Madonna dedicated a song to the “emotionally retarded” in Boston last night (October 15th), just hours after she confirmed her divorce from husband Guy Ritchie.

The singer gave no explicit mention to her marriage as she rattled through songs on the latest leg of her Sticky & Sweet world tour.

Fans had feared the show, Madonna's first of two at the TD Banknorth Garden, would be cancelled as reports of the couple's split dominated world media yesterday.

However, US critics have described the show as “business as usual” - although some highlighted the words Madonna chose to introduce 'Miles Away'.

The singer told the audience that the song, about the breakdown of a relationship, was “for the emotionally retarded”, adding: "Maybe you know some people who fall into that category. I know I do."

(by Jason Gregory)