Madonna, the legendary pop icon, made a triumphant comeback to the stage on Saturday night (October 14, 2023) at London’s O2 Arena. The singer launched her highly anticipated and long-awaited Celebration Tour, which had been postponed due to her serious health scare in June 2023. The singer performed a two-hour set that featured her hit songs from her four-decade-long career, as well as emotional tributes, personal stories, and stunning dance moves.
According to the Daily Mail, Madonna was joined by her daughters, Lourdes, 27, Chifundo Mercy James, 17, and Estere, 10, who showcased their talent in front of a crowd of more than 20,000 fans. Lourdes impressed with her captivating dance moves, Chifundo Mercy James played the haunting instrumental to her mother’s iconic song Bad Girl on a grand piano, and Estere strutted down the runway to her mother’s famous song Vogue.
Madonna also addressed her health troubles during the show, saying that it had been “a crazy year” for her. She revealed that she had suffered from a bacterial infection that caused her to lose five days of her life and be hospitalized in intensive care. She thanked her children for saving her life and said that she survived for them.
A celebration of life and music
The Celebration Tour is Madonna’s 12th concert tour and her first since the Madame X Tour in 2019-2020. The tour is set to visit 15 countries and perform 78 shows. The tour’s name is inspired by Madonna’s 2009 compilation album of the same name, which featured some of her greatest hits as well as new songs.
The tour’s setlist includes songs from Madonna’s entire discography, ranging from her debut single Everybody (1982) to her latest album Madame X (2019). The show also features some of Madonna’s most controversial and provocative songs, such as Like a Prayer (1989), Erotica (1992), and American Life (2003).
The show is divided into four sections: Celebration, Confession, Revolution, and Resurrection. Each section has a different theme and mood, reflecting Madonna’s diverse musical styles and influences. The show also pays homage to some of the late artists who influenced Madonna or collaborated with her, such as Prince, Michael Jackson, Sinead O’Connor, and Keith Haring.
A spectacle of lights and costumes
The Celebration Tour is not only a musical extravaganza but also a visual feast. The show features elaborate lighting and video effects that create a dynamic and immersive atmosphere. Madonna often interacts with the screens behind her, creating a sense of intimacy with the audience.
The show also showcases Madonna’s iconic fashion sense and creativity. The singer wears various costumes designed by some of the world’s most renowned designers, such as Jean Paul Gaultier, Alexander McQueen, Dolce & Gabbana, and Moschino. The costumes reflect Madonna’s different personas and eras, from the punk rock rebel to the disco diva to the spiritual guru.
The show also features a diverse and talented group of dancers who accompany Madonna on stage. The dancers wear masks and costumes that represent some of Madonna’s most memorable moments and images, such as the cone bra, the wedding dress, the cowboy hat, and the leotard.
A critical and commercial success
The Celebration Tour has received rave reviews from critics and fans alike. The tour has been praised for its production value, musical quality, emotional depth, and cultural relevance. The tour has also been hailed as a testament to Madonna’s resilience, longevity, and influence in the music industry.
The tour has also been a huge commercial success. The tour has sold out most of its dates and has grossed over $200 million so far. The tour is expected to become one of the highest-grossing tours of all time by a female artist.
The Celebration Tour will continue until April 2024, when it will conclude in New York City. Fans who have not yet seen the show can still purchase tickets online or at the venues.
