Madonna has said she is feeling unwell just seven days into her 78-date world tour.
The pop legend, 65, told fans in Antwerp, Belgium, that she wasn’t feeling her best just months after she was forced to postpone the Celebration Tour due to ill health.
In June, Madonna delayed the original start date of her tour after a “serious bacterial infection” led to a several-day stay in intensive care.
The singer posted on Instagram in July, saying she was focusing on “health and getting stronger” and mentioned that the plan was to “reschedule the North American leg of the tour and to begin in October in Europe”.
On Saturday, Madonna got emotional as she recounted her illness that landed her in hospital and left her unconscious.
She spoke about the episode to fans while reflecting on how ill her mother Madonna Louise Ciccone was before she passed away from breast cancer at age 33.
“I had this strange thought,” she said. “I suddenly had sympathy and empathy for my mother. About how lonely she must have felt in the hospital, knowing that she wasn't going to live. And I was given another chance.”
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 added: “So I'm very grateful for that.”
“I must tell you, I don't feel very well right now. But I can't complain because I'm alive,” she added.
“Thank God for my children and all of you, and all of your love and support. I really appreciate it.”
“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,' she told the audience in another clip posted by the fan.
“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.’”
Madonna kicked off her tour with four dates at the O2 in London. The set included 40 songs from her four-decade career.
