Madonna Announces Release of Confessions II, a Direct Sequel to 2005 Dance Classic

Madonna has confirmed that her fifteenth studio album, Confessions II, will hit shelves on July 3 2026 through Warner Records. The announcement followed the release of the lead single, “I Feel So Free,” on streaming services on April 18 2026.

The new record is billed as a spiritual sequel to 2005’s Confessions on a Dance Floor, the album that re‑energised Madonna’s career with a club‑centric sound. According to reports, the 2005 collaboration was led by producer Stuart Price, who has worked with the pop icon on multiple projects since the early 2000s.

Price first joined Madonna’s touring band in 2001 as a keyboard player and musical director for the Drowned tour, later becoming the musical director for the 2005 tour. In an interview with The Times, he described the early days of the partnership: “I was intimidated by the incredible musicians and gear, and I only had a monosynth that made one sound at a time.” He added that he doubted his suitability for the role, but Madonna encouraged him to stay. “She reconfigured the whole setup on the basis of that comment,” he said.

The two have maintained a collaborative rapport in the studio. Price said, “When you have faith in your writing partner, the whole thing becomes pleasant.” He compared their sessions to a school band, noting that Madonna would often say, “I think I have something,” and the result was “not calculated, it’s just unquestionably her.”

The original Confessions on a Dance Floor featured the hit “Hung Up,” which sampled ABBA’s “Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! (A Man After Midnight).” Price recalled the sample’s origin in a Music Week interview: “I was DJing at The Masque in Liverpool and heard the track on Radio 2. In a dream‑state I thought it would be a good sample, so I hacked it into a track for my set.” When Madonna asked for an ABBA‑style hook, Price played her the idea, and she immediately began singing the hook that would become “Hung Up.” The track was recorded in the attic of Price’s flat in Maida Vale.

Confessions on a Dance Floor topped charts in 40 countries and sold more than 10 million copies worldwide. The album’s lead single, “Hung Up,” reached number one in 41 countries and became the most successful dance song of the decade.

Confessions II is expected to follow a similar dance‑centric approach. While details about the tracklist and production are still limited, the partnership between Madonna and Price suggests a continuation of the creative process that defined the 2005 album.

The release of Confessions II comes at a time when Madonna remains a prominent figure in the music industry. The album’s launch will be accompanied by promotional activities, including potential live performances and media appearances. The record’s release date is confirmed for July 3 2026, and it will be distributed by Warner Records.

In summary, Confessions II marks Madonna’s return to the dance‑floor sound that revitalised her career a decade and a half ago, with Stuart Price once again at the helm of production and creative direction. The album’s release is scheduled for July 3 2026, and it is expected to build on the legacy of Confessions on a Dance Floor.