From Abel:
Just got back from the opening night at The Forum. After we got through the picket lines, my friends and I had a BLAST! We were singing in line and were interviewed by a news crew. We sang Lucky Star for them and yelled our heads of....yes we were acting like a group of 16 year old girls!
Anywho, Maddy came on about an hour late, but we didn't mind, the show was 'FAN'OMINAL! It was a very sexy show and classic Madonna in pushing the envelope, it was a fun, sexy, wild, over the edge show! I LOVE YOU MADGE! I would write more, but it's late and time for bed....can't wait until the Wednesday show, I'll report more then!

From Adam:
WOW! I am only 13 and this is the first ever time I have been to see Madonna, but she didn't disappoint me, as you wouldn't expect Madonna to disappoint. She made LA rock!
It was scheduled to start at 8pm, however at that time, the arena was only about 50% full. 45 minutes later, the lights went down.
When Madonna came out of the huge giant disco ball, similar to the one that she used for Coachella, the whole crowd was on their feet, screaming and yelling. Her first song was Future Lovers.
Future Lovers was the one and only song, in my opinion, which was the best out of the whole lot, with Hung Up a very close second. As she went through the other songs (i.e Get Together, Like A Virgin (freaky to see her X-Rays!) and Jump, she started to pick up momentum. It's like she was mentally ticking things off in her brain - like nail these and the rest of the set will go well.
When she got to Live To Tell, things became more Madonna-like. It's like she plugged into her own show, and gave us what we all expected. This was the first time that Madonna actually made us go wild when we saw her arrive on a discofied crucifix wearing a crown of thorns.
Forbidden Love resembled the album version, and it was one of the most best tracks of the night, and people who don't like Madonna concerts are on another planet!
One of my very favourite parts of the show was when she got out her guitar and started playing I Love New York, and it's during this song that I think people have great appreciation for the breadth and depth of her vocals. When she said: 'If you don't like my attitude, then you can f off' the crowd went wild. Madonna was really great with this song.
Ray of Light is one of my *most favourite* songs. The dance for it is orgasmic and I could dance to it for ages. Madonna really cuts a rug with the way she sings this song!
I am a HUGE fan of Madonna when it comes to singing powerful songs, and she dazzled me again when began to sing Let It Will Be. It was f*****g brilliant! One of the best songs out of the whole show! Well done Madonna for putting so much energy into it! There seems to be no end to what Madonna is capable of.
One song that she sang, which surprised all of us was Drowned World. She sang this just like she did on the Drowned World Tour.
I like Music, and if I had to put it on my Madonna rating for this tour, it would be near the bottom half. She wasn't as good as she was on The Re-Invention Tour.
When she launched into Erotica, the crowd went absolutely BONKERS, as she didn't half put some effort into singing this song!
The show ended (as everyone knew it would do just after she announced the tour) with Hung Up. She let the crowd sing: 'Time Goes By So Slowly' then she left....
GREAT SHOW!

From dboys18:
If you do not want to know about the tour here is a short recap. First off it is worth the price of admission. The stage is the most amazing production I have ever seen. The images that are projected on the stage are beautiful, you do not want to miss them. You could sit there for almost the entire show just watching them! There is so much going on you will want to see the show more then once. She looks absolutely amazing and sounds great. Unless you are in the rafters all the seats have there moment of being great seats - she is all over the place.
The venue last night was kind of out of control. There was a strike going on and traffic to the Forum was awful. I recomemnd getting there early to any show. They did not check for cameras and I am pissed I did not try to get mine in. My seats for the first night were in the 4th row at the end of the cat walk. I could see the diamonds sparkle in her eye lashes.
The merchandise was nice; however, if you are a girl three of the best tshirts are for women only! Everything is pretty expensive I feel the program was the best purchase, it was only $30 and well worth it. They have buttons, key chains, compact mirror, coffee mug, belt buckle, metal pendet, sticker sets, posters and playing cards along with the t's, hat's and hot pink short shorts!
Sitting in front of us was Kimberly Stewart, Anthony Kedis and John Frusante from Red Hot Chili Pepers. We also spotted Rosie, Salyma Hayeck and Nicole Richie (she sat for the entire time!) Also spoted by some other friends were Harry Hamlin and Lisa Rena.
Now if you do not want to know about the rest of the show stop now....other then that here is a play by play!
Future Lovers /I Feel Love - Appearing like she droped from the disco ball that is coming from the ceiling she actually gets into the ball once it gets to the stage, the crowd is going nuts by this point. Including me :) The dancers are dressed in black acting like horses and she does ride one of them! Most of this all takes place at the end of the main cat walk.
Get Together - This is one of my favorite songs and I loved it live!
Like a Virgin - This was a great number, she pokes fun at her self and her falling off the horse with images of horses and people falling off of them and imgages of Xrays of broken bones! The she ride of the merry go round style horse on the left end of the cat walk. It was a lot of fun and the version is true to the original with a heavier base line.
Jump - This is a lot of fun with the dancers 'Jumping' all over the stage on scaffolding. It was a lot of fun.
The first five songs really get you going....
Then it starts to slow down and this is one thing I had a problem with. When Madonna set out on this tour her statment was 'I want to make the world a dance floor'. Well she started out like that and then it slowed down a bit.
Live To Tell - There is a cross and thorns and the image is actually quite stunning. However she started out with three of the dancers telling their stories of abuse, attempt at suicide and of joining a gang and killing someone. Then it goes into imgaes of children starving and dying. It is all very sad and powerful but this is not what I want to see when I am on a dance floor! So I have mixed feeling about this number.
Forbidden Love - This is my least favorite song on COADF however the performace is good and the dancers do so really great moves about 'Forbidden Love' touching and not touching make sure you are watching for the dancers during this song.
Isaac - There is some great images as one of the dancers is caged in. She is joined by Yitzhwak on stage. The two of them sing Isaac.
Sorry - Madonna then gets into the cage with the dancers and this is pretty much he same at the video. It was fun for me since she uses the Pet Shop Boys version and you hear Neil's voice.
Like It Or Not - This was probably the weakest number and should have been an older song to keep the flow going. Her voice/mic seemed to go out at the beginning of this song.
I Love New York - This was a fun number with her in black playing the guitar. The images were cool and she slammed Bush....how could it be any better :)
Ray Of Light - The same thing as her performance at Coachella....fun and energetic.
Sorry (Video Interlude) - This was during a costume change and the video and remix was fun but this was another sort of downer moment. Showing images of world leaders. Again it has a point but I really do not want to look at Bush and Sadam when I want to get down and boogie :)
Let It will Be - This is another fav of mine from the CD and it was good live, it was just her on stage dancing all drunk like. I love it when she just dances around and having a good time.
Drowned World - I could have done with out this, the set seemed to be slowing down and this did not seem to help. It was her sitting at the edge of the stage singing. It was good, but could have been better.
Paradise (Not for Me) - Again....should have been Take A Bow or You'll See....these would have been better choices.
Then....after feeling like you were a little drained from the show it kicks in again!
Music Inferno - This is the one with the Roller Skates....it is by far the best part of the show (well one of them) Everything with this number is perfection. The music, the skaters and her dancing. She looks like she is having so much fun!
Erotica - In the program this is listed after La Isla Bonita so I am not sure why the switch? This is a great number, it is like an entire new song. I wish it would have been a little closer to the original but it was a great version and performance.
La Isla Bonita - This has never been one of my faves and she loves to do this song and this is a good version. Lots of fun and upbeat imagery. This is the first time I ever loved a performance of this song!
Lucky Star - I have a tear in my eye thinking about this performance again....it was pure perfection! The mix is great and then it mixes into Hung Up....
Hung Up - What can I say....the last five songs wore me out. The performance was very true to her performance at the Grammy's.

From Jo:
I was in Sec A row 10 seat 13, two seats away from Guy Ritchie (who spilled his beer all over my bag that was under my seat) and The Berg familly. Rosie O'Donnell was there with her partner Kelly, although Kelly stayed in her Loge seat Rosie went to the press area to take photos of Madonna.
What an amazing night, Madonna kooked directly at me as she passed by at one point I almost died! What an awesome night! I have been to many of her concerts, NEVER this close....it was worth every penny! It is something I will never forget!

From Marcos:
I am JUST home from the Opening night show at the Forum! Lucky enough to have seen the show from the side/stage area, I was able to see lots of behind the scenes changes and 'rushing' around.
Madonna was phenomenal. You could tell she was a bit nervous as she stepped down from the inside of the amazing 'ball', but once she felt how excited the crowd was, it was like they done the show one hundred times!!
The dancers are extremely talented and everything moves like clockwork. The costumes are awesome and Madonna looks SO lean! Her make-up was very light and simple.
During I Love New York, she changed the words from 'Texas, isn't there where they golf', to 'Texas, and you can suck George W. Bush's dick', which made the crowd roar!
Her costume changes are very quick and she you have a hard time figuring out where she will come out of next! Most of the changes backstage went very smooth.
I was just a few feet away from the side and was able to see her getting set up on top of the cross, she just laid there calmly waiting for her next cue (for Live to Tell).
I caught one dancer having a hard time removing his skates to get ready for the next song - he made it, but ended up with a black glove from the previous costume, which he managed to take off and shove it in the back of his pants!
At the end of the show, when the 'video curtain' that covers the stage came down, the stage lowered slowly and while the lights were still off, the dancers all walked up to Madonna for a HUG! It was amazing to see them celebrate and congratulate each other on opening night. The lights did not come on until they were done hugging, Madonna walked with her arm around one of the female dancers and a stage hand helped her step down from the stage.
And by the way, her pal Rosie O'Donnell attended the show and took pictures the entire time! I hope they will eventually publish some of them.
If you do not have your ticket yet, GO GET THEM! This show cannot be missed.

From Michael:
I just wanted to say I saw Madonna opening night in Los Angeles, my boyfriend of 9 years took me to see her for our 9 year anniversary as he did for her Re Invetion tour in 2004. He got me the best seats in the house and the show was out of this world I have never seen Madonna at her best and she was. It was wonderful seeing her and being so close to her. I have always been a fan of hers and have loved anything that she has done in her career and she deserves everything she has. Madonna I hope you will see some of these comments because I can tell you the gay community loves you. You are a queen.

From Neerav:
I just got back from opening night of the Confessions Tour at the Great Western Forum in Los Angeles. What an amazingly awesome show!
I had a great time, and it was just a totally awesome night. After very little traffic, I arrived at the venue around 5:45pm or so. I met up with some friends and we just sort of hung out at the Forum parking lot.
We heard Madonna rehearsing a couple of songs including Live to Tell, Jump, La Isla Bonita, and Lucky Star. Her vocals sounded fierce. We saw all the media arriving and taking fan interviews. When I went inside, there was a completely eclectic group of people.
As Rosie O'Donnell was spotted taking her seat, the crowds cheered. When I got to my seat, a good 60% of the Forum was still empty. I heard that the traffic was really bad and that people were still on their way to the Forum. No worries, Madonna decided to start the show a little later than planned, around 8:50 pm.
From where I was sitting we could see Monte Pittman (Madonna's guitar instructor) setting up the final touches for the band. Also, I got to see my cutie keyboardist Stuart Price, who is nothing short of amazing, setting up. What a hottie! And then suddenly its lights out!
As we begin to hear Madonna's pre-recorded voice accompanying exclusive footage of her W Magazine photo shoot with Steven Klein. Here is a complete rundown of the concert.
Future Lovers/I Feel Love (Intro) - Madonna is not actually onstage during the beginning of this segment, but the video compiled from her W Magazine shoots was very artistic and beautiful. She emerges from the 2 million dollar disco ball encrusted with Swarovski crystals as it begins to form a lotus flower.
This performance of Future Lovers intermixed with lyrics from Donna Summer's dance hit, 'I Feel Love' was just the type of opening their tour needed. Not as dramatic an opening as the Reinvention Tour, but just as beautiful.
Get Together - Madonna walks from the main catwalk towards the stage to start this number. As her vocals get stronger and stronger, she emerges with a sudden burst of energy and a smile on her face. This is the first of many gorgeous smiles she gives the audience throughout this tour.
As a fan, not only has she never looked or sounded better, but it seems as though she has become more relaxed and happier on stage. Then they break out into similar choreography from the Music as performed during the Reinvention Tour.
Like a Virgin - She brings back this oldie but goodie in a brand new way. Stuart did a remarkable job remixing this classic as we see the return of Dita as she climbs on the mechanical saddle and asks, 'Do you want to take a ride with me?' She continues to go through what is essentially an entire yoga routine on the saddle in the air as X-rays of her broken bones from her birthday horse-riding accident are projected on the screen. In a way, she is equating her growing obsession with horses to experiencing it all for the very first time.
Jump - I absolutely was blown away by the energy in this performance. She essentially turned this into gymnastics routine on Red Bull. Her dancers were nothing short of incredible. Swinging, swaying, and jumping from the gigantic jungle gym that was set up on the main catwalk.
Suddenly, the music slows to an interlude of Live To Tell and Isaac as Madonna's dancer, Daniel 'Cloud' Campos begins to confess about the abuse he experienced as a child. He depicts the abuse and his response through interpretive dance. Then another dancer shares their history of gang violence and depicts his confession through dance. It is actually quite profound and remarkably honest.
Live to Tell - Suddenly the lights are focused on center stage as Madonna emerges hung on a cross inspired by the Salvador Dali painting. There is a very dramatic expression of sorrow on Madonna's face as a closeup of a tear falling down her check is beamed onto the huge screens on stage. As this continues, images of children orphaned due to AIDS and poverty across Africa are beamed onscreen. It is quite a poignant and heartbreaking moment in the show. It ends with the website www.raisingmalawi.org on screen.
Forbidden Love - She sings this ballad beautifully as Mihran and another dancer engages in a highly choreographed hand dance depicting their love for one another as the cross stands in the background watching the whole thing. Quite powerful.
Isaac - Yitzhak Sinwani emerges onstage dressed in Middle Eastern clothing and begins the opening chant to this song. The lights are then focused on a Middle Eastern women covered from head to toe in a traditional burka flailing about trapped in a cage, depicting the oppression faced by women in various parts of the world. As the song continues the gate is opened and the dancer strips herself of the burka and proceeds to do some sort of harem dance depicting her newfound freedom. Yet another powerful image in the Confessions tour.
Sorry - Another cage is brought out and an extremely energetic group of dancers perform Sorry almost exactly like the music video. They use the Pet Shop Boys remix. Images of gasoline and refineries are shown on the screens throughout this performance.
Like it Or Not - This performance is absolute Madonna! She is so confident as she works the runaway and the center catwalk with a chair reminiscent of Open Your Heart. Her vocals are yet again remarkable.
Sorry (Video Interlude) - Madonna pre-recorded the 'Don't say forgive me' portion of this song to a fierce backbeat as images or various world leaders are shown giving speeches. Closeups of Madonna giving the finger similar to the Sorry video are shown as the words 'Don't talk. Don't Speak' emerge on the screens. This video is nothing short of fierce. The lights and the screen go out as the words 'The audience is listening' come into view. The video ends with George Bush's eyes constantly blinking as though he is confused. Quite effective.
I Love New York - Madonna rocks the heck out of this song as the lighted outline of the NY skyline is in the background. She does her best on the guitar and rocks out like she is Pearl Jam or something. While singing 'Los Angeles is for people who sleep,' she quickly smiles and says 'but not you guys!' Quite a rocking performance all in all.
Ray of Light - Awesome! Think Burning Up from Reinvention Tour! She rocked the shit out of this one. Awesome choreography.
Let it Will Be - Similar to her Coachella performance but way more energy and karate kicks! I loved watching her get into it when she screams, 'Just watch Me Burn!' Fierce!
Drowned World/Substitute for Love - Beautiful and very acoustic. Her vocals are surprisingly strong after a series of high energy dance numbers. She looked stunningly gorgeous.
Paradise (Not for Me) - Yitzhak Sinwani joins her again for this acoustic guitar version. The flower garden beamed on the screens behind them made for hauntingly beautiful imagery.
Music (Disco Inferno Mix) - Madonna emerges and pays homage to John Travolta dressed in a fashionably sleek version of his white suit and dances the heck out of this song. The accompanying remix really shows off Stuart's talents.
Erotica / You Thrill Me - The suit comes off and Madonna pays homage to ABBA wearing a modern version of the white, lavender, and pink leotard worn by ABBA when they toured in 1979. One of my favorite performances, I just feel that the You Thrill Me lyrics were morphed a little too much. I think it would have been better if she stuck to 'Erotica' by itself.
La Isla Bonita - Her mic didn't pick up the first three lines of the song, and she was noticeably upset, but the problem was quickly taken care of as her crisp vocals could soon be heard. The song was remixed in a very over the top Miami Sound Machine sort of way with a killer dance number. She sang and danced her heart out on this one.
Lucky Star - She spends most of her time dancing on the catwalks throughout this classic which is given an update with elements of Hung Up remixed into it to modernize it a bit. She danced her heart out.
Hung Up - Madonna disappears for a bit and returns in leotard and jacket to perform this closing number. Given all the energy that was dispersed throughout the setlist, it is remarkable that they perform with such vigor. No major changes from the Grammy Performance, just remixed a little more. She then gives the audience a chance to sing along with her. The crowd new it was the closing of the show so most of them were not singing with her.
She yells at the audience, 'This is shit. Get up and sing muthafuckas!' The crowd was eating it up. And before you knew it golden balloons fell from the ceiling onto the floor and the concert had come to a close. The words 'Have you confessed?' appear on screen.
AMAZING! Madonna, I heart you.

From Phillip:
There are moments in your life when you feel you have touched the source. I have just gotten back. My gold mylar balloon has yet to deflate; my sweat has yet to dry. Tonight, I worshiped at the high temple. It was a strange start. The protests outside, the gathering clouds, the crowds and crowds of cars squeezing into the lot. And then we were sitting there, my best friend and I, in the tenth row, two seats away from the right side of the runway, waiting to transcend.
Every time something happened we thought it was starting. Everyone once in awhile there was a buzz and then screaming. No, just Rosie O'Donnell haming it up. And then we saw the security guard whisper to another 'She's walking.' And then, the voice over, 'The show will begin in ten minutes.' A year later, the security guard whipsered again, 'Two minutes.' Another year later, the lights went down.
The screams were deafening. And then there were the dancers on the platforms, and then the images on the screens. The slow motion. The horses. Her hat. The talking. 'Forget your life.' And then out of the darkness the battle cry: 'IN THE EVIDENCE OF ITS BRILLIANCE!' And we raised our hands to the sky, as if summoning the disco ball from heaven, as it landed in the center of the stadium, and then sprung open like a blossom, and there she stood, in all black, with the riding crop, and the hair on the hat, and the boots, and people writhing around her.
She sang with little effort. It spilled forward like a spring of light. 'Come into the sky!' And we were flying. She made her way down the runway, looked out our direction, kept walking, and made it to the main stage with a pony step that garnered gasps and cheers from all around.
And when that song ended, it was the chords of GET TOGETHER that kept us going, that started us on our journey with our Goddess. It was just her and that song, that song that we've sung in the car, that we've danced to in our bedrooms, that we needed no excuse to play at seven thirty in the morning, and she knew it, it was her song it was our song, and she performed it for us! Before we knew it she was twisting on the runway right in front of us, and then she spun. She spun and the she hopped. Her lace top swimming around her sweat, her boots, comanding the most attention.
And then the familiar sound of LIKE A VIRGIN. The sound was pure eighties, pure dance, pure joy. She danced over to the left of the stage, climbed up on the saddle, and pumped and gyrated as if it were all she knew how to do, as easy as chewing gum. The images of the horses falling behind her. And she sang, how she sang!
And then another runway dropped down to reveal a playground of metal. 'Ladies and Gentleman!' She exclaimed. 'Family and Friends! The show has only just begun!' And JUMP filled the stadium, and we all, because we are her disciples, jumped and jumped with her. We marveled at Cloud's abs; we loved how the flip of her hair quivered with every move; we almost cried when we saw how tight her butt was!
And the confessions of the abuse. And then the cross rose from the ground, almost like Jesus himself, and she appeared on it, her thorns sharp and coarse, the pumpkin color of her top as autumn as the week before Halloween. And then LIVE TO TELL vibrated through the entire stadium, becoming a torch song that left no one unturned; we sang it with her, we lifted our hands in praise.
And then the arm dance. THE ARM DANCE! Forbidden love started as she lay face down on the stage, the boys dancing with their arm. How we danced to FORBIDDEN LOVE! Her voice was clear, and pure, and we knew she knew what she was talking about, the feelings were there, the feelings were honest.
And then, up to the left, Isaac began to play. His instrument tall and proud, a beacon of music. He stood still when he put his instrument down, and then began his chant, as it lifted to the highest rafters and beyond. We moved our hands to his melody, and she appeared again, to sing the song as he moved down to the stage to take her voice and marry it to his.
LIKE IT OR NOT was next, and it was good. Not much happened. She sang and danced. :)
The screen came down again, and there she stood. This was my favorite costume. Black pants and a black sparkly jacket with steroid size feathers for a collar. A laser light traced out the famous skyline, and we knew what song it was. I LOVE NEW YORK! 'LOS ANGELES IF FOR PEOPLE WHO SLEEP!....but not you guys!' She sang, and of course, we screamed. 'JUST GO TO TEXAS AND SUCK GEORGE BUSH'S DICK!' And of course, we screamed!
You could feel the song end, and then the beat started to pick up. The images of New York were replaced with a more celestial pattern of movement. Stars, and sparks of light, moving quickly behind her, as we knew the beat was familiar. And it started to pick up, and then she sang, 'ZEPHYR IN THE SKY AT NIGHT....' AND WE WENT INSANE! We knew it was coming. We knew it was part of the set, but when she sang it, and she played the guitar, and they danced so on point, and so severe, it was catharsis at it's greatest.
We danced. And in the middle of the song, as my mind swirled, I looked up at my hands, which were raised high in worship, and I saw them as the blinked in the streams of the strobe light, and saw the sweat, and I knew that beauty, and this feeling of complete and utter acceptance existed.
She put down her guitar, grabbed her mic, took off her jacket, and the beat started, and her dances were of the dunk variety. She almost fell, but didn't. She almost tripped, but kept footing. It was amazing. She moved to the front of the runway again, dancing and tripping, as if her hair were pulling itself. And towards the end of the song, she walked back down the runway, and she looked down at me, and as I raised my hands to her, she smiled. SHE SMILED AT ME!
She landed on the steps, sitting, calm, collected, her subjects adoring her. 'Are you guys having a good time?!' And Drowned world started. We sang it with her, as Isaac did, because it's all we knew at that moment. The protests outside meant nothing, we had no clue it was raining already. It does rain in California, even at the end of May.
Then the cherry blossoms began to fall and we new we were in PARADISE (NOT FOR ME). And Isaac sat with her on the stool. The voice changer thing was on full blast, and when she sang the lyrics, we were taken high to the sky and down down to the ground. And then, I turned to my right, and looked down my row, and in a blue cap, with almost a full beard, was Guy Richie, talking away, there to support his wife on the first night of her tour. And because his was above us, we on the floor, she was the light above our heads.
The song ended, the lights went down again, and it started, DISCO INFERNO! The ramps were put into place, and the boys, the boys mmmmmm, came speeding down the ramps and the runway. We pumped and jumped and twirked and jerked as she in the red dress did on the screens above us. The same red dress that Tina Turner wore as the Acid Queen.
And at the right moment, she appeared from beneath the stage, in her white suit, the buttons sparkling, her hair still quivering. And she sang MUSIC as if were the first time she had sung ANYTHING! The dances up and down the runway were so on! THEY WERE SO ON! And when she was done, she stripped from her suit, to reveal the Abba white leotard beneath, and of course, we screamed, our phoenix had just been reinvented for the millionth time.
And without even stopping, Erotica started. The chorus of Erotica, with the words of the other song mingled in like new lovers. It was so sublime. We sang because we had never been able to sing before. Remember for THE GIRLIE SHOW we were only eleven. The dances were smooth and sharp, and so perfectly choreographed!
EROTICA ended and she said, 'Time to put on my dancin' shoes' She dissapeared for a second, and her white sandals had been replaced with white boots that sparkled! And when LA ISLA BONITA started her mic didn't work! It didn't come in until the second verse; if she noticed we couldn't tell. Because by that point, with the images of the islands looking like an ad for Carnival Cruise Line behind her, we were so excited, and dancing so much, that all we could do was dance and sing with her. THE MIX OF IT WAS AMAZING!
And then she was on the stage floor again, as if stuck to the stage. The girls came over with a cape, the fitted it on her, she stood up with her back to us DANCING QUEEN it read. And the lights went down and we saw the lights inside the cape flicker for just a second, and she turned around, and opened the cape like an angel of fun and dance, the lights sparkled and danced!
She walked up the left stage, and sang LUCKY STAR better than I have ever heard it. We jumped, and drank water, and moved, and we shook our heads. She came down the other side and she sang it up there, and she twirled around showing the inside of the cape to everyone, mixed with the strips of purple on her white outfit, which were already sparkling.
AND THEN toward the end of LUCKY STAR (which had the coolest space disco video playing behind it, by the way) the music sample from GIMME GIMME GIMME started, and as LUCKY STAR ended she sang the chorus of hung up, and dissapeared. The lights went down, the images of her from the years past smeared themselves across the screens, and when she was back....
SHE WAS IN HER LEOTARD AND PURPLE JACKET! Her good old dance moves were there. She was visibly tired, but was not once about to let her performance suffer for it. She performed the whole song with a smile on her face, and after the bridge, before the got up into the chorus again, she walked away from the dancers to the end of the runway where the boom box was waiting for her, and she humped it. SHE HUMPED IT LIKE IN THE VIDEO! And when the chorus started again, the baloons fell from the celing like so much healing balm from the GODS!
She came back the stage, as the dancers lined either side of the two walkways, and she said, 'OK, it's time for you to sing. TIME GOES BY SO SLOWLY. TIME GOES BY SO SLOWLY!' And she said, 'THAT'S SHIT! SING AGAIN!' And we did it again, and we did it again, and we did it again! We kept singing, as the dancers lined up behind her as she stood in her leotard and her sparkly purple heels.
And we knew it was ending. The screen came down, her hand was up, the lights started to die, and the dissapeared beneath the stage, the words 'HAVE YOU CONFESSED?' scripted across the circular screen.
The lights went out completely, and then went on completely. We couldn't stop dancing. We squeezed our way through the crowd, making sure to hold on to our balloons, which we'll never get rid of, and by the time we made it outside, it was pouring rain. We didn't care! We danced to our car! But first, we had to find it. We got to the car, realized we weren't going anywhere, so with the rain soaking through our already sweat drenched shirts, we kept dancing.

From ROBERTBOYRACER:
Is it coincidence or fate that the start of the tour began next to Hollywood Park, a premier horse racing track? Well, whatever its is, Madonna and crew got off to a smashing start. The audience was soooo much more responsive and active than at yesterday's rehearsal.
Everyone on stage seemed to feed off the energy. There were no nervous stomachs this evening. Madonna was more at ease it seemed. The entire show moved much more fluidly. One of two flubs was when the mike flew off the stage during Let It Will Be. A stage hand quickly handed it back. The second mishap was with the sound during the beginning of La Isla Bonita, she began the song but the audience heard nothing til the third line in.
She repeated her thoughts about Texas and George Bush's genitals during I Love New York as she did at the Coachella Festival, but all together, this was a great show.
Everything was tighter and sounded better than yesterday. Make sure you don't miss her while she races across the globe.

From Ryan:
Just got back from Opening Night....Wow! What a show! I never thought she could top ReInvention, but she has....
Future Lovers was an amazing opening....on par with the Beast Within/Vogue number from RIT.
I was in tears during the 'confessions' interlude before Live to Tell....And, about Live to Tell....I'm not Christian, and I'm not particularly offended by her on the cross, but I didn't understand it at all....it was just a weird element that took away from my enjoying Live to Tell.
Forbidden Love was beautiful, with the male dancers interlocking hands and Madonna eventually joining them.
During Let It Will Be, she was at the end of the catwalk....she slammed down the microphone after singing 'Just watch me burn!' and then she started flailing around on the stage....she accidentally kicked the microphone off the stage!
She went to reach it to sing the next line, she couldn't find it, and she had this look of 'oh fuck, what do I do now?' on her face....finally, someone (either a fan or a cameraman) in front of the catwalk handed it to her, as it had flown into the seats in front of the catwalk....she just picked up where she left off in the song....it was actually quite funny....she's missing lines cause she doesn't have a microphone! (You better believe there will be a stage hand there from now on with a backup microphone.)
Paradise (Not for Me) went beyond my expectations....this was my favorite Madonna song for several years, so to hear it live, with the beautiful video backdrop of falling petals....I was mesmerized and in tears.
Erotica was very fun....loved the use of the You Thrill Me lyrics.
Music Inferno was also fun....she looked like she was really enjoying herself.
Ray of Light was just like Coachella, except the dancers are in black outfits with white ties....very cool.
Oh....and elements of Everybody were mixed into the interlude leading up to Music Inferno....so obviously, they found a way to include the lyrics from the song that was scrapped.

From Sergio:
Neither the clouds nor the traffic could have made this night any less memorable. Opening night was awesome!
Madonna emerged Center Stage from overhead on her disco ball for Future Lovers....the crowd went wild when she went into I Feel Love.
She was so funny....she KNOWS that Los Angeles is NOT for people who sleep....and she made sure to say that during I Love NY when she said 'except for you guys!'
She smiled throughout the whole show and although she did not talk much to us, she did give us our moneys worth.
I loved the Music Inferno remix....it was all about shiny disco balls and roller scates as madonna came out a-la-John-Travolta and sang Music....this is by far my favorite song of the night.
Before she sang Like A Virgin she said she was going to take us down memory lane....that she did....that song felt shiney and new!
Opening night had many celebrities....I saw Madonna's brother Christopher Ciccone, Salma Heyek, Rosie O'Donnell was right on the front with the press (maybe another DVD concert tour cover?!), Nicole Richie, even Luis from the Blond Ambition tour was there.
Madonna's voice sounded awesome....she made it an unforgettable night. I can't wait to see her again on Wednesday!

From Steve:
It was a rainy night in Los Angeles. I could hear 'Erotica' and 'La Isla Bonita' used as the soundcheck. They were late letting us in at 7:30pm. I circled the arena a few times, but felt nervous and took my seat. The show started at almost nine o'clock.
Future Lover - After the Steven Klein video, Madonna does indeed descend from the ceiling inside the hugest disco ball you've ever seen. Blinding in intensity, 'Future Lovers' is performed live for the first time ever. This is a tightly choreographed routine that lets you know that Madonna is not done being kinky and sexy.
Get Together - This is her new single and a great, bouncy dance number.
Like A Virgin - This is performed for the first time in 13 years. She goes out onto the stage right catwalk, mounts a saddle like the one used for Human Nature in Drowned World, and does a dazzling, burlesque pole dance. Just as she stood on her head for the opening of 'Vogue,' you will gasp at what she attempts onstage. It is a miracle the way she reinvents this song, yet always makes it as fresh and simple as a bolt of lightning.
Jump - A huge cage is lowered from the ceiling, and the dancers are swinging all over it. It's visually stunning, very cirque de soleil. Very acrobatic.
Live To Tell - For the first time in 16 years, the song she wrote for husband Sean Penn's movie 'At Close Range,' in Los Angeles, the city where they married. Madonna rises out of the audience on a cross. She is wearing a prune colored, see-through top and a head-dress of thorns. The expression on her face is otherworldly. It was one of the most dramatic things I've ever seen. This will no doubt get Madonna the attention she has wanted since the day she stepped onto this Earth.
Forbidden Love - This was the first time performed live, a very nice, deep, dancy track with the dancers.
Isaac - The show is getting spiritual and dramatic. The first time performed live and very enjoyable.
Sorry - Yet another cage comes out, and Sorry is performed for the first time live.
Like It Or Not - This might not be Madonna's best song, but it fills an important slot in the 00's Madonna concert: 'I'm not sorry,' 'It's not my time to go,' 'Don't ever tell me to stop,' 'This is who I am,' she tells the crowd, who adores her for that very thing, of course.
I Love New York - Madonna reappears with a guitar wearing a black leather jacket. 'Los Angeles is for people who sleep....but not you guys!' I was surprised at the strong reaction to this song. It sounded different and the entire floor was bouncing up and down.
Ray Of Light - Ironically, this spiritual song is the anti-thesis of Glam Rock but - as always - Madonna makes it work. Since she has performed this in Drowned World, she gave it a really different spin for this concert.
Let it Will Be - This was my biggest surprise. Boy does she work this number - she's everywhere - and it ROCKS LIKE HELL.
Drowned World - I thought this song was a throwaway, but as the title of her first world tour of the 00's, it has a familiarity, it's beautiful, and continues to define her: 'I traded fame for love without a second thought.' She sits at the edge of the stage for this, exactly like 'In This Life.' The boys in the front row got plenty of eye contact and smiles from Madonna.
Paradise (Not For Me) - The first time ever performed live. She sat down for this and it was just incredible.
Music Inferno Intro - Let me just say this - if you like Cloud, you will like this. It is such fun - the 'Hollywood' of this show, exactly.
Music - Madonna reappears in the white jumpsuit and performs a great 'Music.' The only song Madonna has performed on every tour of the 00's.
Erotica - As 'The Girlie Show' bypassed L.A. in 1993, this was the first and only time this song has been performed in Los Angeles. At this critical stage of her life and career, I dare say it was important that Madonna, who toured with some major material just two years ago, to bring something magical out of the bag. And this was so, so special. Really exceptional. The crowd went berserk. What a night.
La Isla Bonita - Madonna seemed to really be in very high spirits and really gave this number her all. It sounded very different, and Los Angeles loves this number.
Lucky Star - The first time in 19 years. I think they put itching powder on everyone's seats, because the entire forum was shaking their asses violently. Madonna wears an illuminated cape - think of the Riddler's outfit in 'Batman.' It's obviously battery-powered. It says 'Dancing Queen', another homage to the disco era that this show is about.
Hung Up - She burned the building to the ground. L.A. just loved it, but that's the way L.A. is. They love anything they've seen on television. She ends the concert identically - IDENTICALLY - to the ending of Reinvention. The are all dancing, and they are lowered into the stage as a video screen covers them. Instead of 'Reinvent Yourself,' it says, 'Have you confessed?'
All in all, a remarkable show. She did a brilliant job of promoting her new album, while touching on her key images - the lucky star, 'Like A Virgin,' and the sex goddess (which has been missing since The Girlie Show - smart going, M). Absolutely one of her best shows ever. If she'd had a voice, Blond Ambition would still rule, but she's performing SO much better now - this really is the ultimate Madonna concert. It fills me with joy to watch her, always.

From Mark:
Just in from tuesday night at the Forum....damn. Totally amazing.
I am still stunned the show happened! Madonna and I up until now have had bad Tuesday karma....2001. 9/11. Enough said. 2004, unspecified illness. Both times the shows were made up and rescheduled....whew! But all day long yesterday, I was like, hmmm, will it happen tonight? Yep! And how!
The Forum rules (oppressive heat halfway through the show aside) because even in my $90 dollar semi-cheap seats we had killer, killer views. (Colonnade 7 row 7, seat 6 and 7) Basically we were on the side, just to the right of the disco ball landing platform. We could pretty much see everything! My friend Carin was like, 'Mark! I thought you said we had nosebleeds! This is great!'
All in all, it was truly quite remarkable. Definitely one of the top two - out of the three Madonna tours I've been luck to see in person. Even stonger than the DROWNED WORLD TOUR (which I still worship) And possibly right on par with RE-INVENTION. (Now, the latter may have a slight edge with me due to that fact that that was THE definitive greatest hits show and having missed, sadly, ALL her early tours, I was absolutely dying to see that) That said, this latest effort is mind blowing in execution and design.
A main key to liking the show of course is loving the new album....(Half the show is literally devoted to that. With ten tracks of twelve, only two songs from her latest CD don't get the full on live treatment.) Although, I think this show could definitely MAKE almost anybody love the new album. Some of the best numbers here will NEVER be singles. (Jump, Let It Will Be, Isaac) Plus there are enough oldies (hell even the Ray of Light and Music cuts are from long enough ago to now qualify as classics) to satisfy any longtime Madonna fan.
The Icon was very, VERY shrewd in holding back Erotica, Like a Virgin, and Live to Tell from the Re-Invention line-up. Just these three alone are enough to send any 'vintage' boy-toy lover into orbits of retro ecstacy.
BEST NUMBERS (TOP TEN IN ORDER OF SHOW APPEARANCE):
Future Lovers/I Feel Love - Yep, the entry form inside a gigantic disco ball is everything it's cracked up to be. The fact that this was the opener and the fact that I LOVE Future Lovers definitely put in the top ten. There is such a level of anticipation built up with the video. The best Madonna entrance that I've ever seen to be sure.
Like a Virgin - Just amazing, riviting choreography coupled with a great update of the classic song. A worthy follow up to Blonde Ambition, okay, it may not match that performance, hey, nothing can, but this is about as good as it can ever be. And she really gets into it to! She's clearly having a lot of fun.
Jump - The reaction to this was amazing. This coulda/woulda/shoulda been the next single.
Live to Tell - Flawless, see more about this below.
Isaac - A surprisingly effective and unexpected crowd-pleaser.
Sorry - Just awesome. The production here was top notch. The Pet Shop Boys were much appreciated.
Let It Will Be - Unexpectedly, really unexpectedly, this one just blew me away. See more below under 'Big Surprises.'
Drowned World - Accoustic, the show literally stops and nobody cares. She commands the arena even alone with a mic.
Music Inferno - The interlude was awesome and the live version that followed was a definite highlight. I wasn't that excited about this track, she'd done it in the last two shows....what else could she do? Well, she came through yet again. Made me remember why I loved this song so much I eventually got burned out on it.
Erotica - Quite possibly my personal favorite as I adored this song back in my closet-frat-boy-sex-on-the-sly days. Well worth the wait. I had been dying to see a revamp of this forever and had almost given up.
BIGGEST SURPRISE 1: Let It Will Be - The way she reworked it, the way she sings it, and the jarring choreography that makes you think she is tripping and stumbling all over the place is mesmerizing.) I always rather enjoyed this song on the album, but had no idea how much I would love this one LIVE! The crowd adored this one which I was pleased to see as it's not exactly 'poppy.'
BIGGEST SURPRISE 2: In the Music Inferno interlude before Madonna come back from her costume change contains huge, HUGE chunk of the Where's The Party (off True Blue). Okay, maybe not that many lyrics, but they go on and on and on, repeated many many times. I had not heard about this anywhere. It was cool. Where's the Party is one of those obscure non single tracks I loved wayyyyy back when that I always forget about....
BIGGEST SURPRISE 3: Paradise (Not For Me) - Really played well to the crowd. I was stunned by how many people responded to this as it started up as again it's rather bizarre and out there. Not your typical Madonna track. It was clear that Madonna really likes this song. And her performance was flawless. Drowned World, too. The show grinded to a dead halt. No dancing. Just Madonna and a microphone sitting on the stage, accoustic, and she fucking KILLED.
Frankly, I think everybody was totally relieved to see her take a 'break.' It was like: Madonna! Please! Sit down! You'll hurt yourself!
MOST EMBARRASSING MOMENT: Live to Tell - No, not for her. But for me! I got so, so emotional here that I totally teared up. The whole thing just really got to me. So much so that for a while I thought I might just really lose it. Strange, it was so out of left field, my emotions, I mean. This song has always taken me back to being in the closet and the lying and all that. Coupled with the chilling AIDS counter....Suddenly, out of nowhere, I was like a total wreck.
PS The lighting in this sequence with her on the cross is the best I've ever seen in any of her shows, period. Or any show or play ever. Mind Blowing. Stunning. Staggering....This is probably her best lit tour ever!
MOST GENUINE MOMENT:: I don't think this has been mentioned, but I really think she teared up a bit on Live to Tell. She looked like hell after this song, just devastated, and I think it was because she, too, got so emotional. Just as I was finally pulling myself together, I was really taken aback when I glanced up to see her close-up in the monitor. Her eyes were all red and watery.
SONGS THE AUDIENCE REALLY ATE UP THAT I WASN'T EXPECTING THEM TO: All three of these new (non single) cuts got a far bigger reaction than, say Get Together the next single. And GT was actually quite good, it's just that these three fucking KILLED in LA.
Jump - This works so well in an arena it's shocking.
Isaac - The elaborate Sahara desert staging and the vocals with eastern vocals with Isaac himself sold this to everybody.
Let It Will Be - She really, REALLY made us: JUST WATCH HER BURN.
BEST CHOREOGRAPHY: Erotica - Hands down. This was a ballroom dance number, which on paper is like, uh, okay, what? But damn! It really works. Madonna is picked up and carried around and it was so awesome to hear Erotica. It was soooooo different. I mean, only the Erotic/ Erotic chorus was close to the album version. Possibly my personal highlight of the night. Actually, the big three: Erotica, Like A Virgin, and Live To Tell all are in a dead heat, a three way tie, for first place. But the new stuff is a very close second.
NOTE: The problems with the mic case thing in Erotica, were really handled with grace and aplomb. Many people I bet didn't even notice. My friend missed it entirely. It was not a big deal at all. Also, I missed Cloud falling, there is so much going on....
SONG I HATED BEFORE THAT I NOW REALLY LIKE: Forbidden Love. Hey, it's still not my favorite, but the choreography was very minimalistic and remarkable. It's hard to describe, but she gave it a whole gay meaning courtesy two hunky male dancers who couldn't keep there hands off one another. More playful, than sexual, like two little kids just trying to bug one another. Very, very unique, touching, and thoroughly well done. I and the audience was very moved.
COOLEST PROP: The massive main video screen is unreal. It's curved and somehow, clear. You can see right through it at times. It goes up and down repeatedly throughout the show, doubling as a curtain. Who the heck designed that and made it work: Spellbinding!
And now for the token bad:
WEAKEST VOCAL PERFORMANCE: Like It Or Not - It's a hard song to belt out and the sound was off a bit, it was hard to hear her clearly at times here. Now, this was only the second night of the tour, so maybe they were having some techincal difficulties. Also, this track is one of the few I admittedly skip a lot on the CD. But even this number had it's moments. The staging was great, but the sound was off at time. Again, this might be fixed.
CLOSING THOUGHTS: There are so many songs I haven't mentioned much. Ray of Light,I Love New York, La Isla Bonita, Lucky Star, Hung Up. There really wasn't any dead time. She nailed it with her choices, I must say. The show really flowed and flew, I mean, flew by! Wish I could make like a Dead Head and just follow this show around all summer!
This show is sexy as hell. Especially Like A Virgin on a futuristic carousel/mechanical bull complete with a pole! Some might say that she is too old to be sexy. But in a sense, that's the point she's trying to make. Too old? WHO SAYS SO?! I mean, it's pretty inspiring. There she is at a whopping 47....looking great, dancing and singing great. It's stupid, I know, but I feel very 'old' lately at a mere 35. Ah, the price of being gay....Carin had only one thing to say about it. 'Dang! I am definitely going to keep doing my Yoga!'
I have now seen three different Madonna tours (the most recent three) and the AMAZING thing is how little song overlap there is. (Music is the only song I've seen three times, and each effort was quite different. It was also the ONLY song that was a repeat between this and the concert two years ago. There's a surprisingly short list of songs that I've seen twice. At any rate, I've now witnessed her bring to life a gigantic chunk of her huge body of work and that's so dang cool! Can't wait for the next tour!
I almost bailed on seeing this latest outing. I'm having a rough time financially, and was like - well, maybe I don't NEED to see her again, I just saw her....WRONG! I am so glad I went. Actually, I left it to fate, if I got through on ticketmaster then it was meant to be. Fate was looking out for me, I guess! I would have totally regretted not going when I eventually saw this on TV or DVD. She truly is the greatest show on earth!

From ROBERTBOYRACER:
It was another amazing night! The show keeps getting better and Madonna is in complete control of the audience. Everything went according to plan. She descended from her disco ball and played with her dancing horses. She set the crowd ablaze when she appeared on the mirrored cross, and when you thought she had given her all, she blew the roof off the forum when she did I Love New York and Ray Of Light.
She has really taken to the guitar like a true rock goddess! Wielding it around and jamming with the rest of the boys in the band, probably even better! Both songs seemed edgier then the previous nights. These are the songs to look out for in the show, they're my favorites!
Erotica was the number that threw a spoke into the wheel, near the end of the song, Madonna's mike pack came out of it's pouch. She knew she couldn't go on with the rest of the dance routine holding both mike and mike pack in her hands. She turned her back to her lead dancer and motioned for him to slip it back in while she finished the song.
Well it wasn't as easy as that, the song finished and as she walked away it fell out again. This time she called on Stuart, and knowing she wasn't gonna make it backstage to change shoes she remarked, 'I have to put my dancing shoes on!' Tony rushed out with the next pair and the change was done right there on stage - and some critics say there's no spontaneity in the show. In the end it all worked out and the show came to an end with Hung Up.
Reviews in the Los Angeles area papers all gave glowing reviews of opening night. They praised Madonna's ability to take on the old and create something new and fresh. So no matter if they are riding boots or disco diva dancing shoes, it's always a perfect fit with Madonna.

From Scott D:
Well, to tell the truth, I was so so enthused after seeing opening night. There was definitely something lacking and I was sadly disappointed. Last night, the second show was a difference from night to day. She was ON! She was having fun on stage, and talking to the crowd. You could see she was having a good time. I think the crowd was more responsive too. She talked about how in I Love New York that she was talking about a way of being....never taking NO for an answer.
When she and Issac sang Paradise (Not For Me), she introduced Issac and asked the crowd if he had a beautiful voice. After the crowd responded she said how she was jealous of his voice and wished she was as good as his. Well, I felt it was! Madonna has never sounded so GOOD. WOW! Beautiful, strong vocals all night. She really gave her fans something to sink their teeth into. She stopped infront of where I was standing so much. I could hardly believe she was so close. It was unreal. She patted the hands of the two guys next to me. I was jealous.
I couldn't help snapping picutres. Then I felt bad because I felt like I was one of the people with big eyes and a camera in the Drowned World video. Sorry Madonna! I just wanted to preserve those moments. I hope she knows it comes from how much we adore her as opposed to getting a picture for money.

From Steve:
A very odd, subtle mix of Get Together is playing as you enter the arena. I had to strain to hear M whisper 'It's all an illusiooooooon.' She thinks of everything. I'm beginning to see lots of similarities to RIT and the 'Love Profusion' mix that played quietly before that show.
At the opening night I have to admit that the show lurched forward, stopped, lurched forward again. This show, Madonna turned the ignition, and her little Confessions machine's motor started running.
Future Lovers
Lights out. The Steven KIein video begins running - it is so elegant. A gigantic Madonna addresses the crowd: 'forget your problems. Come with me.' It is, indeed, very futuristic.
As the disco ball begins its descent, it's like watching a tennis match. The video. The ball. The video. The ball. And the SCREAMING CROWD. The ball opens like a flower and there she is. There is Madonna.
The crowd erupts at the return of Dita. In her Gaultier riding outfit, top hat, and mane of black hair, Madonna disciplines those naughty little dancers, all decked out in ultra-kinky S&M leather equestrian gear.
Get Together
Madonna returns to the main stage with two dancers and performs 'Get Together.' And she resurrects those great 'Music' deep-knee bends. How does she do it?
Like A Virgin
As x-rays are projected on the video screens, a little mechanical bull discreetly rises out of the stage right catwalk/platform. Madonna says, 'Do you want to take a ride with me?', in keeping with the equestrian theme.
After it's in position, Madonna trots over and mounts it. Now in a see-through black lace top and bustier, Madonna virtually performs an entire yoga routine atop it, turning it into a merry-go-round, pole dance of sorts. Madonna is SO Madonna. Like A Genius.
Jump
One of the most energetic points in a very acrobatic show. There are actually a FEW cages in this show. A giant gymnastics cage is lowered from the ceiling and connects the center stage with the main stage and the dancers do some pretty impressive stunts on it. At this point I can see that the show finally ignited!
Interlude: the music is a bit Live To Tell, a bit Isaac.There are clips of torture and war. It is VERY 'Imagine.' Dancers are on the catwalks acting out the torture - by parents, spouses, governments....
Live To Tell
I guarantee you, you will never again hear 20,000 people gasp like this. I was afraid to move. Of course, a girl named Madonna danced on a gondola in Venice singing about being a virgin - for almost the first time - so what's new, really? But it's strong stuff, and I'm honestly not surprised that there's been a knee-jerk reaction to it. Look - she's not on this Earth to sing 'Vogue' every night. Ironically, the only words that come to mind are 'holy shit' and 'Jesus Christ.'
Forbidden Love
A nice, choreographed dance routine on the main stage while two hot male dancers to a little gay thing - similar to 'The Beast Within' in The Girlie Show. I was really enjoying this and dancing in my aisle seat (lucky moi).
Isaac
Yitzhak Sinwani joins Madonna and this is a surprisingly energetic number. Nice!! One of the dancers does a sort of harem dance.
Sorry
Yet another cage comes out, and an explosive Sorry takes over the room. Dancers and acrobatics everywhere. Madonna plants some hot kisses on the female dancers. Her see-thru top comes off, revealing her leotard.
Like It Or Not
Madonna works the runway between the stage and center stage with a stool that reminded me a lot of 'Open Your Heart.' I marvel at the way she incorporates her persona into her every move.The crowd really eats it up. I can see Madonna is having a good, good time, and her hair is so gorgeous (for those who care about this!).
The Sorry interlude is very odd, I still can't quite get a handle on it, but they do use the video and sync her lips with, I guess, a mix of the song.
I Love New York
The video screen projects the New York skyline. Once again, this keeps the crowd after the rocking Sorry. Madonna spills her tea-colored water in a Volvic bottle all over her jacket, but laughs it off. 'New York is a state of mind,' she tells the crowd.
Ray Of Light
The dancers all join Madonna in classic New Wave gear. Black outfit, white tie. Tight choreography.
Let it Will Be
A word to all you Madonnamaniacs (that means you), if you want Madonna to stick her tongue out at you, be at the center stage. She completely lets go in the center stage for this, and there is no barracade, just a completely overwhelmed security guard or two - boy, does the crowd around her go wild. You cannot get closer to Madonna. It's The Pit of the Confessions Tour, and you don't have to win a contest. Just be on the floor about in the middle of the floor. I have decided that the best seat for this show is roughly the 15th row. I was in row 12 and missed a lot of the action on the center stage.
Drowned World
Seated on the edge of the stage, Madonna finally rewards the front rows with an intimate number. Her voice is very good, by the way. Really, she looks beautiful.
Paradise (Not For Me)
She is joined by Yitzhak Sinwani for the duet. It's very special. You need to really take a journey on a Madonna concert.
Disco Inferno
Don't diss this song! If you liked 'Hollywood,' you'll love it.
Oh dear. Last night, Cloud made a spectacular entrance. Just fabulous. And tonight....I watched him lose his balance on his roller skates, and he fell. I felt bad for him. I wonder when one of them will go into the audience. He was visibly unhappy. Then he fell again. Welcome to 'Truth Or Dare,' my dear.
Music
John Travolta only WISHES Gaultier had designed HIS suit! But they probably didn't even have the FABRIC that they have today - I noticed how beautifully cut it is, and how it moves. Madonna has a good time.
Erotica
I'm beginning to hear the You Thrill Me aspect to this song. The white suit comes off and Madonna does a spectacular tango with her Die Another Day partner from the RIT in a pink and lavender skinsuit.
And....again....Madonna's sound pack flies off her and the problems start. They can't fix it. She misses the entire opening to La Isla Bonita, and I can see she is distracted, trying to confer with Stuart, and shooting looks of hell at the entire crew. But smiling at the audience.
La Isla Bonita
It's funny how people have been talking about ABBA, Giorgio Moroder, and Donna Summer....but I noticed a striking resemblance between her pink and lavender jumpsuit and the one that Debbie Harry of Blondie used to wear. It is VERY Studio 54 - even without the Travolta suit. There is a trace of 'Heart Of Glass,' the landmark 1978 Blondie video that marked the moment when rock and roll and disco shook hands and called it 'dance music.' The way Madona celebrates this moment in time is inspired and drives this whole show and I'm sure will continue to be revealed as the tour progresses.
The entire troupe still does a rousing version, but I can tell they're all distracted, trying to smile, looking everywhere, bumping into each other.
Lucky Star
Madonna works all catwalks during this, signalling that the concert is wrapping up. She does completely blend 'Lucky Star' with 'Hung Up.'
Hung Up
Madonna dissapears briefly, and returns in the glasses, the Gucci jacket, and the leotard for an exact replica of 'Hung Up' from the US Grammy show of February 2006. It's amazing the way the crowd howls at this.
Cloud has a funny moment. He is pointing at Madonna's ass and mouthing 'Wow!' She sees him and looks down at her ass, thinking that she has split a seam or something, realizes that he was just workin' it, and they both completely crack up laughing hysterically. It was very impromptu.
But he's still having problems. There is something itching his collar and he keeps missing moves, scratching his hair and neck. (The room was ridiculously hot.)
Once again, as 'Hung Up winds down, the dance troupe is slowly lowered into the stage as they dance and the video screen surrounds them. The room is definitely loving it, but I can tell they are all working hard and the fun dropped out for them right during 'Music' tonight. Again, 'Have you confessed?'

From Abel:
Just got back from the 3rd show at The Forum....it was awesome, crowd was great, although Sunday the crowd seemed way more enthusiastic, that's understandable. Toward the end Maddy said 'Tonight's our last night at The Forum....' My friends and I were up on our feet from beginning to end. They announced the show would be starting in ten minutes and all of us on the floor rushed towards the stage....ten mintues later (and hour late!) The Queen took to the stage and blew us away yet again! Great show Madonna, you let us have it once again!

From ROBERTBOYRACER:
What a perfect night to cap off her run at The Forum. The show ran smoothly the entire 2 hours. It has been an exhausting few days for me and I can just imagine what Madonna and crew must feel like after four (including Friend and Family show) fabulous performances.
This time around I noticed that Issac (the singer) plays a part in not only the three songs he is featured but also in two others. He sings backup on La Isla Bonita and he hustles along with the entire group at the end of Hung Up wearing a white leisure suit and turban, he certainly proves he can get his groove on with all the rest.
It is just the beginning for Madonna and crew. There are alot more shows to go so make sure you catch one this summer. Let the ride begin! Next stop Vegas, baby!

From Scott:
This was my forth time to see Madonna in concert. I was at The Drowned World Tour 2001 back section. The Reinvention Tour 2004, which I attended each performance both shows at my home town in Atlanta 7 rows back lower stadium seating on Saturday then 7 rows back floor seating stage right on Sunday.
This time for The Confessions tour 2006, I purchased seats in upper stadium level, because of travel expenses. However, when I arrived at the Forum an usher exchanged my tickets for lower stadium seating, which were better. The section for the seats I originally purchased were closed because of partial view obstruction.
I traveled from Atlanta to Los Angeles across country 3,000 miles to once again see Madonna. It was worth every minute and the best way to see such a great city in the beautiful state of California.
What can I say at this time about the Queen? She has been a leader in music, entertainment and fashion since her debut in the industry. I was just a teen, in the early eighties, when the extraordinary sounds from Madonna came across the airwaves of top songs that inspired me through life.
She was again amazing on stage, top shape physically and breathtakingly beautiful as always. She manages to sing and dance never missing a cue. She had me in tears for 'Live To Tell' and dancing the whole show. At the end of the show I must admit I was drenched in sweat. I felt like I had just completed one of my two hour workouts.
I do not know how madonna does it all. She is in her late forties, married with two children. I am so thankful she still manages to tour and continue recording. I appreciate her music tremendously.
The Los Angeles audience were one hundred percent better than the Atlanta audience. In los Angeles everyone stood the whole time and were friendly, especially Theresa, whom sat behind me. The Los Angeles audience were the best. The excitement was extraordinary. Everyone standing and screaming made me feel at home. 'I love you fans in Los Angeles.'
When I saw Madonna in Atlanta the audience sat the entire show. I had lower stadium seating only seven rows back from the stage and the person behind me actually asked me to sit down. At that time also, even Madonna asked everyone to stand up with her next song. I do hope that if Madonna tours again there will be a stop in Atlanta.
I will be looking forward to her next move and still dream of one day meeting her in person. I would like to thank Madonna for giving us fans the best over two decades. We love you Madonna....

From Steve:
Well, tonight's show was perfect, fun, wonderful! The crowd adored her! I'd been busy reserving my energy the past two nights and fascinated by watching Madonna and Company, so tonight I decided to let go and just have a great time dancing. I can't even think of a flaw in tonight's great concert.
It was all the glamour, drama, and dancing you could squeeze into two hours! Ingrid Casares was front row, and Molly Sims and Brittany Murphy were there.
Act One: Take a Ride
I marvel at the way Madonna transports her self-obsession into her work. I think Madonna could break a nail and construct a world tour around it. I'm already finding favorite moments. For those of us stuck in the front rows during 'Future Lovers,' the dancers do an exquisite little trot on the runway. I choose this moment to fixate on Mihran, who could easily steal Cloud's thunder, no pun intended. This segment is just so entertaining.
Act Two: Spiritual Girl
I hope Madonna's critics take a moment to study her face during the crucifixion. She knows exactly what she's doing and does more acting than all her films combined. I'm sure she will discuss this in press interviews - um, I wonder if she planned this?
And for those who don't like her look: the motif of her wardrobe is designed to show off her stupendously toned body: her bowling-ball buns, whisper of a waistline, pencil-thin thighs, and champagne-glass breasts. And with the most powerful arms - and brain - in this world on top of it all.
Act Three: She Got Herself a Universe
I'm noticing that this show doesn't HAVE a dead spot. I was anxiously awaiting the problem-plagued final act, but everyone was clearly smokin' and in sync and it just flowed like a river tonight.
Act Four: Burn, Baby, Burn
Well, I think we could all think of our favorite numbers to install here, but Madonna has chosen 'Music,' 'Erotica,' 'La Isla Bonita,' 'Lucky Star,' and the stupendous 'Hung Up' and they are great. I turned around and noticed that all the security and police (yes) are bobbing their heads, smiling, and transfixed by Madonna's hot body.
Once they really become comfortable with the pyrotechnics, I think there will be natural fizz in this segment, and tonight it hit the ceiling.
During 'Lucky Star' I was right underneath Madonna, Donna Delory, and Raistella. The area in front of me was pretty clear, so I bobbed up and down like a pogo stick, and Donna smiled and laughed at me.
Mihran and Cloud are so similar to Madonna. They both have heat rising off their bodies. Mihran's eyes are filled with intensity. They were both clearly having a good, good night. Cloud's entrance in this wasn't as perfect as opening night - but it's such a stunt, I doubt he'll be able to nail it every night. The three of them really end the show marvelously, even before they are joined by the entire troupe and slowly fade away.
Terrific show. I'm SO glad I came out to L.A. for this. And Madonna fans are fabulous people - I had nothing but positive experiences at the Forum (besides the heat).