The show went on for the Material Girl, even in the face of divorce.
Mere hours after her rep confirmed that she and Guy Ritchie were parting ways after almost eight years of marriage, Madonna took the stage in Boston Wednesday for the latest date on her Sticky and Sweet tour, seeming none the worse for the wear.
The 50-year-old singer gyrated, grooved and even jumped rope during an athletic two-hour set at the TD Banknorth Garden, displaying an uncanny level of physical fitness for a woman of her age—or any age, for that matter.
Though the soon-to-be former Mrs. Ritchie did not comment on her personal life directly, but seemed to allude to some issues in her dedication for "Miles Away."
"This song is for the emotionally retarded. Maybe you know some people who fall into that category. God knows I do..."
Then again, judging by the wartorn imagery she was preojecting on the screen, she appeared to be referencing world leaders, not movie directors.
In any event, she did not hold back when it came to her political views.
Stating that she had been told not to mention Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, whom she has bad-mouthed during prior tour dates, Madonna avoided any further commentary on the Republican vice presidential candidate.
Instead, she simply urged her audience to make their voices heard in the upcoming election, saying, "I hope you f--kers are registered to vote."
"Take some responsibility for your f--king country," she said, adding, "Just vote for Obama!"
To further her point, she showed the infamous video montage in which an image of Republican presidential hopeful John McCain is interspersed with clips of Hitler and other dictators, while Democratic nominee Barack Obama is aligned with Ghandi.
"Tick-tock, tick-tock," the singer intoned repeatedly, as she implored her audience to "save the world."
Over the course of the night, Madonna's energy never flagged, as she ranged from newer songs, such as "Candy Shop," from her latest album, Hard Candy, to older hits such as "Vogue," "Get Into the Groove" and the night's biggest crowd pleaser, "Like a Prayer."
As only fitting for a performer of Madonna's caliber, the sold-out show featured stunning special effects, including virtual cameos from collaborators such as Pharrell Williams, Kanye West, Justin Timberlake and Britney Spears. Her backup dancers moved through their paces like a well-oiled machine, never eclipsing their star.
The singer is due to perform again in Boston Thursday night, before continuing on to Toronto.
The Sticky and Sweet tour is currently slated to wrap up in São Paulo, Brazil, Dec. 21.