BEIJING, August 1 -- U.S. pop diva Madonna kicked off the European leg of her world tour on a saddle and sang from a crucifix while entertaining tens of thousands of fans in the Welsh city of Cardiff.

Some 59,000 fans attended the first Confessions tour concert outside of America at the Millennium Stadium, where she gyrated on a saddle floating above the stage and sang from a crucifix in a performance involving provocative dance routines.

At one point she bared her middle finger to the crowd, which responded with a roar of applause.

The music star opened the concert with pop tune "I Feel Love", appearing from a giant disco ball lowered from the stadium's closed roof.

Despite some patches of empty seats in the stadium, which were quickly filled by dancing fans, the Britain-based American singer remarked on the big crowd, adding, "This is very exciting for me."

(Source: Shenzhen Daily/Agencies)