Madonna recently shared alarming details about a life-threatening health scare in 2023, which made her eventual return to the stage even more meaningful. The pop icon, now 65, was forced to pause her Celebration Tour after contracting a bacterial infection that not only delayed the start of her concert series but also put her life at risk. During a concert in Los Angeles, she took a moment to reflect on her difficult journey to recovery, recalling the physical and emotional toll the illness took on her.
In an emotional revelation, Madonna spoke candidly to her audience at the Kia Forum about the struggle she faced during her recovery. She explained how, in the midst of her illness, she felt completely drained and was desperate for answers. “I would call in every other day and ask [my doctor] why I didn’t have any energy, when was my energy going to come back, when can I go on tour again?” she shared. Her doctor’s simple advice was to get outside and soak up some sun, but that seemingly simple task became a challenge for her during this difficult time.
Madonna went on to describe how even walking from her house to the backyard was a struggle. “It was so hard for me to walk… I didn’t know when I could be myself again,” she admitted, revealing the vulnerability she felt as she faced a new reality. For someone used to being in control of her life and career, this period marked an important lesson in surrendering and accepting that some things were beyond her control. She thanked those who supported her, including the medical team and her loved ones, for their patience and kindness during her recovery.
The audience cheered when Madonna recalled a particularly defiant moment with her manager, Guy Oseary, during her recovery. While she was hooked up to medical machines, Oseary asked her when she’d be ready to return to the road. Madonna responded with determination, pulling the oxygen tube from her nose and declaring, “In two f—ing months!” She laughed, explaining that sometimes, putting things out into the universe in such a direct way is the key to making them happen.
Madonna acknowledged the powerful role her family, especially her children, played in helping her pull through this challenging period. “My children are what really helped me pull through because they worked so hard,” she said. She also mentioned how they contributed to the tour, with her kids taking on musical and performance roles—David Banda on guitar, Mercy James on piano, and Estere leading a voguing set. With her children’s support and her determination, Madonna set a goal for herself and made her return to the stage a reality. Her love for her fans and her commitment to not disappointing them played a major part in her resilience, as she made sure to keep her promises to both her loved ones and her audience.
