Madonna postpones tour as she's hospitalised with serious bacterial infection
She's spent time in intensive care
Last updated 29th Jun 2023
Pop icon Madonna has been forced to postpone her upcoming The Celebration World Tour, after contracting a serious bacterial infection which left her in an intensive care unit.
The 64-year-old 'Like A Prayer' singer was due to kick off her hugely-antipcated tour in July, but her manager Guy Oseary has now released a statement to reveal news of Madonna's recent health scare.
He said: "On Saturday June 24, Madonna developed a serious bacterial infection which lead to a several day stay in the ICU.
"Her health is improving, however she is still under medical care. A full recovery is expected.
"At this time we will need to pause all commitments, which includes the tour.
"We will share more details with you soon as we have them, including a new start date for the tour and for rescheduled shows."
Announcing the news earlier this year, Madonna revealed the tour, called 'Madonna: The Celebration Tour', would celebrate four decades of her music with some of her biggest hits over the last 40+ years.
The 'Like A Virgin' singer was due to kick off her show in Vancouver on 15th July, before travelling to North America and then the UK in October and December.
Madonna was scheduled to perform four dates at London's O2 Arena in October 2023, before returning due to popular demand for another two in December 2023.
Speaking about the tour at the time, Madonna said: "I am excited to explore as many songs as possible in hopes to give my fans the show they have been waiting for."
Check out the Queen of Pop's iconic looks throughout the years below:
1985: Madonna performing on 'The Virgin Tour'
1985: Madonna performs at Live Aid
1987: Channelling her inner Marilyn Monroe for 'Who's That Girl'
1990: The iconic pointy corset was worn on Madonna's 'Blonde Ambition' tour
1993: Madonna went for a close pixie crop hairdo on her 'Girlie Show' tour
Evita
Releasing Jeeves after Jesus Christ Superstar, Andrew chose a biographical topic for his next musical - focusing on the life of Eva Perón, the second wife of Argentine President Juan Perón. The show's most famous song is 'Don't Cry For Me Argentina', and was made into a film in 1996 with Madonna in the lead role (pictured) starring alongside Antonio Banderas and Jonathan Pryce.
1998: She went for a more natural, stripped back look to promote 'Ray Of Light'
1998: In the same year, she went drastically dark for the 'Frozen' music video
2001: Looking sleek at the Mean Machine premiere with her then-husband Guy Ritchie
2004: She was back to curly blonde locks for the 'Reinvention Tour'
2008: She was looking fierce in black on her 'Sticky & Sweet Tour'
2012: She gave the cheerleading performance of her life on the 'MDNA Tour'
2013: She chose a blunt black wig for the Punk-themed Met Gala
2015: Madonna caught everyone's eye with her Matador performance at the BRIT Awards - especially with that cape
2017: She turned heads in camo at the Met Gala
2019: Madonna sported an eye patch for her performance at the 2019 Eurovision Song Contest
2020: The London Palladium
Madonna's appearance after her performance at The London Palladium in January 2020 is one of the only times she has been photographed in the last couple of years!
2022: Madonna joins Columbian singer Maluma on stage
Madonna was the special guest of Columbian singer Maluma at his hometown show in Medellín on 30th April. They performed her 2000 hit 'Music' together as well as a rendition of their song 'Medellín' from her 2019 album 'Madame X'.
Backed by a group of dancers, Madonna stood out in a pink dress and plenty of bling.
2022: Madonna breaks Billboard record
Madonna has become the first female artist to have a Billboard Number 1 album in each of the last five decades.
2023: Madonna announced 'The Celebration Tour'
Madonna announced 'The Celebration Tour' on 17th January. The singer will be performing hits from the last 40 years, and the show will pay respect to New York City, where her career in music began.
Upon hearing the news of Madonna's illness, fans across the world have been sending messages of support and well wishes.
One wrote: 'Get well soon Madonna.. we need you ❤️', with another adding: 'We love you no matter what, get well soon M, you're our world ❤️'. A third wrote: 'Wishing you a speedy recovery Queeen !!🥺🥺♥️♥️♥️'. (sic)
Another worried fan then wrote: 'You got this Madonna!!! Come onnnn 🙏🏽💕'. (sic)
At the time of writing, details of Madonna's rescheduled tour are yet to be revealed.
We wish Madge a speedy recovery!