Las Vegas Weekly

February 7, 2012 · 8:58 AM

Madonna to embark on world tour May 29; Las Vegas date is Oct. 13

By Robin Leach

Madonna and her daughter Lourdes at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party at the Sunset Tower Hotel in L.A. on Feb. 27, 2011.

Photo: Erik Kabik/Retna/ErikKabik.com

Fresh off the success of her Super Bowl XLVI Halftime spectacular Sunday watched by more than 1 billion people in 200 countries, pop queen Madonna revealed this morning details of her 2012 world tour starting May 29, and her expected $50 million payday includes a stop in Las Vegas at MGM Grand Garden Arena.

The 53-year-old Material Mom will play more than 50 concerts starting May 29 in Israel, followed by 26 European cities before returning to Australia for the first time in 20 years and also back to South America. She’ll play arenas, stadiums and unique outdoor venues in Turkey, Russia, Italy, Germany, Sweden, England, Ireland, Poland, Scandinavia and Switzerland, in all, 26 overseas stops and 26 North American dates.

Her U.S. segment starts Aug. 28 in Philadelphia, with a huge New York concert Sept. 6 at Yankee Stadium. Then it’s San Jose on Oct. 6, L.A. on Oct. 10, Las Vegas on Oct. 13 and Phoenix on Oct. 16. Tickets for the Las Vegas and Phoenix shows go on sale Feb. 27.

The tour, which is being promoted by Live Nation Entertainment, follows an extraordinary week for the legendary and often-controversial singer. In addition to her Super Bowl Halftime extravaganza, she released her single, “Give Me All Your Luvin’ ” featuring Nicki Minaj and MIA in advance of her highly anticipated new album “MDNA” set for March 26 release.

Preorders have already catapulted “MDNA” to No. 1 on iTunes in 51 countries, including the U.S., U.K., Germany, France, Spain, Canada, Italy, Sweden and the Netherlands. The single’s video directed by Megaforce, which also stars Nicki and MIA, was previewed on “American Idol.” Additionally, the Madonna-directed Golden Globe Award-winning film “W.E.” opened in New York and L.A., with other markets to follow this month.

“Madonna's track record as a world-class entertainer and touring artist speaks for itself. Her artistry, talent and creative productions get bigger and better with each tour, and Madonna 2012 will be no exception. We are thrilled to have her back on the road and know her fans feel the same,” said Arthur Fogel, CEO of Live Nation Entertainment Global Touring.

U.S. residents ordering tickets online to an American performance will receive their choice of a digital or physical copy of Madonna’s “MDNA” with every ticket purchased. She is expected to receive $50 million as her payday from the new world tour, which is predicted to surpass the $400 million box office earnings for her last tour, “Sticky & Sweet,” still the highest for a solo artist and the third highest of all time. That tour opened with Las Vegas resident DJ Paul Oakenfold.

The promoters say planning on the production is underway, and Madonna is expected to spend 600-plus hours on rehearsals. Based on her previous touring, she’ll travel with 250 people and 30 wardrobe trunks for 30-plus designer outfits, of which she’ll have 10 major costume changes for each concert with five dressers to zip her in and out in just 90 seconds.

Photo: Tom Donoghue/DonoghuePhotography.com

2012 Taste of the NFL and Super Bowl XLVI Media Day with Madonna in Indianapolis on Thursday, Feb. 2, 2012.

Last time out on the road, Madonna had 28 onstage performers from 20 countries and a crew of 16 caterers just to feed and fuel them. Madonna also travels with her own trainer, masseuse and chiropractor.

It will be interesting to see if Kevin Antunes, who was her musical director last time, will return for the same duties, as he is currently involved with Cirque du Soleil’s touring Michael Jackson “Immortal” show, which opens in London this fall. Jamie King, who directed the halftime show and “Immortal,” also has worked with Madonna on her successful past tours.

Robin Leach has been a journalist for more than 50 years and has spent the past decade giving readers the inside scoop on Las Vegas, the world’s premier platinum playground.

Follow Robin Leach on Twitter at Twitter.com/Robin_Leach.

Follow Vegas DeLuxe on Twitter at Twitter.com/vegasdeluxe.

Follow VDLX Editor Don Chareunsy on Twitter at Twitter.com/VDLXEditorDon.

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