| World tour byMadonna | |
 Promotional poster for the tour | |
| Location |
|
|---|---|
| Associated album | MDNA |
| Start date | May 31, 2012 (2012-05-31) |
| End date | December 22, 2012 (2012-12-22) |
| Legs | 4 |
| No. of shows | 88 |
| Attendance | 2.2 million |
| Box office | US$305.2 million[a] |
| Madonna concert chronology | |
| |
The MDNA Tour was the ninthconcert tour by American singerMadonna, launched in support of her twelfth studio album,MDNA (2012). It was her fifth major collaboration withLive Nation and comprised 88 shows acrossEurasia and theAmericas. Following early rumors in 2011, the tour was officially announced after Madonna's performance at theSuper Bowl XLVI halftime show in February 2012. The tour began on May 31, 2012, atRamat Gan Stadium in Tel Aviv, and concluded on December 22 atEstadio Mario Alberto Kempes inCórdoba, Argentina. It marked her first performances inScotland,Ukraine,Colombia, and theUnited Arab Emirates, as well as her first show inTurkey sincethe Girlie Show (1993). AnAustralian leg was planned for early 2013 but ultimately cancelled.
The show was divided into four thematic segments —Transgression,Prophecy,Masculine/Feminine, andRedemption— and described by Madonna as "the journey of a soul from darkness to light". Designed with contributions fromArianne Phillips andJean Paul Gaultier, the production received generally positive reviews, with praise directed at its visual staging and choreography. However, critics noted the relative absence of Madonna's earlier hits in favor ofMDNA material. The tour sparked several controversies, including the use of firearms and violent imagery, partial nudity, and political statements. A video interlude comparing French politicianMarine Le Pen toAdolf Hitler led to a legal threat, while her support forPussy Riot andLGBTQ+ rights during shows inRussia drew criticism from conservative groups. Additionally, an intimate concert atParis'sOlympia was widely panned by fans for its short length.
Commercially, MDNA was a major success. It grossed $305.2 million ($418.01 million in 2024 dollars[1]) from 88 sold-out shows, becoming the highest-grossing tour of 2012 and, at the time, thetenth highest-grossing tour ever. Madonna received the Top Touring Artist award at the2013Billboard Music Awards. The concerts atMiami'sAmerican Airlines Arena were filmed and broadcast asMadonna: The MDNA Tour throughEPIX. Alive album andconcert film titledMDNA World Tour was released on September 10, 2013, in multiple formats, including double CD,DVD, andBlu-ray.
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In early 2011,MTV News reported that Madonna would tour with thecast of American television seriesGlee, but her team denied the claim.[2] Later that year,fansite DrownedMadonna published a purported 2012tour itinerary fromLive Nation listing stops inAuckland,Singapore,Thailand,The Philippines,China,South Korea,Japan,Abu Dhabi andTel Aviv;[3] this too was confirmed false by her publicist Liz Rosenberg.[4] However, Madonna did partner withSmirnoff to launch the "Nightlife Exchange Project", a global dance contest judged by her, her choreographers, and managerGuy Oseary.[5] The winner,Charles "Lil Buck" Riley, was selected at the final event in New York and invited to join her next tour.[6]
On February 5, 2012, Madonna performed at theSuper Bowl XLVI halftime show atLucas Oil Stadium inIndianapolis.[7] The following day, she officially announced the 2012 World Tour, later titled the MDNA Tour.[8][9][10][11] Live Nation executiveArthur Fogel described it as her most extensive tour to date, covering 26 European cities before expanding to North and South America, with an anticipated stop in Australia —her first sincethe Girlie Show in 1993.[12][13] Venues includedstadiums,arenas, and "unique outdoor sites" such asQuébec City'sPlains of Abraham.[12] Madonna's twelfth studio album,MDNA, was released on March 26, and fans who purchased tickets in the US. received a free digital or physical copy.[8] Up to 250,000 copies of the album were reportedly distributed this way.[14]
In July, the Australian leg was officially cancelled, with a spokesperson stating the tour would end in South America as planned.[15] The announcement prompted backlash from Australian fans, who expressed their disappointment online. In response, Madonna posted an audio message onYouTube apologizing for the cancellation and explaining that her children were her top priority. She promised that when she eventually toured Australia, it would be worth the wait, adding, "I will put on the greatest show on Earth. I haven't forgotten about you".[16]
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The MDNA Tour marked Madonna's fifth collaboration with Live Nation and began taking shape in mid-2010, following early discussions between architectMark Fisher, manager Guy Oseary, and promoter Arthur Fogel.[17] Production veteran Jake Berry, known for his work onU2's360° Tour (2009–2011), soon joined the team, and the tour's financial and logistical framework was finalized by the end of the year.[17] Fogel described Madonna's tours as "cultural touch points" and "unique animals" in their ability to generate both fan excitement and global media attention.[12] In aFacebook chat withJimmy Fallon, Madonna revealed that the tour would not replicate her Super Bowl performance and would instead serve as "the journey of a soul from darkness to light", blending cinematic theater, spectacle, and intimate performance art.[18][19] She confirmed the inclusion of violent imagery and outlined four thematic acts:Transgression,Prophecy,Masculine/Feminine, andRedemption.[20][21]
Rehearsals began in a converted warehouse inManhattan, later moving to theNassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum inUniondale for full production run-throughs.[17] Madonna described the process as "brutal" and shared images of bruises sustained during rehearsals.[22] Final rehearsals were held atRamat Gan Stadium inTel Aviv District, where the tour officially launched on May 31, 2012.[23][24] The performance ensemble included creative directorJamie King, longtime guitaristMonte Pittman,backing vocalistsKiley Dean andNicki Richards, and over 15 dancers, including Smirnoff competition winner Lil Buck.[25] Madonna also hiredBasque trioKalakan, whom she discovered inGuéthary, to perform a reworked version of "Open Your Heart" (1986).[26]SlacklinerAndy Lewis was invited to join the tour but declined.[27]
During rehearsals, footage of performances such as "Celebration" (2009) and amashup of "Express Yourself" (1989) andLady Gaga's "Born This Way" (2011) surfaced online, sparking media interest.[28][29] Numerous fakeset lists circulated before MTV revealed the official lineup on May 14.[30] The tour concluded on December 22, 2012, inCórdoba, Argentina.[31] Madonna explained her decision to begin in Israel as symbolic, stating: "The Middle East and all the conflicts that have been occurring here for thousands of years—they have to stop".[32]
Stageco developed, manufactured and supplied the stage for the MDNA Tour.[17] Shaped like a triangle, the stage included a catwalk that wrapped around a VIP area and extended over the audience, descending from 8 feet (2.4 m) to 5 feet (1.5 m) in height. Multiplelifts allowed for dynamic entrances and prop reveals, while overhead tracks enabled the movement of performers and scenery.[33] The stage stood six stories tall to ensure visibility for distant audience members.[34] For outdoor shows, a custom inflatable roof —covering over 1,100m² and consisting of 11 air-filled cushions— was provided by Buitink Technology in collaboration with European Future Structures NV, offering protection from weather and simplifying installation.[35]
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A standout element was the massive video backdrop composed of eight tracking and rotating screens, considered the largest ever built for a concert at the time.[33][36] An additional feature was theLED floor system created byTait Tower, placed at the center of the stage. It consisted of 36 cube-shaped lifts clad in LED video. Each cube measured 1 by 1 metre (3.3 ft × 3.3 ft), could rise at a speed of 67 centimetres (26 in) per second, and reached a maximum height of 4.78 metres (15.7 ft). When fully retracted, the cubes aligned flush with the floor, creating a seamless performance surface.[33][37] Props used throughout the show included a giantconfessional, fakefirearms, a motel set, chandeliers, kinetic mirrors, a swingingthurible, and a layered riser for guest musicians Kalakan.[33][32][38] Transporting the tour required four planes.[17]
Costume design was led byArianne Phillips, with contributions fromJean Paul Gaultier,Jeremy Scott,Alexander Wang, and others.[39] For the performance of "Vogue" (1990), Gaultier created a look that included a white shirt, black tie, opera-length gloves, and a rigid, cone-shaped corset —referencing his original design from 1990'sBlond Ambition World Tour but reinterpreted in 3D, usingpatent leather on the exterior and metallic leather inside.[40] Phillips also designed aJoan of Arc–inspired outfit made of metal mesh andSwarovski crystals, and a 1940s-stylemajorette uniform.[40]Dolce & Gabbana designed outfits for the band and backup vocalists, whilePrada,Miu Miu, and Madonna'sTruth or Dare brand provided over 700 pairs of shoes.[40] Additional wardrobe pieces featured lingerie, harnesses, bandolier vests, ram’s head masks, and custom jeans.[41][42] Madonna made eight costume changes throughout the show.[39]
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Madonna enlisted Canadian multimedia companyMoment Factory to design the tour's visual content, marking their second collaboration following the Super Bowl XLVI halftime show. The team had four months to conceptualize and produce multimedia for 12 songs, including "Papa Don't Preach" (1986), "Express Yourself", "Vogue", "I'm a Sinner", "Like a Prayer" (1989), and "Celebration". The process involved full2D and3D animation, with video shoots conducted in India, New York, and Montreal.[17] According to Moment Factory content creator Johanna Marsal, ideas were developed collaboratively with show director Michael Laprise, video director Stefaan Desmedt, and choreographers Rich + Tone. Concepts were shaped by stage costumes and audience perspective, and had to be approved by Madonna.[43][44] Marsal noted that the team had creative freedom and worked closely with lighting and set designers to ensure cohesion.[43][44]
The visuals ranged fromphotorealistic to surreal. "Girl Gone Wild" opened in a digitallyrenderedcathedral, while "Gang Bang" featured blood-splatter effects filmed over three days in Montreal. For "I'm a Sinner", Moment Factory capturedpsychedelic footage from the back of a moving train in India. The finale, "Celebration", was described as a riot of color and movement.[17][43][44] Other collaborators includedTom Munro andJohan Söderberg, who created a video for "Nobody Knows Me" (2003) that morphed Madonna's face with global figures likeSarah Palin,Hu Jintao, andPope Benedict XVI, exploring themes of intolerance and judgment.[45][46][47] Munro also directed a noir-inspired video of Madonna being stalked by masked clowns for "Justify My Love" (1990).[48][49] The mashup of "Express Yourself" and "Born This Way" incorporatedRoy Lichtenstein-style visuals and animated "monsters" devouring imagery from Madonna's past tours, and a lightning bolt referencingDavid Bowie'sAladdin Sane persona.[50]Slant Magazine's Sal Cinquemani described the sequence as a deliberate jab at Gaga, given the use of "monsters" —a term Gaga uses for herfanbase.[51] During the performance of "Vogue", the logo ofmagazine of the same name was prominently displayed onscreen.[40] Additional video cameos featuredLil Wayne,Nicki Minaj, andM.I.A. on "Revolver", "I Don't Give A", and "Give Me All Your Luvin'", respectively.[49][36]
One of the most complex technical challenges wasmapping visuals onto the moving cube lifts at the center of the stage. According to Desmedt, a custom-configuredDR controller developed by UVA was used to achieve the precise projections. He noted that working on Madonna’s show differed from typical concerts due to its highly theatrical nature: "Whereas usually you'd be cutting to the music, here you're cutting to very tiny details. It's less flexible".[17]
The concert opened withGregorian chants byKalakan, pushing a thurible across the stage in agothic cathedral setting. As the chants shifted to Madonna's name, the backdrop split open to reveal a confessional booth with the singer inside. She appeared to smash through its window with a rifle as "Girl Gone Wild" began, joined by shirtless dancers in high heels. "Revolver" followed, featuring automatic rifles and visuals ofLil Wayne. For "Gang Bang", Madonna performed inside a rotating motel room, firing shots at dancers suspended above as blood splattered across the screens. A shortened "Papa Don't Preach" was sung at the tip of the triangle-shaped stage. In "Hung Up", dancers in army pants and animal masks tied her up, while she slacklined as others slid beneath her. The act ended with "I Don't Give A", performed on electric guitar withNicki Minaj onscreen seated on a throne. A graveyard-themed video interlude followed, combiningMDNA track "Best Friend" and "Heartbeat" fromHard Candy (2008), withcontortionists in gas masks.
TheProphecy segment began with amajorette-themed "Express Yourself", complete withbaton twirling. Midway through, Madonna incorporatedLady Gaga's "Born This Way" and her own "She’s Not Me". "Give Me All Your Luvin'" followed, featuring a mid-airdrumline and screen cameos by Minaj andM.I.A. The "Turning Up the Hits" video interlude played excerpts of "Holiday" (1983), "Into the Groove" (1985), "Lucky Star" (1983), "Like a Virgin" (1984), "4 Minutes" (2008), "Ray of Light" (1998) and "Music", segueing into "Turn Up the Radio", with Madonna in a leather dress playing guitar. A reworked "Open Your Heart" was performed with Kalakan, blending into their Basque song "Sagarra Jo!", while "Masterpiece" closed the act with scenes fromW.E. projected on the screens.
A black-and-white interlude of "Justify My Love" opened theMasculine/Feminine act, showing Madonna pursued by masked dancers through a hotel corridor. She returned to the stage in the reimagined Gaultier conical corset for "Vogue", with dancers in monochrome avant-garde outfits. The corset was removed for a mashup of "Candy Shop" and "Erotica", performed in a Frenchcabaret setting. In "Human Nature", she disrobed while mirrors floated around the stage. The act ended with a slow, piano-backed "Like a Virgin", performed with a shirtless dancer who laced her into a corset as "Evgeni's Waltz" fromW.E. played.
TheRedemption segment began with the "Nobody Knows Me" interlude, which morphed Madonna's face with controversial world figures. AShaolin-themed "I'm Addicted" followed, featuring martial-arts–inspired visuals and Madonna in theJoan of Arc–inspired Phillips outfit. In "I'm a Sinner", she wore alei and played guitar as video footage showed a train journey through India, incorporating elements of the unreleased 2000 song "Cyber-Raga". The show concluded with "Like a Prayer", performed with choir-like dancers in robes against religious iconography, and "Celebration", a high-energy closer with neon 3D cubes, laser lights, and dancers mimicking DJs while wearingBeats by Dre headphones.
The opening night drew strong reactions from critics. Niv Elis ofThe Jerusalem Post called it an "assault on the senses", whileThe National's Saeed Saeed praised it as "visually dazzling" though he noted it was "at times brutally dark and suffocating, as much an emotional exorcism as a performance".[36][52] His colleague Marie Louise-Olson commended the singer's energy and physical condition, while Peter E. Müller ofBerliner Morgenpost described the show as an "elaborate stage spectacle of enigmatic force", declaring Madonna "still magical and unmatched".[53][54]WDR 2's Ingo Schmidt praised the provocative nature of the concert, Neil McCormick ofThe Daily Telegraph deemed it "sensationalist and schizophrenic", and theBirmingham Mail's Kat Keogh applauded its theatricality.[55][56][57]El País's Luis Hidalgo found it "danceable and spectacular", showcasing Madonna's "intelligence, femininity, and elegance".[57][58] Beverley Lyons from theDaily Record called it a "remarkable" concert that revealed "a softer side" of the singer and proved she was "still in Vogue with fans".[59]
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Several critics highlighted standout numbers: Schmidt praised the finale pairing of "Like a Prayer" and "Celebration", whileThe Scotsman's Gary Flockhart cited "Express Yourself" for lightening the mood after the opening act, along with "Open Your Heart", "Vogue", and "Like a Prayer".[55][60] Hidalgo also praised "Open Your Heart", which featured the Kalakan trio, along with "Masterpiece".[58] Elis described the mashup of "Candy Shop" and "Erotica" as a visual highlight, and surprisingly praised "Give Me All Your Luvin'", despite calling it a "lukewarm single".[36] Opinions on "Like a Virgin" were split —Schmidt found it nearly unrecognizable, while McCormick called it the show's true highlight.[55][56]
Not all feedback was positive.Blick noted the concert was "rehearsed down to the last detail with little spontaneity".[61] TheEvening Standard's John Aizlewood criticized Madonna's reluctance to embrace her back catalog, writing that she dipped into it "occasionally and begrudgingly".[62]Vogue Italia's Giulia Blasi cited poor sound and "suspiciously pristine vocals" during choreography-heavy numbers.[63] ForThe Independent's Simon Price, the show "goes off with a whimper, not a bang".[64] While Natalie Shaw fromThe Arts Desk argued the tour "sapped the joy" from Madonna's biggest hits,musicOMH's Michael Hubbard criticized the heavily processed vocals and lack of momentum, calling the show "a gig that lacked oomph throughout".[65][66] Scholars Imelda Whelehan and Joel Gwynne later noted that the MDNA Tour attracted unusually extensive global coverage, including in British press for shows staged elsewhere.[67]
Rolling Stone's Colleen Nika called the show "ambitious" and praised Madonna's ability to deliver provocative pop better than anyone.[68]Jon Pareles ofThe New York Times described it as a "display of energy and nutty inventiveness", whileNewday' Glenn Gamboa saw it as one of her most revealing reinventions.[69][70]The Seattle Times criticsSharon Pian Chan and Andrew Matson commended its spectacle and choreography, andLe Journal de Montréal's Marc-André Lemieux praised its emotional range.[71][72][73] Others, likeCreative Loafing's Mark Segal Kemp, described the tour as more of a theatrical experience than a traditional concert, while theSan Francisco Chronicle's Aidin Vaziri called it "masterfully produced".[74][75] In Colombia, local press hailed herMedellín shows as "historic" and "unprecedented".[76]
Las Vegas Review-Journal's Jason Bracelin emphasized the show’s emotional tone and Madonna's ability to reinvent older hits.[77] The incorporation of "Born This Way" during "Express Yourself" was seen byThe New York Times as a standout moment of artistic rivalry.[69] Critics were divided on the set list: some, like Ross Raihala of theSt. Paul Pioneer Press and Vaziri, felt theMDNA cuts were weak and the arrangements of older songs inconsistent.[78][75] Others, including Segal Kemp and Lemieux, defended the non-hit material as bold and innovative, highlighting performances like "I Don't Give A" and "Turn Up the Radio".[73][74] The renditions of "Express Yourself", "Open Your Heart", "Vogue", and "Like a Virgin" were singled out for their style and energy by several critics, including theSun-Sentinel's Ben Crandell.[79]
Despite the praise, the show also received criticism. Sal Cinquemani called theMasculine/Feminine segment the creative peak but criticized truncated numbers like "Papa Don't Preach" and "Hung Up".[51]Spin's Carolyn Ganz considered MDNA to be Madonna's "least coherent" concert since 2001'sDrowned World Tour, while Vaziri and Bracelin felt the spectacle sometimes overwhelmed the substance.[80][75][77]The Mercury News' Jim Harrington gave a notably negative review; "the set list was weak. The new songs were forgettable. The old favorites were dressed up in different arrangements, most of which were awful. And the theatrics — such a big part of a Madonna concert — ranged from dreadful to dull".[81] In retrospect,The Advocate andVH1 both ranked MDNA as Madonna's seventh-best tour, with Christopher Rosa noting that after the initial shock faded, it proved a "very solid concert".[82][83] In 2024, Cinquemani, writing forBillboard, upgraded its standing, naming it her fourth-best concert tour and calling it one of her most "ambitious and intense" productions.[84]
Tickets went on sale immediately after Madonna's Super Bowl performance, with members of her official fan club receiving early access to tickets, VIP packages, and exclusive merchandise.[85][8] US prices ranged from $45 to over $350, with premium options near $600 —a point of criticism that Madonna dismissed by saying, "People spend $300 on crazy things all the time [...] I'm worth it".[86] According toBillboard, more than 1.4 million tickets had sold by April 2012, grossing $214 million; Fogel said the tour was "completely on track to end up in the top 10 tours of all time".[87] Demand was intense worldwide: shows inIstanbul,Montreal,Los Angeles, and other major cities sold out within minutes,Berlin andAmsterdam sold out in hours, and 50,000 tickets in Istanbul were gone in four days.[88][89][90][91] Madonna's first ever show inAbu Dhabi had fans lined up in front of theVirgin Megastore since 7 a.m. (GST), according toThe National;[92] all 22,000 tickets sold out in hours, prompting the addition of a second date.[93][94]
In North and Latin America, sales were equally strong. The first 60,000 tickets for New York'sYankee Stadium sold out in 20 minutes,Ottawa broke a venue record with 15,000 tickets sold in 21 minutes, andQuebec City moved 65,000 tickets in an hour.[95][96][97] InMexico City, thousands of the most expensive tickets sold out within minutes of pre-sale,[98] Medellín sold 38,000 pre-sale tickets in record time,[99][100] and Brazil sold over 100,000 in just two days.[101]Digital Spy then reported that MDNA had outsold Lady Gaga'sBorn This Way Ball in South America despite ticket prices being up to three times higher.[102]
By the end of its 88 sold-out shows, MDNA grossed $305.2 million ($418.01 million in 2024 dollars[1]), becoming thetenth highest-grossing tour of the time and the second highest for a female artist, behind Madonna's ownSticky & Sweet Tour.[103][104]Billboard named it the most lucrative tour of 2012, making it Madonna's third time closing a year at the top of the box office heap, the others being 2009 and2004. The artist also joinedthe Rolling Stones, theGrateful Dead andBon Jovi as the only acts to beBillboard's highest-grossing tour twice in a three-year span.[103] Madonna was awarded Top Touring Artist at the2013Billboard Music Awards.[105]
The "Nobody Knows Me" video interlude drew sharp criticism from France'sfar-right after depicting politicianMarine Le Pen with aswastika on her forehead before morphing intoAdolf Hitler.[46] Le Pen responded by accusing Madonna of stealing —and later buying— her adopted African children, claiming the singer was seeking publicity because "her songs don't work anymore", and threatened legal action if the video remained unchanged for theParis andNice shows.[46][106] When the Paris performance went ahead unaltered on July 14, theNational Front sued for "public insult", with party officials accusing Madonna of using the controversy to sell tickets.[107] Former party leaderJean-Marie Le Pen suggested his daughter demand $1 million in damages from Madonna and her tour organizers.[108]Socialist politicianNajat Vallaud-Belkacem called the incident "regrettable", but anti-racism groupSOS Racisme defended the video as "anti-racist and feminist".[107][108] The singer herself said her aim was to "promote tolerance", butThe Hollywood Reporter claimed the dispute hurt ticket sales in France, with 4,400 Nice tickets given away.[109] At the Nice concert, the swastika was replaced with a question mark, which National Front representatives hailed as a victory.[110]
Political statements on other cities also sparked reactions. InWashington, D.C., Madonna endorsed then-presidentBarack Obama, referring to him as a "black Muslim" — later clarifying it was ironic and meant to challenge prejudice.[111] InLouisiana, her pro-Obama remarks drew both cheers and boos, prompting her to stress that audience members should value their right to vote regardless of political affiliation.[112] At her Los Angeles show, Madonna dedicated "Human Nature" (1995) toMalala Yousafzai, the 14-year-oldPakistani activist shot by theTaliban for advocating girls' education. Condemning the attack as "sickness and absurdity", she urged support for women's rights and revealed "Malala" painted on her back. The gesture received mixed responses in Pakistan, with some criticizing her via social media.[113]
The use offirearms during "Revolver" and "Gang Bang" drew backlash, particularly after Madonna defied alocal ban on fake guns in Scotland just 36 hours after theColorado theater shooting.[114] Joking onstage, she told the crowd, "Due to your laws here they might pull the plug on me, so if they cut us off suddenly, write to your local MP". A spokesman for Mothers Against Guns called the scenes "in bad taste" given the recent tragedy, and inDenver, several audience members reportedly left during the segment.[114][115] Liz Rosenberg defended Madonna, saying she would "rather cancel her show than censor her art". Speaking toGood Morning America, the singer refused to alter the performance: "That would be like asking people to not have guns in action movies... guns don't kill people, people kill people. That whole first section of the show is like an action movie, and I was playing a super-vixen who wanted revenge".[116] In a letter toBillboard, she added:
"I do not condone violence or the use of guns [...] they are symbols of wanting to appear strong and wanting to find a way to stop feelings that I find hurtful or damaging. In my case I want to stop the lies and hypocrisy of the church, the intolerance of many narrow minded cultures and societies I have experienced throughout my life and in some cases the pain I have felt from having my heart broken".[19]
Critical reception to the segment was mixed. Neil McCormick called it "quite unpleasantly aggressive" but admitted aggression suited Madonna, while Gary Flockhart deemed it "exhilarating if in bad taste".[56][60] Others, like Andrew Matson and Mark Segal Kemp, noted it prompted walkouts and cast a shadow over the first half, though Marc-André Lemieux praised Madonna's "invested, passionate, and even possessed" delivery.[72][74][73]
The "Human Nature" performance also caused controversy for onstage nudity.[69] In Turkey, Madonna briefly exposed a nipple;[117] inRome, shemooned the audience.[118] Some, likeIndia Today Deepti Jakhar, felt the stunts seemed "desperate" to recapture past shock value, whileEntertainment Weekly's Annie Barrett called them inauthentic.[119][118]BuzzFeed's Amy Odell defended the singer in an article titled "Leave Madonna's 53-year-old breast alone"; "apparently now when that inevitable thing called aging happens, [women] have to worry about covering up enough so that we don't look 'desperate' [...] Heavens! Women who are 53 still have breasts and... sex drives!", Odell wrote.[120]
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On July 17, it was announced that Madonna would give an "intimate one night only performance" atParis'sOlympia hall on July 26, described as a tribute to her love forFrench art,cinema, and the country's history of inspiring artists.[121] Tickets, which went on sale first to members of her fan club, before being released to the public with a two-per-person limit, generated "overwhelming" demand.[121][122] Songs performed on this date included a mashup of Madonna's 2002 single "Die Another Day" andMDNA album track "Beautiful Killer", as well as a cover ofSerge Gainsbourg's "Je t'aime... moi non plus" (1969).[123]
The show was met with heavy criticism from fans, many of whom had paid over€280 or queued overnight, as it lasted only 45 minutes.[124] Attendees booed and shouted insults, while crowds gathered outside demanding refunds.[125] Social media backlash followed, with the YouTube video of the performance receiving over 12,000 dislikes within a day.[124][125] Some also objected to the political remarks the singer made during the set.[126] Rosenberg stressed the event was never billed as the full MDNA concert, noting it cost close to $1 million to stage and was in line with Madonna's past club dates, which were also under an hour.[127] Madonna herself addressed the controversy:
"Playing the Olympia was a magical moment for me and it was real treat to do this special show for my fans and be so close to them. Unfortunately at the end of the show – after I left the stage – a few thugs who were not my fans rushed the stage and started throwing plastic bottles pretending to be angry fans. The press reports have focused on this and not the joyous aspect of the evening. But nothing can take away or ruin this very special evening for me and my fans. When I looked out in the audience, everyone I saw had a smile on their face. I look forward to having this wonderful experience again".[128]
"I know there are many sides to every story, and I mean no disrespect to the church or the government. But I think that these three girls —Masha,Katya,Nadya — I think that they have done something courageous. I think they have paid the price for this act. And I pray for their freedom".
Madonna's Russian concerts sparked major controversy. Ahead of the shows, she voiced support for the jailed feminist punk bandPussy Riot, calling their treatment "unfair" and defendingfreedom of speech as central to her career.[130] InMoscow, she wore the group's signaturebalaclava and revealed their name written across her back, prompting a public thank-you from the band but sharp criticism from Russian officials, includingDeputy Prime MinisterDmitry Rogozin.[131][132] After the members were sentenced to two years in prison, Madonna issued a statement condemning the verdict and urging artists worldwide to protest; "I call on all those who love freedom to condemn this unjust punishment. I urge artists around the world to speak up in protest against this travesty. [...] I call on ALL of Russia to let Pussy Riot go free".[133][134]
Her second stop, inSaint Petersburg, drew terrorist threats and a warning from theUS Embassy.[135] The singer used the concert to oppose Russia's so-calledanti-gay law, handing out pink wristbands, wavingrainbow flags, and delivering a speech comparing LGBT struggles toMartin Luther King Jr.'s fight for equality.[136] In response, ten activists sued her for $10.4 million, claiming she had promoted "homosexual propaganda" and "insulted their feelings".[137] The case was dismissed in November 2012, but in 2020 Madonna revealed she had been fined $1 million by the Russian government —a penalty she never paid.[138][139] In 2015, it was reported that Madonna had toldEntertainment Weekly that she would most likely never visit Russia again because ofits stands on gay rights.[140]
In May 2012, theAlgemeiner Journal reported thatConan O'Brien would travel to Israel to film a special episode of hislate-night talk show around the tour's opening night.[141] The broadcast included a segment with comedianBilly Eichner interviewing people in New York and Israel about topics ranging fromIran's nuclear crisis to whether they were attending Madonna's concert.[142] Later in October, Eichner met the singer backstage while she rehearsed for her Yankee Stadium show.[143] Shot in Rome,Inside The DNA of MDNA was a 7-minute behind the scenes video posted on Madonna's official YouTube channel on July 9.[144] The Olympia concert wasstreamed live via LoveLive's YouTube channel; creative director Toby L said the event "typifies what we’re doing with the LoveLive music series, which will continue to feature the world's most recognizable music artists".[122]
On November 9, Madonna confirmed the tour's official DVD would be filmed at her November 19–20 shows atMiami'sAmerican Airlines Arena, after initial plans to record inColombia fell through due to scheduling conflicts with the directors.[145][146] Directed by Danny B. Tull and Stephane Sennour,Madonna: The MDNA Tour premiered on June 18, 2013, at New York'sParis Theater with the singer in attendance, and aired four days later onEPIX.[147][148][149] Released on September 10 inDVD,Blu-ray, and double-disclive album formats under the titleMDNA World Tour,[150] it drew mixed reviews —praised for technical precision and visuals but criticized for omitting several major hits[151][152]— yet became Madonna's sixth consecutive and tenth overall video to topBillboard'sTop Music Videos chart.[153]
Set list, samples and notes adapted per Madonna's official website, the notes and track listing ofMDNA World Tour, and additional sources.[154][155][30]
Act 1:Transgression
Act 2:Prophecy
Act 3:Masculine/Feminine
Act 4:Redemption
Notes
| Date (2012) | City | Country | Venue | Opening act | Attendance (Tickets sold / available) | Revenue |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 31[b] | Ramat Gan[c] | Israel | Ramat Gan Stadium | Martin Solveig | 33,457 / 33,457 | $4,339,876 |
| June 3 | Abu Dhabi | United Arab Emirates | du Arena | Benny Benassi | 45,722 / 45,722 | $8,053,500 |
| June 4 | ||||||
| June 7 | Istanbul | Turkey | Türk Telekom Arena | Offer Nissim | 47,789 / 47,789 | $6,219,598 |
| June 12 | Rome | Italy | Stadio Olimpico | Martin Solveig | 36,658 / 36,658 | $2,835,542 |
| June 14 | Milan | Stadio San Siro | 53,244 / 53,244 | $5,624,570 | ||
| June 16 | Florence | Stadio Artemio Franchi | 42,434 / 42,434 | $4,252,680 | ||
| June 20 | Barcelona | Spain | Palau Sant Jordi | 33,178 / 33,178 | $3,893,274 | |
| June 21 | ||||||
| June 24 | Coimbra | Portugal | Estádio Cidade de Coimbra | 33,597 / 33,597 | $3,156,022 | |
| June 28 | Berlin | Germany | O2 World | 25,481 / 25,481 | $3,679,378 | |
| June 30 | ||||||
| July 2 | Copenhagen | Denmark | Parken Stadium | 29,416 / 29,416 | $2,980,465 | |
| July 4 | Gothenburg | Sweden | Ullevi Stadium | 36,472 / 36,472 | $4,510,807 | |
| July 7 | Amsterdam | Netherlands | Ziggo Dome | 29,172 / 29,172 | $3,777,245 | |
| July 8 | ||||||
| July 10 | Cologne | Germany | Lanxess Arena | 14,489 / 14,489 | $1,775,841 | |
| July 12 | Brussels | Belgium | King Baudouin Stadium | 36,778 / 36,778 | $3,676,447 | |
| July 14 | Paris | France | Stade de France | 62,195 / 62,195 | $7,195,799 | |
| July 17 | London | England | Hyde Park | LMFAO | 54,140 / 54,140 | $6,714,027 |
| July 19 | Birmingham | National Indoor Arena | Alesso | 11,684 / 11,684 | $1,998,196 | |
| July 21 | Edinburgh | Scotland | Murrayfield Stadium | 52,160 / 52,160 | $4,974,731 | |
| July 24 | Dublin | Ireland | Aviva Stadium | 33,953 / 33,953 | $3,175,497 | |
| July 26 | Paris | France | L'Olympia | N/a | 2,576 / 2,576 | $346,653 |
| July 29 | Vienna | Austria | Ernst-Happel-Stadion | Martin Solveig | 33,250 / 33,250 | $1,953,791 |
| August 1 | Warsaw | Poland | Stadion Narodowy | Paul Oakenfold | 38,699 / 38,699 | $2,933,410 |
| August 4 | Kyiv | Ukraine | Olympic Stadium | Sebastian Ingrosso | 31,022 / 31,022 | $4,893,317 |
| August 7 | Moscow | Russia | Olimpiyskiy | Alesso | 19,842 / 19,842 | $4,074,400 |
| August 9 | Saint Petersburg | SKK Peterburgsky | 19,079 / 19,079 | $2,683,569 | ||
| August 12 | Helsinki | Finland | Helsinki Olympic Stadium | Martin Solveig | 42,760 / 42,760 | $5,589,900 |
| August 15 | Oslo | Norway | Telenor Arena | CLMD | 18,631 / 18,631 | $3,017,871 |
| August 18 | Zürich | Switzerland | Letzigrund | Martin Solveig | 37,792 / 37,792 | $4,989,192 |
| August 21 | Nice | France | Stade Charles-Ehrmann | LMFAO | 29,670 / 29,670 | $2,386,311 |
| August 28 | Philadelphia | United States | Wells Fargo Center | Laidback Luke | 15,741 / 15,741 | $2,651,855 |
| August 30 | Montreal | Canada | Bell Centre | Martin Solveig | 16,918 / 16,918 | $3,457,482 |
| September 1 | Quebec City | Plains of Abraham | Paul Oakenfold | 70,569 / 70,569 | $8,098,292 | |
| September 4 | Boston | United States | TD Garden | N/a | 13,995 / 13,995 | $2,450,720 |
| September 6 | New York City | Yankee Stadium | Avicii | 79,775 / 79,775 | $12,599,540 | |
| September 8 | ||||||
| September 10 | Ottawa | Canada | Scotiabank Place | Paul Oakenfold | 14,422 / 14,422 | $2,371,994 |
| September 12 | Toronto | Air Canada Centre | 32,557 / 32,557 | $7,458,188 | ||
| September 13 | ||||||
| September 15 | Atlantic City | United States | Boardwalk Hall | 12,207 / 12,207 | $2,891,340 | |
| September 19 | Chicago | United Center | 28,143 / 28,143 | $5,102,880 | ||
| September 20 | ||||||
| September 23 | Washington, D.C. | Verizon Center | Benny Benassi | 27,944 / 27,944 | $4,860,428 | |
| September 24 | ||||||
| September 29 | Vancouver | Canada | Rogers Arena | Martin Solveig | 28,500 / 28,500 | $4,758,994 |
| September 30 | ||||||
| October 2 | Seattle | United States | KeyArena | 23,651 / 23,651 | $3,723,405 | |
| October 3 | ||||||
| October 6 | San Jose | HP Pavilion | Martin Solveig MiSha Skye | 25,907 / 25,907 | $4,791,285 | |
| October 7 | ||||||
| October 10 | Los Angeles | Staples Center | Martin Solveig | 29,015 / 29,015 | $6,162,835 | |
| October 11 | ||||||
| October 13 | Las Vegas | MGM Grand Garden Arena | 24,991 / 24,991 | $7,188,879 | ||
| October 14 | ||||||
| October 16 | Phoenix | US Airways Center | MiSha Skye | 13,239 / 13,239 | $2,389,060 | |
| October 18 | Denver | Pepsi Center | 13,280 / 13,280 | $2,135,835 | ||
| October 21 | Dallas | American Airlines Center | Benny Benassi | 14,360 / 14,360 | $2,329,690 | |
| October 24 | Houston | Toyota Center | Martin Solveig | 24,797 / 24,797 | $4,390,355 | |
| October 25 | ||||||
| October 27 | New Orleans | New Orleans Arena | Paul Oakenfold | 14,498 / 14,498 | $2,261,515 | |
| October 30 | Kansas City | Sprint Center | 14,108 / 14,108 | $2,366,220 | ||
| November 1 | St. Louis | Scottrade Center | 16,022 / 16,022 | $2,449,110 | ||
| November 3 | Saint Paul | Xcel Energy Center | 26,084 / 26,084 | $4,229,005 | ||
| November 4 | ||||||
| November 6 | Pittsburgh | Consol Energy Center | 14,120 / 14,120 | $2,358,670 | ||
| November 8 | Detroit | Joe Louis Arena | 13,716 / 13,716 | $1,833,154 | ||
| November 10 | Cleveland | Quicken Loans Arena | 16,487 / 16,487 | $2,546,780 | ||
| November 12 | New York City | Madison Square Garden | Martin Solveig | 24,790 / 24,790 | $4,846,665 | |
| November 13 | ||||||
| November 15 | Charlotte | Time Warner Cable Arena | 13,817 / 13,817 | $2,208,180 | ||
| November 17 | Atlanta | Philips Arena | Paul Oakenfold | 13,504 / 13,504 | $2,379,792 | |
| November 19 | Miami | American Airlines Arena | 27,976 / 27,976 | $5,241,125 | ||
| November 20 | ||||||
| November 24 | Mexico City | Mexico | Foro Sol | 84,382 / 84,382 | $11,586,745 | |
| November 25 | ||||||
| November 28 | Medellín | Colombia | Estadio Atanasio Girardot | 90,018 / 90,018 | $14,741,104 | |
| November 29 | ||||||
| December 2[d] | Rio de Janeiro | Brazil | Parque dos Atletas | Felguk | 34,709 / 34,709 | $4,332,428 |
| December 4 | São Paulo | Estádio do Morumbi | Gui Boratto | 85,255 / 85,255 | $8,430,677 | |
| December 5 | ||||||
| December 9 | Porto Alegre | Estádio Olímpico Monumental | Fabrício Peçanha | 42,524 / 42,524 | $7,578,191 | |
| December 13 | Buenos Aires | Argentina | River Plate Stadium | Laidback Luke | 89,226 / 89,226 | $10,820,041 |
| December 15 | ||||||
| December 19 | Santiago | Chile | Estadio Nacional | 47,625 / 47,625 | $3,867,601 | |
| December 22 | Córdoba | Argentina | Estadio Mario Alberto Kempes | 48,133 / 48,133 | $5,566,393 | |
| Total | 2,212,345 / 2,212,345 (100%) | $305,158,362 | ||||
| Date (2012) | City | Country | Venue | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 11 | Zagreb | Croatia | Stadion Maksimir | Scheduling conflicts |
| October 20 | Dallas | United States | American Airlines Center | Laryngitis |
Adapted fromThe MDNA Tour program.[25]
{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
| Studio albums | |
|---|---|
| Soundtrack albums | |
| Live albums | |
| Compilation albums | |
| Limited releases | |
| Video releases | |
| Concerts and tours | |
| Films directed | |
| Documentaries | |
| Television | |
| Books authored | |
| Companies and brands | |
| Works about Madonna |
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| Public image | |
| Related articles | |
