Madge starts 'Sticky and Sweet' tour clad in black leotard, knee length boots

Washington, Aug 24 : Queen of pop Madonna kicked off her Sticky and Sweet tour on August 23, sitting on a diamante "M" throne in a fringed black leotard and over-the-knee leather boots.

The tour started off at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium in Wales, opening with "Candy Shop."

The stadium was jam packed with a 40,000-strong audience, and the show included the onscreen appearances by Kanye West, Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake, who dueted on "4 Minutes."

Madge had many treats in store for her fans, as the image of rapper West encircled the stage for "Beat Goes On", and as fans screamed she came cruising through on a white vintage convertible car.

Spears made her virtual guest spot during "Human Nature," writhing while trapped in an elevator as Madonna played the guitar. The popstar departed with her trademark line "It's Britney B-!"

Madonna switched themes multiple times, going sporty for "Into the Groove" in diamante-encrusted shorts and a hoodie, and invoking the Far East for a segment that had her in a cage with computer-generated water gushing around it.

"La Isla Bonita" turned the stage into a Mediterranean street party with Greek dancing and a flamenco solo performance.

While fans went wild, husband Guy Ritchie was lending support backstage, according to the singer's rep, who also said Madonna had spent the day rehearsing.

"She's been putting the finishing touches to some of the dance routines today, in a good way, she's a perfectionist!" People magazine quoted the rep as saying.

Madge even tried to get the crowd involved, but changed her mind.

"This is the bit where I take requests," and started singing "Express Yourself" - then changed her mind. "F- that s-. I choose the songs," she stated.

After two hours, Madonna left the stage as the screen flashed "Game Over."

The singer heads back to London before travelling to France to continue the tour around Europe before arriving in New Jersey on Oct. 4.

ANI