However, actually being able to attend one of her shows seemed to allude me for years. For one reason or another, it just didn't happen. But when the schedule for her 2006 "Confessions Tour" was announced, I decided there was no way I was going to miss it. And I didn't miss it. Two times, in fact, I didn't miss it. And it was worth every penny (boy was that an expensive week).

Lucky for me, Guy Oseary's new photography book Madonna Confessions (powerHouse) is an amazing documentation of Madge's 2006 sold-out spectacular. With over 250 exquisitely color-drenched images squeezed between the covers, it is hard to believe Oseary didn't even own a professional grade camera before Madonna tapped him to photograph it. But being her manager and BFF since the 80's, clearly Madonna approves of Oseary's artistic vision to such a degree that she had no problem trusting him with this project (and she was right).

The photos are arranged in chronological order from top of the show (backstage during a pre-performance huddle with the entire cast) through to the encore finale where the pop empress is sporting nothing more than a high cut leotard and capri-length fishnets (and showing off a better physique than gravity and time normally allows). Shades of blue, fuschia, and purple illuminate the atmosphere and literally make the "Confessions on a Dance Floor" album cover spring to three-dimensional life. Her wardrobe looks especially fabulous in the shots and those of us who are obsessed with costumes will be especially pleased: every sequin, buckle, and boot zipper is in great detail.