Madonna Says It's A 'F*cking Miracle' She's Touring Following Bacterial Infection

Madonna has kickstarted her Celebration world tour in style, showing off 27-song setlists (with medleys included) and recently, while performing in Belgium (21 October), addressed the bacterial infection that landed her in hospital earlier this year.

In June, Madonna’s longtime manager, Guy Oseary, said her Celebration tour dates would need to be postponed after the singer was hospitalised with a bacterial infection. The “serious bacterial infection” led to several days in the ICU.

Speaking about the bacterial infection in detail, the Like A Prayer singer revealed that she was unwell and running an hour behind schedule.

“Less than four months ago, I was in the hospital, and I was unconscious, and people were thinking, predicting that I might not make it,” she told the audience. “It’s a fucking 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’s mother passed away from breast cancer when the singer was five years old.

She continued, via a string of Twitter videos posted by user Andie Dyer, “I had this strange thought… I suddenly had sympathy for my mother, not about the dying part but how lonely she must have felt being in hospital, knowing that she wasn’t going to live.

“And I was given another chance, so I’m very grateful for that. I must tell you that I don’t feel very well right now, but I can’t complain because I’m alive. Thank god for my children and all of your love and support.”

You can view the footage of her speech below.

In a July social media statement, Madonna revealed that she’s “on the road to recovery” and upcoming dates had to be rescheduled. “I hate to disappoint anyone,” she wrote. She also assured fans that her focus is on getting stronger and that she’ll return to the stage as soon as possible.

While Oceania dates could come later, it currently looks like Australian and New Zealand fans won't be visited by the Queen Of Pop on her Celebration world tour.

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