Entertainment

Madonna tells U.S. fans to appreciate their freedom

August 29, 2012 / 9:03 AM EDT / CBS/AP

Madonna Performs live during the MDNA tour at Hyde Park on July 17, 2012, in London. Ian Gavan/Getty Images

(CBS/AP) Madonna said she was happy to party in the USA as she kicked off the U.S. leg of her "MDNA Tour" in Philadelphia after touring Europe for three months.

The pop icon told the crowd Tuesday night they should "never forget how lucky you are to live where you live and to have the freedom that you have."

Pictures: Madonna
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She made the comments after talking about punk-rock group Pussy Riot's recent arrest in Moscow after the female band performed a "punk prayer" against Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow's main cathedral.

Madonna said it was no coincidence that she opened her U.S. tour "where the Declaration of Independence was signed." Then the 54-year-old singer yelled: "We are in the land of democracy."

She also told the crowd: "Don't get fat and lazy and take that freedom for granted."

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