On a recent stop on her hotly anticipated Celebration Tour, pop icon Madonna opened up about just how miraculous her stage show really is.
The show is, by all accounts, a triumph, but it's not the classic tunes or the Queen of Pop's famous dance moves that make this tour her most special. It's because, in Madonna's own words, it's a "f**king miracle" she's even alive.
During a recent concert in Belgium, Madonna became visibly emotional while candidly talking about the deadly bacterial infection that came terrifyingly close to killing her over the summer.
Madonna put on an incredible show last night. She said she wasn't feeling well. It's hard not to wonder if she's really not well though, pushing through with the tour so soon after her illness. I hope she and her business people are taking good care of her. pic.twitter.com/FtboL4oqwD
— andie dyer (@dyerAndie) October 22, 2023
Madonna was found unresponsive in her New York home in June, allegedly by her 10-year-old twins Estere and Stella. A lengthy ICU stay ensued, and the Celebration Tour, meant to mark the 40th anniversary of the beginning of her career and originally set to open in July, was delayed until October due to her lengthy recovery.
During her show in Antwerp, Madonna told the crowd:
“Less than four months ago, I was in a hospital and I was unconscious, and people were thinking, predicting, that I might not make it."
"It’s a f**king miracle that I’m here right now. My mother, God bless her, she must be watching over me. She said, ‘Girl, it’s not your time to go.’”
She also spoke of how she feels all the more fortunate given that her mother, with whom she shares a name, passed away of breast cancer in 1963 when Madonna was just five years old.
"I had this strange thought. I suddenly had sympathy and empathy for my mother, not about the dying part, but how lonely she must have felt being in the hospital knowing that she wasn’t going to live."
"And I was given another chance, so I’m very grateful for that.”
She then confessed that while she still doesn't feel "very well" she also "can't complain, because I'm alive."
On social media, people were deeply moved by Madonna's heartfelt candor.
@dyerAndie I think that illness has really shook her. She was on top form on opening night, smiling all the way through. I don\u2019t doubt she\u2019s being looked after but the tour must be gruelling 2 hours performing every night not to mention sound checks.— Michael (@Michael) 1697966126
no way, i can't, it's too emotional. @madonna teared up talking about her second chance in life, unlike her mother, after performing "mother and father" tonight, despite not feeling well. i want to hug her so badly 😭 pic.twitter.com/w1zqp9xksX
— 🐝 (@loveeeprofusion) October 21, 2023
we know Madonna is and will be alright, saying she wasnt feeling well yesterday, because of this man here! David loves her so much and I'm sure he's protecting her, same with all of her beautiful children. I am not worrying. #MadonnaCelebrationTour pic.twitter.com/GMEaQpFDf7
— Madonna Ultimate (@MadonnaUltimate) October 22, 2023
Madonna, you are a true inspiration! We're so grateful you're here sharing your music and spirit with the world! 🙏❤️
— BitSong (@BitSongOfficial) October 23, 2023
resilient mother
— dylan ★ (@dylanlubin_) October 22, 2023
Let's continue praying for Madonna
🙏
The queen
— Collins (@collinscollin77) October 22, 2023
long live the queen of pop
— blondie (@bIondier) October 22, 2023
Madonna also thanked her six children and her fans for helping her get through her harrowing ordeal. The Celebration Tour is schedule to continue through April 2024.
@priscillachan/Instagram