Madonna Launches Sticky & Sweet Tour With A Little Controversy

(Getty Images) Hot and sweaty male dancers with bodies to die for, a little pole dancing, some double dutch, Britney Spears and a jab at John McCain. Gay, straight, Democrat or Republican (okay, maybe not Republican), Madonna's Sticky & Sweet concert tour has something for everyone!

Madonna kicked off her tour at Millenium Stadium in Cardiff, Wales on Saturday and delivered a two-hour spectacle divided into four acts: Pimp, Old School, Gypsy and Rave.

Clad in a Givenchy bodice, knee-high black boots and fishnet stockings, Madonna rolled onto the stage seated on a giant throne with her legs spread wide open (no, I won't even go there) as the show opened. A fitting entrance for pop royalty. All hail the queen!

And for 50 years old, she looked amazing -- just look at the pics -- with a body most 20 year olds would kill for. Seriously, I wish I had biceps like hers.

According to concert reviews and fan reports, Madonna sang songs from her latest album Hard Candy, including "Spanish Lesson" and "Give It 2 Me," but she also dug into the vault to perform some of her older tunes like "Vogue", "Into the Groove" and "Like A Prayer."

She actually did a little rope skipping in Day-Glo leg warmers during "Into the Groove."

And she whipped out a guitar to rock out a heavy-metal version of "Borderline."

Madonna was joined via video during the show by collaborators Justin Timberlake, Pharrell Williams and Britney Spears.

Of course, there had to be some controversy. This was a Madonna concert, after all. But rather than dangle from a giant crucifix or kiss a girl (sorry Katy Perry, but Madonna's been there and done that), Madge got political this time around, attacking John McCain through a video montage that played before she launched into "Like A Prayer." The video started with images of destruction, then went on to display pictures of Adolf Hitler, Zimbabwe president Robert Mugabe and John McCain.

FYI: Barack Obama also appears in a video montage, although in a more flattering light with the likes of Gandhi and John Lennon.

To be honest, as much as I love Madonna, I could care less about her political statements. When I go to see one of her shows here in the U.S., it'll be for the music…and the clothes…and her ripped dancers. During every tour, I always wind up falling in love with one or two of the guys.

So are you planning to see Madonna's Sticky & Sweet show when the tour hits the U.S.? Or will you sit home reading Christopher Ciccone's tell-all Life With My Sister the night Madonna rolls into your city?

Comments

[Randall Sprague]

Love your comments about the boys, I will be at the tour here in the us for the very reason's you quote.

[Greg]

Hopefully Cloud is touring with her again, fell in love with him first time I saw him. ;p

[WILLIAM]

I WILL SEE THE TOUR IN OAKLAND ON 11/01/08.
MADONNA RULES!
I LOVE HER ART & WHAT SHE STANDS FOR.
I CARE ABOUT WHAT SHE BELIEVES IN.

[Ricky]

I seen Madonna for the first time LIVE in Traverse City Michigan on 8/2/08 at the TC film festival when she open her premier of her new docum. I had bought tickets to her NY sold out concert, then she announced she will be stopping in Michigan. so now i am gana cancel my NY trip and use that time to fly out and see Cher. SOOO Madonna in NOV 18 in Michigan and Cher all at once. OMG.

[Anthony]

Political comments from Madonna, or anyone else for that matter, should not be ignored in a country where some are bent on war mongering. Americans should consider very closely their decisions in the next election. The religious right is well organized. If the left isn't organized, or if people "could care less about her (Madonna's) political statements", not only will another war monger be in power, but the religious right will have successfully managed to obfuscate and dismiss the rights of many people, including that of lesbians, gays, etc. So, you should care if you want change.

[Leon]

I'm tired of waiting to see her get down to Southeast Asia so I just can't wait for the release of her new tour DVD and footage package!

[Mike]

I'm going to see her in Las Vegas in november. I respect her opinions. She is a very smart lady. Love her!

[Fredrick]

I just have to say one thing. She has BALLS to make a political statement, AND WE SHOULD THANK HER FOR THAT. Get a life people if you dont have one, its not to late OBAMA.COM We hear about experence(what has George W Bust! done with his?) all the time, how about common sense. Get involved.

[James]

Am the only gay guy who doesn't give a shit about Madonna's clothes and her music ?
$300 per ticket to add on her $800million fortune? I don't think so i rather give to some poor person who can really use the $.

[Jess]

I get to see her in Chicago the end of October and I cannot wait! I love her and I think its great she is 50 and working like her was in her younger years! I love her!!!

[Jess]

I get to see her in Chicago the end of October and I cannot wait! I love her and I think its great she is 50 and working like her was in her younger years! I love her!!!