Madonna launches ninth world tour

Madonna will begin her ninth world tour in Tel Aviv in May, her promoter said Tuesday, passing through Europe and the Americas and returning to Australia for the first time in 20 years.

The news comes just days after the 53-year-old's dazzling performance at the Super Bowl, where rapper M.I.A. caused a furore by raising her middle finger during an ensemble version of Madonna's new single, "Give Me All Your Luvin".

"Madonna is having a huge party and everyone's invited! The Madonna 2012 World Tour begins May 29th, 2012, in Tel Aviv, Israel," her international promoter Live Nation Entertainment announced.

The tour is her first since the hugely successful "Sticky and Sweet" tour in 2008 and 2009, and will promote Madonna's new album "MDNA", out in March.

She has sold more than 300 million albums and won seven Grammys during a career spanning more than three decades, has worked as a film actor and director and in November launched a new fashion line.

"Madonna's track record as a world class entertainer and touring artist speaks for itself," said her promoter, Arthur Fogel.

"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.

Madonna's latest film, "W.E.", a story of the romance between Britain's king Edward VIII and US divorcee Wallis Simpson which she directed, co-wrote and co-produced, is currently on general release.