before Madonna plays her two shows in Philadelphia.

For more information, the web site of Pure Nightclub is www.purephilly.com

Visit the Confessions Tour gallery to view 8 great pictures taken by madonnalicious vistor Jayme at the second night in Chicago on Thursday 15 June.

 

 

A special VIP premiere screening celebrating the release of the new Madonna's DVD+CD I'm going To Tell You A Secret took place at the Broadway Circuit in Cyber Port, Hong Kong City on Friday 16 June.
The tickets to this event were very limited, given either to VIPs or winners of a lucky draw by Warner Music Hong Kong.

Below are pictures of an 8 foot high poster, a small poster at the ticket table, the fans queuing and the screening tickets.

Tracy Young was just a struggling DJ playing small clubs until one night in 1997 when lesbian entrepreneur/club owner Ingrid Casares introduced her to her good pal Madonna at her Miami club, Liquid. Despite an awkward first meeting (see below), the Material Girl saw talent in the young DJ, and before she knew it, Young was remixing Madonna, DJing her parties and being welcomed into the mostly male world of circuit parties.
Young, who's currently the official DJ for all the 'Confessions On A Dance Floor' tour afterparties, recently spoke to Gay.com about her unique lesbian job, drugs on the dance floor and, of course, Madge.

To read the full interview with Tracy visit www.planetout.com

Here is a US press advert for the documentary DVD release which featured in OK! Weekly (26 June issue) - also pictured below is a look inside the DVD.

The second night in Chicago last night was super special as Madonna's Dad and Stepmother were in the audience last night - Madonna kept the show a little cleaner than normal! Here are the madonnalicious fan reports from the show - to read the full versions visit the Chicago Fan Reviews section.

From Brendan:
Tonight was a very special night, as Madonna put it, 'My parents are here tonight!' She then asked us to 'make her look good because she wants her Dad to know she made something of herself!' The crowd went wild and she blew us all away. We had suspected her father was in the audience, because instead of saying to 'go to texas and suck George's dick' as she had shouted the night before, tonight she sang the song the album version way.

From Gregory:
First I need to say that I truly think that this is my favorite Madge tour ever. This was my second helping of Confessions, my first being night #1 in Vegas. The show started with a very subdued/tired Madonna. Mic problems persisted throughout Future Lovers & Get Together. Jump was Awesome! Cloud was super on! I love watching him jump and flip and twist....wow.

From Lawrence:
Madonna really talked alot, asking 'the people of the great lakes' if they were ready for an adventure and giving props to the midwest. Before Drowned World she said that she was feeling sentimental. One because she was from around here (she asked if anybody was from Bay City!) and two, because her father was at the show. She asked the crowd to help her look good for her dad. I hope we made her happy! She kept it pretty clean though, I guess since her dad was there.

From Leslie:
Someone then yelled out that they were from her birthplace of Bay City, Michigan. She was very impressed by that, and then asked who else was from her home state of Michigan. There must've been thousands (including me) because there was a roar from crowd! Then she asked how many people were from Illinois and of course the place went nuts. Then this one person up front yelled out 'Wisconsin!' or something and she's like, 'OK, I can't name off every state people.'

From Matt:
I was very close, stage level, close to the center catwalk, which is where I think she preformed the best. Madonna's energy level today was unbelievable, she danced her ass off and you could see the sweat dripping off her perfectly toned body.

From Mofan28:
I sat in section 5 row 7 the second night dead center. Madonna came out of the disco ball and made eye contact with me through the entire first song. Which isn't hard to do because I'm a super tall screaming maniac jumping up and down. I confess the concert was friggin AMAZING!

From soleil09:
The costumes were awesome, the song selection was really fun, and she had people out of their seats the majority of the show.
She wanted to make the room a huge disco, and that she did! Great job M!

Here are more pictures from the first show in Chicago on Wednesday 14 June taken by madonnalicious visitor Jimmy - to view larger versions of all 24 of his fantastic pictures visit the Confessions Tour gallery.

 

 

 

 

 

The Sazka Arena spokesperson has confirmed that the first Prague show (Wednesday 06 September) sold out today in one hour. Most of the tickets got sold in the first 15 minutes and the fastest tickets sold were the most expensive ones!

There is no news yet on when the second date in Prague (Thursday 07 September) will go onsale.

A brand new 'Behind the scenes of the Confessions Tour' clip is now available from Madonna.com - in this new exclusive video, Madonna and her dancers rehearse the amazing choreography for their performance of Jump - click either Windows Media or Quicktime to view the clip in your format of choice.

Parkour: An art form of human movement....Over, under, around and through.

In some countries Madonna's tour documentary DVD of I'm Going To Tell You A Secret (and live CD) is now available to buy.

The UK release date of the DVD/CD is Monday 19 June, and the US release date is Tuesday 20 June, but fans in European countries such as Croatia, Germany and Ireland can already find the DVD/CD in stores now!

H&M stores in the US just kicked off a campaign to win Madonna tickets for her New York or Philadelphia shows. Fans have to go to their local H&M and get a special password to register.
There are also full page adverts for this competition in local newspapers announcing the contest. To enter visit www.hmcontest.com

In it's second week, Get Together has moved up from #88 to #84 on the Billboard Pop 100 Chart.

Madonna's new single Get Together has now shot to #3 on the South African Hot 30 singles chart.

Borderline Music are honoured to have another Donna in-store this summer on Saturday 17 June 1pm - during the Confessions Tour. Donna will be meeting her fans, signing autographs and taking pictures, and she may be performing new tracks off her 8th solo cd that is due out this summer, produced by DJ Mac Quayle.

For more information visit www.borderlinemusic.com

Here are the fan reviews from Madonna's first night in the Midwest at the United Center in Chicago on Wednesday 14 June - to read the full versions of the reports visit the Chicago Fan Reviews section:

From Billy:
Madonna has never sounded better vocally and her appearance and stage presence remains age defying. Highlights were Hung Up, Music, Live To Tell, and La Isla Bonita. Erotica will surprise the audience - in a good way.

From Carlos:
In the middle of 'Let It Will Be' she said 'It's time to rise and shine motherf*ckers' followed shortly by 'if you're gonna be my front row bitches you better be up for it'. Then when she finished it she sat for a minute and even delayed 'Drowned world/Substitute For Love' by giving Stuart Price a warming 'Heey' then she said 'I'm sure you know I'm from the Midwest' which everybody loved and said that 'You people from Chicago have to stand up for yourselves, God knows I've had to'.

From Don:
Once again she does not come on at 7:30 she did not come on until about 8:50 and yes....the a/c was turned off and it was HOT!
She was very chatty at points talking about the Midwest and after I love NY told us not to take it personally since she loves the Midwest also.

Fans can now watch a streaming version of the Get Together video online at the Australian website ninemsn Music

Madonna has hit back at claims she is too old to represent fashion chain store H+M - her spokesperson insists the 47-year-old has more energy than an 18-year-old.
The superstar was recently confirmed as the face of the Swedish company's Autumn 2006 range. But the decision has been criticised by advertising experts, who claim Madonna is too old to represent the company, whose shoppers are mainly young women.
Ad guru Jerry Della Femina says, 'These kids trade in stars every two or three years, and many don't know Madonna.'
But the singer's spokeswoman Liz Rosenberg has hit back, telling PageSix.com, 'I defy any 18-year-old to do a quarter of what Madonna does on stage. I hope Jerry Della Femina takes a nice pill.'

Here's our first picture from last night's Confessions Tour show at the United Center in Chicago - this one was taken by madonnalicious visitor Jimmy, and we have many more great pictures to come from him tomorrow, so stay tuned!

Greg Kot, Chicago Tribune music critic writes about the first date in Chicago:

....For the rest of the show, the sweat was earned, and the earlier slights receded into the back beat of a relentless four-to-the-floor kick-drum. This was Retro Madonna, the first tour in memory where the singer looked back instead of pushing her music and presentation forward. And this meant a return to her dance-club roots, with nods to those quintessential '70s icons ABBA (referenced in 'Hung Up'), Donna Summer ('Future Lovers') and 'Saturday Night Fever'-era John Travolta, with a white-suited Madonna mashing up the Tramps' 'Disco Inferno' and her own 'Music.'

...Yet when two male dancers played out a tortured ballet during 'Forbidden Love,' the intent was unmistakable, and moving. Madonna has been a gay icon since she emerged in the New York City clubs more than 20 years ago, and with gay rights once again under attack, her gesture did not go unnoticed. As Madonna extended a hand of solidarity to the dancers, a blast of appreciative cheers filled the arena.

To read the full review of last night's show visit www.metromix.chicagotribune.com

Ricard Berry from the Alibi bar in London has this news about a special Confessions Tour UK Finale party taking place on Thursday 17 August:

The party is from 6pm til 3am and will benefit Terrence Higgins Trust. We will have a fantastic Madonna tribute, prize draw to win exclusive items, and DJ playing Madge's greatest hits and remixes all night.
We'd love any Madonnalicious regulars in London to attend and will offer them a free cocktail on arrival if they quote MADONNALICIOUS to the bar staff.

For more information about the bar visit www.alibibar.co.uk

Let's take a look back at the first venue on the Confessions Tour - this great picture was taken at The Forum on Wednesday 24 May by madonnalicious visitor Liam - to view more of his pictures visit the Confessions Tour gallery.

James David of Jamesdavidmusic.com has submitted this news item:

Late last year word of a Hung Up remix I had been putting together exclusively for club play popped up on madonnalicious. Since completing the final mix and released to DJs I have been bombarded with requests from Madonna fans for the mix to be made available.
I could not do this earlier, but now that things have died down, I am delighted to include (below) a link to the radio edit of 'Well Hung For Deeper Love'.
This link is exclusively for madonnalicious.com readers – as a thank you for their patience and support for it and for my remix of Frozen. I’d be grateful if you could put a link to the mix on your main site to express my gratitude.

Here is the link: http://www.jamesdavidmusic.com/madonnalicious-exclusive-link.htm

Copies of Confessions On A Dancefloor bought in the US have this insert to cut out and hang up - advertising the official Madonna fanclub ICON.

Madonna is performing in Chicago for her sold-out 'Confessions' tour. Gina Brooke, Madonna's makeup artist and artistic director for Shu Uemura, shares the pop star's beauty secrets.
Madonna's makeup artist uses a natural look for her. She only uses concealor and stays away from foundation and powder because they can accentuate fine lines and wrinkles. She also adds false eyelashes to make her eyes look bigger.
'I've created exclusively for Madonna a pair of lashes for her to wear on her Confessions Tour and I came up with diamonds embedded on the lash line of her mink lashes and she just loves them. They sell for $10,000 a pair but shu uemura created a faux pair for $25.00,' said Brooke.

To read how to create the Madonna 'eyes' look visit ABC7Chicago.com

Warners are giving away FRONT ROW TICKETS to one of Madonna's MSG shows!
All you have to do is win a Madonna Karaoke contest Warners are holding on the eve of the 'I'm Going To Tell You A Secret' DVD/CD release (Monday June 19th) at The Virgin Megastore in Times Square NYC.

The video for Madonna's next single Get Together premiered today in the USA online on VH1.com and on several European TV channels.
The video is an animation using Madonna's KoKo club performance from last year.

Fans in the US can watch the video stream online at www.vh1.com

Celebrating the release of the new Madonna's DVD+CD 'I'M going To Tell You A Secret', IMAX at Les Galeries de la Capitale in Quebec City, Canada will be showing an exclusive premiere of the documentary to their BigScreen!

The exclusive event will be held only in Quebec City on Sunday night, June 18th; just a few days before her apprearence on the Bell Center in Montreal on June 21th& 22th.

A special contest is on with Radio-Energie and the Quebec City Radio Station, 98,5.
To attend, 300 lucky fans will be able to get ticket by simply fill the contest form at the Radio-Energie web site: www.radioenergie.com

Get Together hits #1 on Thursday's Billboard Dance/Club play chart!

This marks Madonna's 36th #1 on this chart - the most in the history of this chart!

Also Get Together is #1 Airplay at Dance Radio.

ICON is pleased to offer more pre-sale tickets to all qualifying members who were enrolled prior to Sun, Apr 2nd at 11:59 PM (PST) for the following shows:

Wed, Sept 6th - Sazka Arena - Prague, CZ
Begins Wed, June 14th at 9 AM local time (12 AM PST)
Ends Thurs, June 15th 5 PM local time (8 AM PST)

Your unique ICON code, valid for 2 tickets for the entire tour (you can purchase 1 ticket for two different shows), is on the 'Tour' page of ICONmadonna.com - please do not share this code.

A Get Together release party is taking place tonight at Tigerheat on Santa Monica Boulevard - for more information click on the flyer.

The UK TV video premiere of Madonna's new video for Get Together will be broadcast on Channel 4 at 11:05pm on Wednesday 14 June!

Here are some details on ticket sales for the Japanese dates of the Confessions Tour in Osaka and Tokyo this September:

Tickets are available for reservation by PIA ticket agencies from Saturday 10 June at 00:00 to Thursday 15 June at 09:00am at http://t.pia.co.jp/madonna

Tickets then go on sale properly on Sunday 09 July at 10:00am (local time).

Tickets are priced at 11,000¥ and 14,000 ¥ - with another more expensive category for Premium Tickets.

It's widely expected that at least one more show will be added to each venue.
The gap between online reservations and been able to purchase tickets gives promoters time to assess demand for tickets.

Canadian online ticket retailer www.admission.com are selling more tickets to both Confessions Tour dates in Montreal now (mainly side-stage seats).

Visit the Confessions Tour gallery to view larger versions of these pictures taken by madonnalicious visitor B Harrison at the second Phoenix show on Saturday 10 June.

 

 

UK radio station BBC Radio 4 broadcast a program this afternoon called Stage to Screen: Evita - fans can now listen again to this show at www.bbc.co.uk/radio4

Paul Gambaccini is joined by the show's lyricist and librettist Tim Rice and the director Alan Parker. A faction of Argentinians never wanted Madonna to play their much-loved heroine Eva Peron. How they and their President were won round formed part of the protracted arrangements to bring Evita to the screen.

NY, Miami and Paris do it! Now Atlanta does it!
TRIBUTE TO MADONNA BIRTHDAY PARTY: Help us celebrate the queen's 48th birthday in style on Wednesday 16 August 2006 at Bazzaar Urban Lounge, in Midtown Atlanta next to the world famous Fox Theatre.
This will be an art show & benefit for Art For Justice And Victims United, www.artforjustice.com
And also will support the Gwinnett Sexual Assault Center (local) & Carole Sund Carrington Memorial Reward Foundation (nationwide.) All Madonna - all night! Impersonators, silent auction for original art, victim's advocacy area, complimentary drinks and much more.

ARTIST CALL:
We are seeking original Madonna art created by artists from all over the USA. (ALL countries are welcome to participate but we cannot guarantee your work will get back to you safely if it does not sell.)
Work can be submitted all via internet, please send a website or sample of current work/style. Deadline for final piece to Atlanta is Tuesday 01 August 2006. Art will hang from August 13 - Sept 30, 2006 if not sold.
Commission: Art For Justice And Victims United will receive 30%, you 70% - if you would like to donate a piece to our silent auction or additional proceeds for crime victims, we'd love it!
Mediums accepted: 2D, 3D only - painting, drawing, mixed media, collage, photography. Choose your fave Madonna era, theme, etc. - Get creative!

Also seeking for event: Madonna impersonators!

For a complete list of details and art call info please email:
Leann at artforjustice@gmail.com - add Madonna Art Call in subject line.
Call Leann with questions: 404.350.9232
Visit: www.artforjustice.com / www.bazzaaratlanta.com / gsac-cac.org / carolesundfoundation.com

Good news for guests of the Madonna Madness pre-party in Montreal:

Promoter Marco D has just informed madonnalicious that he will be raffling a pair of tickets for the June 21st show at the Centre Bell.
Raffle tickets are only 1$ and can be bought at the party this Friday June 16th. Inferno ClubMix is located at 1592 St-Catherine street East.

Check out Marco D's blog here for more information.

Visit the www.barnesandnoble.com website to hear previews of all 14 tracks on the live CD that is available with the I'm Going To Tell You A Secret DVD.

Fans in San Antonio, Texas can attend the official party celebrating the release of the I'm Going To Tell You A Secret DVD on Wednesday 14 June at Saint at 1430 North Main (210-225-7330) - click on the flyer for more information.

The new single Get Together is not doing very well on airplay charts in Canada - fans can vote for the single at the following links:

CHUM FM / www.chumfm.com/Music/SongRequest
CKOI / www.ckoi.com/6a6
Mix 96 / www.themix.com/requests
Radio Énergie / www.radioenergie.com/musique/top6
Z103.5 / www.z1035.com/features/allrequest

More great pictures were taken at the second show in Phoenix on Saturday 10 June by madonnalicious visitor David - to view all 8 pictures by David visit the Confessions Tour gallery.

 

Madonna's second date in Phoenix, was just as hot as the first - check out the fan reports from Saturday night's show in the Phoenix Fan Reviews section:

From Bruce:
If time only went by as slowly as she sings in 'Hung Up. From beginning to end Madonna was simply amazing. I scored great seats both nights just 4 rows away from the Dancing Queen. When she came to the catwalk to sing Like A Virgin I felt so happy, I blessed enough to see her beauty up close and personal.

From David:
She yelled at a fan for not standing up and kept yelling at him to stand up. She yelled something like, 'Why are you sitting? Did you not enjoy the show? Do you want your money back motherf---er?'

From EvolutioNtwisteD:
She was so close you could see the diamonds on her eyelashes. As the show went on it was so fuckin hot, but we continued to jump up and down and watch the queen at work! I thought I was going to have a heat stroke but the energy level kept us pushin!

From James:
The highlight was 'Ray Of Light' everyone was one their feet jumping and dancing. It was sooo much fun. It was worth the time and money! Only wish I could see her again. Kisses to you all going to see her and don't forget to wear comfortable clothing....it gets HOT!

From Stacia:
One moment that struck me was during 'Substitute For Love.' Everyone in our section was seated except for one girl 3 rows in front of me. I will never forget her - she was dancing slowly, and singing the song, reaching out towards Madonna, then bringing her hands gently back to her chest. She was so emotional that it made me emotional as well. She sang the entire song. It was almost like to her, she and Madonna were the only people in the Arena. I'll never forget that.

From William B:
The BEST part is when at one point....Madonna said....'PHOENIX....YOU'RE ALRIGHT!' That's when EVERYONE, the entire arena went NUTS! It was AMAZING. I think Madonna felt 'WELCOME' from the reception she received from us, Phoenicians....specially when Madonna has not visit AZ in 21 years. WELCOME BACK!

madonnalicious visitor Teena C took some great pictures at the first Phoenix show on Thursday 08 June - to view more pictures visit the Confessions Tour gallery.

 

 

 

CNNMoney.com published an interesting article last month about Warner Music adapting to the digital music age and the article starts with the first listening to Madonna's new album in the presence of all the executives:

The lights were dim. Scented white candles guttered and glowed, arrayed around a towering arrangement of white flowers that were themselves encircled by chairs draped in white linens. Madonna was in the house.
The house in this instance was a conference room at the New York headquarters of Warner Music Group (Research) last June, and despite the efforts to set the mood, the vibe was anything but relaxed. CEO Edgar Bronfman Jr. and a handful of top Warner executives had gathered to hear Madonna's as-yet-unreleased album, Confessions on a Dance Floor.
Bronfman was particularly edgy; Madonna's last record had bombed, and the onetime undisputed diva, now 47 years old, seemed perilously poised between one last shot at clawing back into the limelight or sliding further into faded stardom - and, more to the point for Warner, commercial oblivion. Yet as he listened, Bronfman was relieved, then thrilled. Track after track sounded like classic Madonna, the kind of music that had made her a global superstar, selling roughly 200 million albums for Warner over her career. When the CD ended, Bronfman stood up, turned to Madonna, and said, 'You are our queen.'

To read the complete article visit CNNMoney.com

To celebrate Madonna's presence in Montreal on june 21st, MusiMax (the Canadian version of VH1) organises the 'Madonna au Max' day. From June 14th to 21st @ noon, viewers can request a numbered bracelet at reception in order to enter a contest to win a pair of tickets for the june 21st show. Draw will happen at 6:45 amongst the people with bracelets standing outside the station. They will then be escorted to the show in a limo.

Musimax is located at 355 Ste-Catherine West in Montreal.

For more details on the 'Madonna au Max' day's programming, please visit promo.musiqueplus.com/madonna

Fans can now watch the video for Jody Watley's cover version of Madonna's classic hit Borderline at this link.

Today's edition of UK newspaper The Sunday Times featured Madonna on the cover of it's Style magazine supplement.

The magazine has eight pages of the latest W magazine photoshoot by Steven Klein and some classic Madonna quotes. Click on the cover to enlarge.

Visit arthuretlesminimoys.com to watch a trailer (click on 'What's New') for the upcoming film Arthur and the Minimoys which features Madonna as a voice artist.

The free magazine available in French FNAC music stores features Madonna on the cover and a five-page article inside focusing on her work with French artists.

Click on the image to enlarge.

Madonna may be 47 and the mother of two, but on Thursday night, she was the hottest, wildest woman in Arizona.
Showing off her well-honed physique, an array of costumes ranging from naughty to amusing, the energy of an aerobics instructor and some choice expletives aimed at the president and the audience, the superstar left no doubt that her 'Confessions' tour is the summer's biggest concert spectacle.

To read the rest of the review visit azcentral.com

Here are the first batch of pictures from Madonna's tour stop in Phoenix - these pictures were taken by madonnalicious visitor Phillip T at the first Phoenix show on Thursday 08 June - visit the Confessions Tour gallery to view all 6 of his pictures.

 

 

Last night's show at the Glendale Arena in Phoenix, was hot! Madonna is becoming more relaxed and more chatty with her audience and the show!
Here are some madonnalicious fan reports from the first night in Phoenix - to read the full reports visit the Phoenix Fan Reviews section:

From David:
She was on tonight! Maybe the best performance of the 3 LA shows I've seen. Her voice sounded flawless and she just seemed so comfortable with the show now. She's really enjoying her and improving a little more. She definitely liked the audience much more.

From Larry:
When she sat down to sing 'Drowned World/Substitute For Love,' she asked the arena management to turn off the air conditioning, because 'by this time in the show, I'm sweating. But I'm dry; what the fuck? I thought it was supposed to be hot here!' Then she spoke to us: 'I want you to dance. Get hot and dirty!' And then the dork came out in her, when she said, 'before I break someone's balls,' then laughed and told Stuart to shut up.

From Luciano:
The most amazing and thumping part of the show is that Sorry remix, the building shakes! However, nothing compares to Music, it amazingly beautiful and Madonna's dance routine makes the audience freak and dance and do their thing. Every other detail you have to see live it is unbelievable the costumes, the cross, the numbers, the images, the lights, the dancers, to choreography, the music, the songs, her speeches, simply undescribable, YOU HAVE TO SEE THIS!

From Ryan:
I had also scored a choice spot right by the catwalk....she stopped when singing 'Let It Will Be' and pointed at me then put her finger in her mouth as she had done in Drowned World during 'Candy Perfume Girl.' She also let me sing into the mike during 'Hung Up.' I'm still trying to wrap my mind around that I had two eye locking instances with Madonna....she gave it everything she had to give tonight.

From Teena:
'Tonight is young and the show has just begun' Madonna announced....even though the show started 40 minutes late. The show was energetic and went as planned. At one point she asked the management to turn the air conditioning off. She said, 'What's the deal? It's fucking dry. I thought it was hot in Arizona? Let's heat this place up! Let's take our clothes off....let's start sweatin'....let's get hot....and nasty....yeah! Before I break some balls!'

madonnalicious visitor Rob has sent in some great pictures from the first show in San Jose on Tuesday 30 May - visit the Confessions Tour gallery to view more.

Here are the latest Billboard chart placings for Get Together:

Get Together is #3 Billboard Dance/Club Play chart
Get Together is #8 Billboard Dance Radio Airplay chart
Get Together is #3 (debut) Billboard Hot 100 Singles Sales
Get Together is #10 Billboard Hot Dance Single Sales
Get Together is #18 (debut) Billboard Bubbling under Hot 100 Chart
Get Together is #88 on Billboard's Pop 100

Here are some fan pictures taken at the first Fresno show on Monday 05 June by madonnalicious visitor Mark - to view larger versions of all 34 of his pictures visit the Confessions Tour gallery to view larger versions.

 

 

 

 

 

ICON is pleased to offer more pre-sale tickets to all qualifying members who were enrolled prior to Sun, Apr 2nd at 11:59 PM (PST) for the following shows:

Sat, Sept 16th Osaka, Japan - Osaka Dome
Begins Sat, June 10th at 12 AM local time (June 9th at 8 AM PST)
Ends Mon, June 12th 8 AM local time (June 11th at 5 PM PST)

Wed, Sept 20th Tokyo, Japan - Tokyo Dome
Begins Sat, June 13th at 12 AM local time (June 12th at 8 AM (PST)
Ends Mon, June 15th 8 AM local time (June 14th at 5 PM (PST)

Your unique ICON code, valid for 2 tickets for the entire tour (you can purchase 1 ticket for two different shows), is on the 'Tour' page of ICONmadonna.com - please do not share this code.

The current issue of Spanish tourist promotional (not available in stores) magazine AC World features Madonna on the cover and a three-page article inside the magazine.

Click on the cover to enlarge.

Madonna's Confessions Tour tops Billboard Boxscore concert grosses - so far the tour has grossed over $22million!

The Forum, Inglewood - May 21,23,24 - 40,044 seats (sold out) $7,686380
MGM Grand Garden, Las Vegas - May 27,28 - 27,528 seats (sold out) $7,257,750
HP Pavilion, San Jose - May 30,31 - 27,024 seats (sold out) $4,761,555
Staples Center, Los Angeles - June 3 - 14183 seats (sold out) $2,804,583

Click on the flyer below for more information about the Get Together Official Release party taking place in Rome tonight (Friday 09 June).

Here is more on the H&M story revealing a bit more on what fans can expect from the advertising campaign. It looks like Madonna-fever will certainly hit London in August when the Confessions Tour hits town at the same time as this campaign!

US pop queen Madonna has been confirmed as the latest of a string of celebrities to model for Swedish low-cost fashion retailer Hennes and Mauritz (H and M).
'We are extremely proud that Madonna wants to be in partnership with H and M,' company spokeswoman Kristina Stenvinkel told AFP Thursday.
'This campaign encapsulates H and M's and Madonna's expression of diversity and personal style,' Stenvinkel added.
Madonna is to pose for a poster campaign due to hit bill boards worldwide from August.
The company is to also clothe Madonna and 150 members of her crew in T-shirts, tops, hoods and jeans emblazened with 'Madonna plus crew loves H and M'. These designs will be made available in H and M stores.
Madonna's crew is also to be given free range to stock up on H and M products.
'Madonna and her crew will be able to select items from the H and M range at stores in London and New York,' Stenvinkel said.
Stenvinkel refused to reveal how much the campaign was worth.

madonnalicious visitor Tiffany has sent in these great pictures from the last night in Fresno on Tuesday - visit the Confessions Tour gallery to view larger versions.

 

 

 

This is the official press release to alert the media about the UK release of I'm Going To Tell You A Secret and the Get Together single:

With 8 Wembley Arena dates sold-out for this summer's Confessions world tour, which opened in L.A on May 21st and arrives in London on August 1st, Madonna releases the special edition live CD/DVD package 'I'm Going To Tell You A Secret' on Warner Bros Records, June 19th.
Directed by Jonas Akerlund, the artistic and compelling documentary sees Madonna at her most personal, political and spiritual - both professionally and personally.
The DVD boasts previously unreleased bonus footage, while the live CD contains 14 tracks from 2004's critically acclaimed 'Reinvention' tour, which included two nights at Earl's Court and four at Wembley Arena.
The official CD tracklisting is: The Beast Within, Vogue, Nobody Knows Me, American Life, I Love New York, Hollywood (Remix), Die Another Day, Lament, Like A Prayer, Mother and Father, Into The Groove, Music, Holiday and her poignant interpretation of John Lennon's Imagine.
On July 24th Madonna releases Get Together, the third single from her million-selling 'Confessions On A Dancefloor' LP with exclusive remixes by Danny Howells, James Holden, Tiefschwarz and Jacques Lu Cont. Available on 2-track CD and Maxi CD, it follows the Number One singles 'Hung Up' and 'Sorry'.
This summer she will perform eight sold-out shows at Wembley Arena on August 1st/3rd/9th/10th/12th/13th/15th/16th, plus her first ever live show in Wales on July 30th.

Watch the new and extended trailer for the film: Real Media / Windows Media

This great picture taken by madonnalicious visitor Kevin shows Madonna onstage with her backing singers striking a pose at the first Fresno concert on Monday.

To view all three of Kevin's pictures visit the Confessions Tour gallery.

It's confirmed! Madonna and her Confessions Tour dancers will be advertising H&M clothes this summer - here is the official press release from H&M:

In a dream marriage of music and fashion, Madonna, has joined up with fashion giant H&M to supply a complete off stage wardrobe for her entire touring troupe including her band, dancers, crew members and the Material girl herself, it was announced today by H&M. With a shared philosophy of diversity and fashion freedom, 'Team Madonna' participants will be free to choose clothing from H&M's extensive 2006 collection.
Madonna, whose Confessions Tour opened on May 21st, will be dressed by famed designer Jean-Paul Gaultier while on-stage looks forward to being equally fashionable when she steps off the stage in H&M.
'Partnering up with H&M feels like a perfect fit. We'll all get to express ourselves in our own individual ways. The dancers and I are excited to go shopping together,' stated Madonna.
Other aspects of the collaboration between H&M and the artist will include a specially designed Madonna track suit which will be available in H&M stores in mid August as well as an advertising campaign featuring Madonna and her legendary dancers.
'This is a thrill for H&M. Aside from being great fans of Madonna's music and fashion sense, we admire her ability to always be ahead of the trends in everything she does. We look forward to seeing how her touring family translates H&M's seasonal trends to their own personal looks,' says H&M's head of design Margareta van den Bosch.
Founded in Sweden in 1947, H&M, which has over 1,200 stores in 22 countries, is synonymous around the world with affordable, up to date and high quality fashion. The company's collections are created by their own designers. The spring/summer 2006 seasonal trends are romanticism inspired by the early 1900's - clean cut tailoring in light neutrals and Riviera style preppy glamour. In addition, there is a wide range of updated classics including knitwear, denim, t-shirts and mix and match sweatshirts and accessories to complete any individual look.
Madonna, a multi-Grammy Award winning artist, children's author and visionary is a cultural innovator of astonishing diversity and enduring appeal. Her current CD Confessions On A Dance Floor debuted at No.1 in 29 countries. The Confessions Tour is scheduled to travel the world through the end of September.

Here are flyers for two official Madonna parties taking place tonight in Phoenix and West Hollywood - click on the flyers for all the information you need:

Airik, the DJ at the RAGE West Hollywood party wants to let madonnalicious visitors in free - email djairik@boyu.com and get yourself put on the guestlist!

   

Maybe this has something to do with Madonna's Confessions Tour shows hitting the US but Madonna has THREE songs in the Billboard Hot Dance Single Sales this week:

#2 - Sorry
#3 - Hung Up
#10 - Get Together

Here are the first lot of pictures from last night's show in Fresno - taken by madonnalicious visitor Scott D - visit the Confessions Tour gallery to view more.

Madonna played her second and last show in Fresno, California last night - here are some fan reports from the show - to read the full versions visit the Fresno Fan Reviews section:

From Dean:
Madonna had the entire place off their seats during 'Ray Of Light'. She has been saying 'Okay everbody, this is NOT a sit down song, everyone off your seats!'

From Mark:
At one point during the show, she asked those in the front row why they were 'so far away?' She then proceeded to ask the audience to come closer to her. (There was a big surge even from the sides of the catwalk after she said that). This was definitely the most that Madonna seemed relaxed with her fans.

From Ryan:
Before Drowned World, she's sitting on the edge of the stage....she's rubbing her hand against the edge of the stairs, and the silver disco ball stuff that lines the edge of the stage was peeling off the front of the steps. She rolls her eyes and looks at those of us in the front and tells us 'Oh great....my stage is falling apart!'
Before Paradise, she tells us that she'd met Isaac in an airport, he said he wanted to sing with her, and she said 'OK!'

From Scott D:
She explained just before Drowned World how she was feeling like shit and didn't want to do a show, but that we as an audience put out so much positive energy and it was contageous and she was having a GREAT time.

madonnalicious visitor Marvin has sent in some fabulous pictures from both nights in San Jose - first up we have have 16 of his pictures from the Wednesday 31 May show - visit the Confessions Tour gallery to view larger versions.

 

Visit www.bbc.co.uk/radio1/musicinterviews to download two classic interviews with Madonna (to download to your computer just right click the Download button).

The first is a very American and young sounding Madonna talking with Simon Bates from back in 1986, the second is with Simon Mayo from 1994 talking about everything from religion and Sean Penn to her upbringing and much more.

A raffle is being held to win two tickets to the July 13th performance of the Confessions Tour at the Wachovia Center in Philadelphia!

Raffle tickets are $5 each. If you buy 4, you get the 5th one free!

Tickets are available for purchase at Spruce St Video or PHAG Shop.
For other options, please contact Troy at tporter@mazzonicenter.org

The winning seats are in a great location - Section 107, Row 26.

All proceeds benefit the Mazzoni Center and the Trans-health Conference. The Mazzoni Center is Philadelphia's LGBT health Center and the Trans-health Conference is an annual conference which works to re-envision what health care means for Trans-folk.
The winner will be announced at the 'Confessions on Camac Street' party on Monday July 10th at Tavern on Camac. (Ticket holder need not be present to win.)

Apologies to anyone who has tried to send emails over the past 24 hours - my mailbox was full and may have rejected it. I have sorted this problem out now so please try and send your emails again. Thanks :-)

Yet another Madonna event in Montreal. This time it's a pre-party at Inferno ClubMix (1592 St-Catherine east)
To be expected: everybody's favorite Madonna classics, B-sides + rare and exclusive remixes by special guest Dj Dominic Romeo from Philadelphia.
Special rare video's on screens and projectors + many Madonna prizes to be rewarded for the best Madonna costumes....so everybody pull out your blond wigs!
Friday June 16th, 5 days before her shows....

For more information visit: blog.myspace.com/madonnamadness

Madonna played her first night at the Save Mart Center in Fresno last night, here are some reports from madonnalicious visitors who attended the show:

From Alan:
'This isn't FRES-NO....it's FRES-YES!' After about a 40 minute delay in starting the show Madonna started her first of two Fresno California shows.
It seemed to go as the other shows had, including a 'DONT THROW SHIT ON MY FUCKING STAGE' warning.

From Chad:
Just came in from the first Fresno show, and am dead tired from seeeing her do her magic. She opened up the show with the hugest smile since 'Fever' on The Girlie Show. I was sitting right in front of the catwalk so I got to see it all.

From John:
From start to finish I was on my feet and only sat when Madonna took a mini break during Drowned World. The rest of the time a friend and I danced and sang every word. When the Disco ball dropped and she popped out we entered into another world, and it was all Madonna's. She was funny, and spoke some to the crowd. 'This isn't Fres-no....this is Fres-yes, right? Fres-yes! The crowd ate it up!

To read the full fan reports visit the Fresno - Fan Reviews section.

Visit the Confessions Tour gallery to view eight great pictures taken by madonnalicious visitor Tommie at the first San Jose show on Tuesday 30 May.

Keep checking madonnalicious for more great pictures from San Jose!

 

 

US TV channel Logo is beginning a big push over the next few weeks to ask viewers to vote for their favorite Madonna video of all time.
Fans can go online to LogoOnline.com, watch about 30 of Madonna's videos and place their vote for their favorite.

The results of all the voting will be broadcast on Logo on Saturday 24 June at 8pm when the channel airs The Click List: Utimate Madonna which will feature the Top Ten Madonna videos of all time, as picked by Logo's viewers.

You can read amore it the event at logo.blogs.com

The downtown Denver, Colorado Virgin Megastore features this display of exclusive Confessions Tour merchandise.

Two new music shows have been launched on TV in Québec, one on Musimax (like VH1), and one on Musique Plus (like MTV), and on these two TV show, fans can vote for the video Sorry:

Musique Plus - www.musiqueplus2.com/pop/
Musimax - www.musiqueplus2.com/top5musimax/anglo/

Fans in California can celebrate the release of Get Together at OASIS in Upland Ca (just 40 minutes East of Los Angeles).

Doors open at 6pm - age 21+. Giveaways following the Confessions performance by Shaylavie

OASIS NIGHTCLUB 1386 East Foothill Blvd. UPLAND, Ca (909) 920-9590

For more information click on the flyer.

Here's a report and some great pictures from madonnalicious visitor Scott D from the Staples Center show: Visit the Confessions Tour gallery for larger pictures.

Here are some of my photos from the Saturday 03 June 2006 Staples Center Show in Los Angeles. The concert gods have blessed me with awesome seats this time around every night. This was my third show and Madonna was on fire. She seemed to be loving her time on stage. She was really talkative.
I spotted Uma Thurman in the second row and Madonna winked and pointed to her a few times. During Ray Of Light she told everyone that she wanted them up and dancing. She waited for everyone in the third or fourth row of Floor two to get up and then waited for a guy in section three to get up before she started. It was awesome.
Before Drowned world she took some time to thank some people who have helped her and inspired through the years that were in the audience. The night was also made awesome by the people who stood next to me. Big fans, great energy, and lots of dancing.

 

 

 

Every night, Jason Harvey pushes Madonna's buttons.
No, he's not the pop diva's latest boy toy. He's 'the video guy.'
Backstage, the 36-year-old engineer from Milton Keynes, England, works multiple keyboards in a booth that is a virtual traveling TV station. This is where he pushes her buttons. Using software from San Jose's Adobe Systems, he sets in motion multiple video streams that fill giant screens hovering over, around and beneath one-inch plexiglass stages the preening Madonna dances on.

To read the rest of this article about the tour video screens MercuryNews.com

Here's a look at the Confessions Tour merchandise booklet that was available at the Staples Center show - note how on one page that Madonna and Crew (Heart) H&M - Check out H&M www.handm.com is written - could this be the firmest hint that Madonna will indeed be starring in a promotional advert for Swedish clothing firm H&M as rumoured last week?

On Friday Gramex, Copyright Society of Performing Artists and Phonogram Producers in Finland, published news that Madonna was the most played artist in Finnish commercial radios in the year 2005.
She was 'superior' (their word of choice) to second-place Anastacia. Robbie Williams came third and Bon Jovi was fourth. The first Finnish artist, Eppu Normaali, was on the fifth place.
This was second year in a row when Madonna has been the most played artist in Finnish commercial radios.

For more information (in Finnish) visit www.gramex.fi

madonnalicious Mom and Daughter visitors Ellen and Gloriane have sent in this report and picture of a great Confessions Tour collectable:

Here is a picture of the complementary Confessions fleece blanket and badge we received at the VIP party at Staples Center. The show was fabulous from the 1st row off the floor parallel to the catwalk. We saw the Blonde Ambition Tour together and Madonna is still a firecracker. The show was Off The Hinges! When the disco ball droped down and opened up the party began. She is and always will be The Dancing Queen!

The Montreal Musimax TV channel (the Canadian version of VH1) will air Madonna clips, interviews and videos all day from 4pm-12am on Wednesday 21 June.

madonnalicious visitor Michael went to the Confessions Tour show last night at the Staples Center. Featured below are some of his pictures from the show and a quick report of the celebrities he saw and his pictures of Uma Thurman.

To view all 35 of his wonderful pictures visit the Confessions Tour gallery.

 

 

 

 

 

 

From Michael:
So I went to the Staples Center show, row 4 and since I had such good seats, there were a few celebrities. In my row was Mila Kunis from That 70's Show....I didnt really give a shit about her before, but I love her now. She was DANCING HER ASS OFF the ENTIRE show and knew ALL the words to the Confessions songs....she must be a really big fan!
Also sitting nearby was UMA THURMAN! A few people asked her for pics and she was really nice. She didn't seem to get to into the show though....she sat through a lot of it and didnt really dance much....oh well.

 

madonnalicious visitor Ryan has sent in this report from Madonna's one and only show at the Staples Center in Los Angeles that took place last night:

My friend Joe got us floor seats for tonight....row 11, but 6 people away from the catwalk, on the right side of the stage.
We hung out against the catwalk, talking to the security guard (except ignoring him when he asked us to go back to our seats) and just planted ourselves until the concert began. We were pressed against the security barrier at the catwalk the entire concert. Wow! What an amazing concert!
I feel like I missed out on Future Lovers because the disco ball blocked my view of her....but....one of the BEST MOMENTS IN MY ENTIRE LIFE happened during Get Together....
When she was on the catwalk, after she lays on the stage singing 'It's all an illusion....' she was right in front of me....I screamed to her 'Madonna, you're beautiful!' and I reached my hand out to her....she reached back, but she couldn't quite get to me....so, she broke out of her choreography, came to the very edge of the catwalk, and grabbed my hand and sang 'I'll make you feel better....' while making solid eye contact. As she sang 'If it's bitter at the start, then it's sweeter in the end' I blew a kiss to her....WOW!
Then, during Like It or Not, she passed by me again as she sang 'You can love me or leave me, but I'm never gonna stop.' I screamed to her 'Don't ever stop, Madonna!' but I didn't think she heard me....well....when she was walking back from the catwalk to the main stage, dragging her chair, she stops right in front of me, turns her head and makes solid eye contact again and sings 'Oh no, you better' then she proceeds back up the catwalk to the stage.
Finally, during Music, she passed by me before her little dance number at the end of the catwalk and I screamed 'Miss Travolta!' to her. When she was going back up the catwalk to the main stage before the part where she points at the guys as they skate past her, I screamed 'Miss Travolta!' again and she squats down in front of me and sings an entire line of Music while looking me square in the eye.
I will cherish this night forever. Amazing. I heard in an interview (I think maybe the ABC Primetime Interview?) that she finds one person in every concert to connect to. I felt that tonight I might have been that person. She did interact with those in the front row....and Uma Thurman was up in the front, and she said a few lines to Uma, but as far as a regular fan, she went out of her way to connect with me.
Unbelievable....she's beautiful in person....I feel inspired by tonight.
On another note....I've seen all the LA concerts....tonight she was SPOT ON....her vocals were amazing....there were no technical glitches that I was aware of....she was FILLED with energy and she seemed enthusiastic (unlike the Wednesday show at the LA Forum, where she was so lifeless)....I can't wait for Fresno!
During I Love New York, she sang 'Los Angeles is for people who sleep', then she just rolls her eyes. She sang the 'suck George Bush's dick' line again. At the end of I Love New York, she once again told us not to take the song personally.
Before Drowned World, she said there were alot of people in the audience who she loved. I can't remember the exact words, but she said these people had really been there for her, molded her into who she is today, and she wanted to know how much she loved them. Then she sang Drowned World.
After Sorry she said 'A lot of people talk the talk, but not many in this town walk the walk' and then she said 'but, I know a few people who do' and she pointed in the general direction of where Uma Thurman was sitting. On a sidenote....Uma is BEAUTIFUL....and VERY tall. I'm 6'3" and Uma must be at least 5'11".
I can't remember many more details, but WOW what a night. I didn't take many pics because I wanted to enjoy the moment, and I didn't want to piss Madonna off by flashing my camera in her face....

The June 2006 issue of Chilean magazine Paparazzi features a cover story and review of the Confessions Tour called Madonna: Immortal - click to enlarge.

Virgin Megastores are now offering exclusive Confessions Tour merchandise for sale in their US stores. Some of the items for sale are not available online or at any of the shows - below are pictures of a few of the tshirts for sale.

Check out the madonnalicious Confessions Tour gallery to see more pictures taken by visitors DJ Young and Sean at the two Las Vegas concerts last weekend.

 

 

madonnalicious visitor Lance took these fabulous pictures at the second Las Vegas show on Sunday 28 May - he also sent in this report:

Las Vegas is hot, but Madonna is HOTTER! The concert is absolutely amazing! Every good thing that you've read about it is entirely true. I won't repeat what other reviewers have written about the songs, but if you have tickets, you are in for a thrill.
Our girl loves to make a grand entrance and she doesn't let us down this time around. I only wish 'Erotica' had been the album version and performed at the beginning after 'Future Lovers/I Feel Love'. I wanted to hear, 'My name is Dita....I'll be your mistress tonight', while she rode around on her dancers like they were horses....complete with riding crop of course. You will not be disappointed.

 

 

Lance also writes: After the show I had the chance to meet and steal a hug from Cloud and Tamara. They are two of the nicest people you would ever want to meet. Here's a picture of them smooching for the camera!

To view larger versions of all of his pictures visit the Confessions Tour gallery.

The I'm Going To Tell You A Secret DVD has been given a release date in Australia of Monday 19 June - according to www.ezydvd.com.au

Ottawa Ontario, Canada - Starting this Saturday night at 7pm, KISS FM audience contestants will be hitting the dance floor in an effort to raise funds for the CHEO Telethon with a 24 Hour 'KISS FM MADONNA DANCE-A-THON for CHEO'.

Our dancing couples will try to make it the full 24 hours dancing exclusively to MADONNA MUSIC along-side the CHEO telethon at NORTEL: Moodie Drive at Carling.

Along with raising funds for CHEO, the last couple on the floor will win a VIP trip to the Sold Out Madonna concert in Montreal.

The newspapers in Prague are celebrating Madonna's decision to play at the Sazka Arena in Prague in September - below are scans from 24 Hodin, Blesk and DNES.

Madonna was photographed on the morning of her first San Jose show (Tuesday 30 May) at the Los Angeles Kaballah Centre.

The Madonna Rides Again issue of W magazine is now available for fans to buy (from selected newsagents) in the UK.

Here are some more great pictures from the HP Pavilion in San Jose, this time taken by madonnalicious visitor Trina at the second show on Wednesday 31 May.
To view larger versions of all 10 pictures visit the Confessions Tour gallery.

 

 

 

This official announcement has just been sent to MSG email subscribers:

Madonna's Confessions Tour which opened to rave reviews in Los Angeles, will visit Madison Square Garden in NYC on June 28 & 29, July 2, 3, 18, & 19 and now, with the production finalized, tour promoters announced today that a limited number of excellent tickets at all price levels are available for sale NOW!

Visit www.msgnyc.com to purchase your tickets online.

madonnalicious visitor Yasi has sent in these great pictures from the first show on Tuesday 30 May at the HP Pavilion in San Jose - to view larger versions of the pictures visit the Confessions Tour gallery.

 

 

Further press reviews for Madonna's opening night of the Confessions Tour have been published online - click on the headline to read the full review:

Rolling Stone: Crucifixes, Leather and Hits
The dancing queen of spectacle concerts, Madonna has the unique ability to transform garish production values into powerful autobiography. The opening Los Angeles date of Madonna's Confessions Tour wasn't a reinvention so much as it was a refinement of the elaborately choreographed, sexually provocative extravaganza she created with 1990's Blond Ambition Tour. As its title implies, Confessions is very much all about Madonna.

TeenMusic.com: Concert Review: Madonna: Confessions Tour
'Ladies and gentlemen, the show has just begun,' declared Madonna on the opening night of her Confessions Tour. The proclamation, delivered in a voice devoid of jubilation and rife with authority and seduction, came four numbers into the set - four numbers so jaw-droppingly spectacular that the show could have ended then and there and the crowd would have gone home happy elated. But those first four numbers, dazzling as they are, are merely the opening act to what is an astonishing three-ring circus of a show.

Fans can go to www.g-a-y.co.uk or www.met-police-draw.co.uk to buy raffle tickets to win an exclusive art piece which was donated by Madonna and has been valued to be worth around £2500 in aid of charity.

Tha draw takes place at the G-A-Y club on Saturday 24 June and tickets are on sale at the above websites and gay venues around London. Tickets cost a £1 - and 10% of revenue from all e-tickets go to Cancer Research UK.

The Official UK Charts Company are running a poll on the UK's greatest number 1 albums of the last 15 years (they might even publish a special book to mark this anniversary).
Fans can vote for up to 50 albums from the 1960s to the present day and all Madonna's UK number one albums are included.

To vote visit www.theofficialcharts.com/album_vote

The German press are currently full of articles on the Confessions Tour - featured below are the latest issues of Gala, In and Revue.

Fans in Norway can catch Madonna's tour documentary I'm Going To Tell You A Secret on Sunday 04 June at 9:45pm (CET) on TV2.

Montreal’s newest radio station hits the airwaves Thursday morning, June 1st at 5:30am.
Aaron & Tasso will initiate the transformation of Q92 to MADONNA-FM, a radio station dedicated to celebrating the arrival in Montreal of pop music’s most celebrated icon.
MADONNA-FM will be everything Madonna: her music, her concert tickets, her legacy.
MADONNA-FM is the world’s first radio station officially named for a recording artist and will be on the air from June 1st to June 22nd, when it will return to being Montreal’s Q92.

For more information and to listen online visit www.q92fm.com

Here is the story behind Madonna's distracting 'front row bitches' at the show in San Jose - madonnalicious visitor Dave reveals all:

The reason why Madonna mentioned the 'front row bitches' in her San Jose concert? See the photograph below. I custom-made this shirt after I won the MTV contest so that Madonna would notice me. I'd seen Madonna 11 times before, in 8 different North American venues, but NEVER this close! It was a dream come true. She looked at me a LOT, and smiled at me and my shirt several times. She aimed the microphone at me during 'Hung Up' and sang to me directly (eye contact, smiles) many times including 'Get Together,' 'Jump,' 'La Isla Bonita,' 'I Love New York,' and 'Drowned World,' among others.
The shirt was a magnet, but I'm also really big and tall so all my jumping and flailing really stood out! I was the luckiest guy in the venue that night! Every time she referred to the front row bitch(es) I turned around to the folks in the rows behind me and they cheered! After the show, several people came up to me and congratulated me for getting so much personal attention from Madonna. The experience was absolutely amazing!

madonnalicious now brings you fan reviews from the second show at the HP Pavilion in San Jose last night. To read the full reviews visit the Fan Reviews section:

From Jerry James:
This show was amazing. My friend and I were in the front row on the floor. First off we handed out 500 glow sticks to our section. One of the crew members came out and took our picture because they saw us handing them out to everyone and we had made our shirts: 'Bush Fucking Sucks' and 'Madonna for President'. He said Madonna loves seeing stuff like this. It's really neat thinking she will see our picture!

From Jose:
It was obvious the whole night that she was enjoying herself so much more than last night. She kept saying 'You guys are great!' at various points in the show, and I'm glad that her beloved 'Front Row B!tches' (at one point she said 'You front row bitches are distracting me!' and she referred affectionately to the 'front row bitches' later in the show) made themselves stand out, which is how it should be.

From Trina:
Just back from night two at San Jose....tonight I had floor seats row 23....right by the catwalk....right where the disco ball descends. I really thought I would never get as close to Madonna as I was in the pit on RIT but let me tell you....anyone near those catwalks will clearly see the her divine madgesty!
I treasured the eye contact we made....and blew her a kiss as well (brave for shy me but what the hell it's Madonna right!). She totally rocked the place with I Love New York and Ray Of Light. In fact that is rapidly becoming one of my favourite parts of the tour. She looks much more comfortable on the guitar with each outing and it is a pleasure to see that.

Interkoncerts have confirmed the first date that Madonna's Confessions Tour will play the Sazka Arena in Prague as Wednesday 06 September.

Tickets for this date will go onsale from Friday 16 June and prices range from 3062 CZK to 5010 CZK.

For information on when and how to buy tickets visit www.sazkaticket.cz

It is unknown whether tickets for the second date at the Sazka Arena (Thursday 07 September) will go onsale as the first date sells out or at a later time.

madonnalicious has learnt more about the Montreal I'm Going To Tell You A Secret DVD launch party that was in the Canadian press yesterday:

It's just a regular Warner Launch Party, similar to the one they did for Confessions On A Dance Floor in Toronto back in November, and similar to ones that are held in many cities. They have launch parties whenever there is a new CD.
It's jut a regular club night but with a Madonna theme and possibly some prizes. Madonna will not be in attendance, that's just media gossip.

More pictures from Las Vegas have been submitted to madonnalicious - these pictures are from the first show in Las Vegas on Saturday 27 May - taken by Adam.

To view larger versions of all of his pictures visit the Confessions Tour gallery.

 

 

 

Visit www.timeout.com for the chance to win two front-row tickets for Madonna's show at the United Center in Chicago.

madonnalicious visitor Aaron has sent in this story and picture from Las Vegas:

Here is a scan of my pass given for the Hospitality Lounge which featured a bar made of ice with redbull cans frozen into it. The drink of choice was Grey Goose Vodka and Redbull.
Guy Oseary was in attendance as well as Monte Pittman and the drummer Steve Sidelnyck after the concert. The guitar picks were used during the show and given to me as a gift as well. The concert was flawless!

Get Together jumps to #5 on Billboard Dance/Club play chart!

Get Together jumps to #10 on Billboard Dance Airplay chart!

Get Together is also selling well at www.itunes.com - it is already at #17 this morning which is amazing as it was just released on 30 May!
Keep buying the individual remixes this will help it's debut on the Hot 100.

Today's edition of The Fresno Bee newspaper featured this article on Madonna's love for lycra leotards in her Confessions Tour - click on the article to enlarge: