the Celebration Tour
{{Short description|2023–2024 concert tour by Madonna}}
{{good article}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2023}}
{{Infobox concert
| concert_tour_name = The Celebration Tour
| image = Celebration tour poster.png
| image_size = 220
| landscape = yes
| caption = Promotional poster for the tour
| alt = Three versions of Madonna posing beneath the poster's text
| artist = Madonna
| albums = Various
| location = {{Flatlist|
- Europe
- North America
- South America
}}
| start_date = {{Start date|2023|10|14}}
| end_date = {{End date|2024|05|04}}
| number_of_legs = 2
| number_of_shows = 81
| gross = {{Plainlist|
- Billboard: US$225.4 million
- Pollstar: US$227.2 million{{cite magazine|last=Gensler|first=Andy|title=Madonna's Rio concert sets all-time attendance record with 1.6 million fans |url=https://news.pollstar.com/2024/05/05/madonnas-rio-concert-sets-all-time-record-with-1-6-million-fans/|magazine=Pollstar|access-date=May 10, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240509121858/https://news.pollstar.com/2024/05/05/madonnas-rio-concert-sets-all-time-record-with-1-6-million-fans/|archive-date=May 9, 2024 |date=May 5, 2024}}}}
| last_tour = Madame X Tour
(2019–2020)
| this_tour = The Celebration Tour
(2023–2024)
| next_tour = ...
}}
The Celebration Tour was the twelfth concert tour by American singer-songwriter Madonna. It began on October 14, 2023, at the O2 Arena in London and ended on May 4, 2024, with a free concert on Copacabana Beach at Rio de Janeiro. Originally set to start on July 15, 2023, in Vancouver, the tour was postponed to October after Madonna developed a bacterial infection in late June which led to a multiple-day stay at an intensive care unit. As her first retrospective tour, it was based entirely on her back catalogue and 40-year career.
Rumors of a tour first began circulating in mid-to-late 2022, following the release of the compilation Finally Enough Love: 50 Number Ones. After major speculation, the tour was officially announced on January 17, 2023, in a truth or dare-inspired video. Madonna's first all-arena tour since 2016, tickets quickly sold out and multiple dates were subsequently added in many major cities. Celebration would eventually become one of the fastest-selling concert tours.
Stufish, a British company Madonna had worked with in the past, was in charge of the stage which was inspired by New York in the early 1980s. Designers working on the wardrobe included Guram Gvasalia from Vetements, Donatella Versace, Jean Paul Gaultier, and Dilara Fındıkoğlu. The official set list included songs Madonna had not performed live in more than a decade. Madonna paid tribute to the LGBT community, friends lost to HIV/AIDS, and artists who have inspired her in concert.
Critics reacted positively towards the tour, highlighting its retrospective nature. Criticism was aimed at the singer's tardiness, with attendees going as far as to file two lawsuits against her. Billboard reported Celebration to have grossed over $225.4 million from an audience of 1.1 million, scoring one of the highest-grossing tours of 2024.{{Cite web |last=Roeloffs |first=Mary Whitfill |date=Jul 5, 2024 |title=Madonna's World Tour Is 2024's Highest-Grossing On Record (But Taylor Swift Will Probably Win Out) |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/maryroeloffs/2024/07/05/madonnas-world-tour-is-2024s-highest-grossing-on-record-but-taylor-swift-will-probably-win-out/ |access-date=2024-07-25 |website=Forbes |language=en}} The free concert in Rio de Janeiro drew a crowd of over 1.6 million people, which became Madonna's largest crowd of her career and set records for the largest audience ever for a stand-alone concert and the largest all-time crowd for a female artist.
Background
File:Madonna - The Celebration tour live - London 15 10 2023 (53271211037).jpg performing during one of the concerts. He was among the celebrities featured on the video confirming the tour.]]
On August 19, 2022, Madonna released Finally Enough Love: 50 Number Ones, a compilation album that includes remixes of her 50 number-one hits on the US Billboard Dance Club Songs chart.{{cite web |title=Madonna releases Finally Enough Love: 50 Number Ones |url=https://www.madonna.com/news/title/madonna-announces-finally-enough-love-50-number-ones |publisher=Icon: Official Madonna Website |access-date=April 28, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220922042321/https://www.madonna.com/news/title/madonna-releases-finally-enough-love-50-number-ones |archive-date=September 22, 2022 |date=August 19, 2022}} Following the release, the singer uploaded a six-minute video on her YouTube account in which she answered 50 of her fans' "most burning" questions; one asked if she was going to tour to promote the release, to which she answered: "Do you want me to [go on tour]?"{{cite magazine |last1=Kaufman |first1=Gil |title=Madonna Says: Yes, she regrets both marriages and yes, she's 'gagging' to collab with Britney again |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/madonna-50-questions-video-marriages-sex-britney-1235133358/ |magazine=Billboard |access-date=April 28, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220831155222/https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/madonna-50-questions-video-marriages-sex-britney-1235133358/ |archive-date=August 31, 2022 |date=August 31, 2022}} Prior to the compilation's release, Madonna had expressed her desire to embark on a concert tour during an interview with Variety, where she referred to the stage as her "happy place".{{cite web |last1=Halperin |first1=Shirley |last2=Wass |first2=Mike |title=Madonna on 'ride or die' Guy Oseary, the bored ape that got away and her upcoming biopic: 'No one's going to tell my story but me' |url=https://variety.com/2022/music/news/madonna-guy-oseary-biopic-1235326610/ |work=Variety |access-date=April 28, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220727160113/https://variety.com/2022/music/news/madonna-guy-oseary-biopic-1235326610/ |archive-date=July 27, 2022 |date=July 27, 2022}} Rumors of a tour began circulating in October 2022, after outlets in Latin America began reporting that Madonna had booked a reservation at Montevideo's Estadio Centenario for early October 2023.{{cite web |title=Madonna reservó el estadio Centenario de Montevideo: ¿Vendrá también a la Argentina? |url=https://www.clarin.com/espectaculos/musica/madonna-reservo-estadio-centenario-montevideo-vendra-argentina-_0_jJ6OGOZcRB.html |work=Clarín |access-date=April 28, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221005174312/https://www.clarin.com/espectaculos/musica/madonna-reservo-estadio-centenario-montevideo-vendra-argentina-_0_jJ6OGOZcRB.html |archive-date=October 5, 2022 |language=es |date=October 5, 2022}}
In January 2023, Billboard, among other publications, announced that Madonna was planning an "anniversary" tour to celebrate her "deep catalog of hits", and that dates had already been booked at the O2 Arena in London.{{cite web |last1=Glass |first1=J.D. |title=Madonna rumored to be planning a 40th anniversary tour |url=https://www.advocate.com/arts-entertainment/2023/1/05/madonna-rumored-be-planning-40th-anniversary-tour |work=The Advocate |access-date=April 28, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230106002021/https://www.advocate.com/arts-entertainment/2023/1/05/madonna-rumored-be-planning-40th-anniversary-tour |archive-date=January 6, 2023 |date=January 5, 2023}}{{cite magazine |last1=Brooks |first1=David |title=Madonna to embark on career-spamnning 40th anniversary tour |url=https://www.billboard.com/pro/madonna-2023-tour-40th-anniversary/ |magazine=Billboard |access-date=April 28, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230114002907/https://www.billboard.com/pro/madonna-2023-tour-40th-anniversary/ |archive-date=January 14, 2023 |date=January 13, 2023}} Rumors were fueled after the singer deleted her Instagram posts on January 16.{{cite web |last1=Heching |first1=Dan |title=Madonna wipes her Instagram in preparation for suspected tour announcement |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2023/01/16/entertainment/madonna-wipes-instagram-tour/index.html |publisher=CNN |access-date=April 28, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230116225526/https://edition.cnn.com/2023/01/16/entertainment/madonna-wipes-instagram-tour/index.html |archive-date=January 16, 2023 |date=January 16, 2023}} The following day, Madonna officially announced the Celebration Tour through a video. Inspired by her 1991 film Truth or Dare and joined by Diplo, Jack Black, Lil Wayne, and Bob the Drag Queen, among others, the visual ended with Amy Schumer daring Madonna to go on tour and perform her "four decades of mega hits".{{cite web |title=Madonna announces 'The Celebration Tour' |url=https://www.madonna.com/news/title/madonna-announces-the-celebration-tour |publisher=Icon: Official Madonna Website |access-date=April 28, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230117140421/https://www.madonna.com/news/title/madonna-announces-the-celebration-tour |archive-date=January 17, 2023 |date=January 17, 2023}} A release on Madonna's website referred to the show as an "artistic journey through four decades", with the singer herself adding that she wanted to "explore as many songs as possible in hopes to give my fans the show they have been waiting for". Celebration saw Madonna's return to arenas, as her previous Madame X Tour (2019―2020) played only theaters.{{cite web |last1=Savage |first1=Mark |title=Madonna announces 40th anniversary greatest hits tour |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-64306753 |publisher=BBC News |access-date=April 28, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230117141312/https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-64306753 |archive-date=January 17, 2023 |date=January 17, 2023}}
Development
{{Quote box|width=20%|align=left|quote=We just get together and talk and go, "What do we do next? You know it's the 40-year anniversary". So it's like, "Do we or don't we?" It just made sense to go out there and celebrate 40 years of an incredible career.|source=—Manager Guy Oseary on the conception of the Celebration Tour.{{cite magazine |last1=Gensleer |first1=Andy |title=The Grandest Grand Finale: Madonna celebrates record-setting touring career |url=https://news.pollstar.com/2024/05/13/the-grandest-grand-finale-madonna-celebrates-record-setting-rio-show-touring-career/ |magazine=Pollstar |access-date=July 14, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240518100715/https://news.pollstar.com/2024/05/13/the-grandest-grand-finale-madonna-celebrates-record-setting-rio-show-touring-career/ |archive-date=May 18, 2024 |date=May 13, 2024}}}}
Lewis James and Madonna's long time collaborator Jamie King were appointed creative directors.{{cite web |last1=Pistachio |first1=George |title=Meeting the creative director behind Madonna's Celebration Tour |url=https://www.anothermag.com/design-living/15207/lewis-james-creative-director-madonna-celebration-tour-interview |work=Another Magazine |access-date=April 29, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231102190558/https://www.anothermag.com/design-living/15207/lewis-james-creative-director-madonna-celebration-tour-interview |archive-date=November 2, 2023 |date=October 26, 2023}}{{cite magazine |last1=Lynch |first1=Joe |title=Madonna's Celebration Tour: 13 Numbers that give a sneak peek into the global trek |url=https://www.billboard.com/lists/madonna-celebration-tour-dates-what-to-know/3-2/ |magazine=Billboard |access-date=April 29, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231016143043/https://www.billboard.com/lists/madonna-celebration-tour-dates-what-to-know/3-2/ |archive-date=October 16, 2023 |date=October 13, 2023}} The singer became interested in working with James after attending a Post Malone concert he worked on. According to James, she was "extremely involved in the process [...] and she knows what she wants". Ricardo Gomes was commissioned as tour's footage creative director; his job was to film the concert for Madonna, then watch the show every night and see if camera angles had been altered.{{cite web |last1=Mang |first1=Lolita |title=Who is (LA)HORDE, the French collective behind Madonna's Celebration Tour? |url=https://www.vogue.fr/article/madonnas-celebration-tour-lahorde-marseille-collective-interview |work=Vogue France |access-date=April 28, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231124223422/https://www.vogue.fr/article/madonnas-celebration-tour-lahorde-marseille-collective-interview |archive-date=November 24, 2023 |date=November 24, 2023}} Choreography was in charge of Marseille-based collective (La)Horde, consisting of Martina Brutti, Jonathan Debrouwer, and Arthur Harel; Madonna heard of the trio through one of her dancers, and contacted them via Instagram. When envisioning numbers, the trio would draw influence from the singer's past. "We were playing with this idea of a retrospective. Sometimes we had to refresh an older choreography, and sometimes we got to be a bit more meta, comparing [Madonna] today against who she was at the time", recalled Brutti.{{cite web |last1=Croll |first1=Ben |title=French collective (La)Horde brings cinematic flair to dance |url=https://variety.com/2024/global/global/lahorde-madonna-cronenberg-cannes-dance-1235958877/ |work=Variety |access-date=April 29, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240404154714/https://variety.com/2024/global/global/lahorde-madonna-cronenberg-cannes-dance-1235958877/ |archive-date=April 4, 2024 |date=April 4, 2024}}
English musician Stuart Price was appointed musical director after a call he had with Madonna following the tour's announcement.{{cite web |last1=Savage |first1=Mark |date=October 11, 2023 |title=Madonna's Celebration Tour: Greatest hits show to feature more than 40 songs |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-67075718 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231011232630/https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-67075718 |archive-date=October 11, 2023 |access-date=April 28, 2024 |publisher=BBC News}} He explained to the BBC that the tour would draw from four decades of archive footage and studio recordings; "A greatest hit doesn't have to be a song. It can be a wardrobe, it can be a video, or a statement". Price also revealed that the concert's storyline would be “highly evolved [...] really, really compelling".{{cite magazine |last1=Blistein |first1=Jon |title=Madonna's 'Celebration' tour will feature a 'jighly evolved storyline' and over 40 songs |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/madonna-celebration-tour-40-songs-1234852503/ |magazine=Rolling Stone |access-date=April 29, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231013014101/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/madonna-celebration-tour-40-songs-1234852503/ |archive-date=October 13, 2023 |date=October 12, 2023}}{{subscription required}} Personnel working on the tour included 24 dancers, 3 physical therapists, and a traveling crew of over 200 people ―including 25 in the costume department. Bob the Drag Queen was hired by the singer to act as emcee and hype man throughout the concert, having previously met at a pride show in 2022.{{cite magazine |last1=Daw |first1=Stephen |title=Bob the Drag Queen on earning Madonna’s 'stamp of approval' with new touring gig |url=https://www.billboard.com/culture/pride/bob-the-drag-queen-madonna-celebration-tour-1235250822/ |magazine=Billboard |access-date=February 11, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230209195923/https://www.billboard.com/culture/pride/bob-the-drag-queen-madonna-celebration-tour-1235250822/ |archive-date=February 9, 2023 |date=February 9, 2023}}{{cite magazine |last1=Ottenberg |first1=Mel |title=Bob the Drag Queen takes us inside Madonna’s Celebration Tour |url=https://www.interviewmagazine.com/culture/bob-the-drag-queen-takes-us-inside-madonnas-celebration-tour |magazine=Interview |access-date=February 11, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231215084844/https://www.interviewmagazine.com/culture/bob-the-drag-queen-takes-us-inside-madonnas-celebration-tour |archive-date=December 15, 2023 |date=December 14, 2023}} He jokingly recalled: "[Madonna] DM'd my mom on Instagram [...] My mom texted me like, 'Madonna wants to work with me!'"
According to co-manager Sara Zambreno, the singer's vast catalogue proved to be a problem during the early stages of planning, with the team considering to do different tours each representing a decade: "It was an embarrassment of riches, of songs and visuals and costumes and videos to choose from. And how do you pick? Everyone’s going to have a different opinion on what makes the most sense to put on screen. At the end of the day the best solve was just her voice, her narrative, her story and how she wanted to tell it".
= Hospitalization and postponement =
File:O2 Arena.jpg in London, where the Celebration Tour kicked off]]
On June 24, 2023, Madonna was rushed to the hospital; she was admitted to a several-day stay at an intensive care unit due to a "serious bacterial infection".{{cite magazine |last1=Brathwaite |first1=Lester Fabian |title=Madonna postpones Celebration tour after being hospitalized for 'serious bacterial infection' |url=https://ew.com/music/madonna-postpones-celebration-tour-following-several-day-stay-in-the-icu/ |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |access-date=April 29, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230628221744/https://ew.com/music/madonna-postpones-celebration-tour-following-several-day-stay-in-the-icu/ |archive-date=June 28, 2023 |date=June 28, 2023}} Her manager Guy Oseary took to Instagram to release a statement, writing: "[Madonna's] health is improving, however she is still under medical care [...] [She] will need to pause all commitments, which includes the tour". Live Nation confirmed that the first leg of the tour, planned to kick off July 15 in Vancouver, would be postponed.{{cite web |title=The Celebration Tour confirms postponement of North America leg |url=https://www.madonna.com/news/title/the-celebration-tour-confirms-postponement-of-north-america-leg |publisher=Icon: Official Madonna Website |access-date=April 28, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230710205759/https://www.madonna.com/news/title/the-celebration-tour-confirms-postponement-of-north-america-leg |archive-date=July 10, 2023 |date=July 10, 2023}}
In late July 2023, Madonna expressed her gratitude for her fans, team, and family: "Thank you for your positive energy, prayers and words of healing and encouragement [...] My focus now is on my health and getting stronger and I assure you, I’ll be back with you as soon as I can!", read a social media post. She also said that the plan was to reschedule the North American dates.{{cite web |last1=Melas |first1=Chloe |title=Madonna shares health update: ‘I’m on the road to recovery’ |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2023/07/10/entertainment/madonna-statement/index.html |work=CNN|access-date=January 6, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230714085208/https://edition.cnn.com/2023/07/10/entertainment/madonna-statement/index.html |archive-date=July 14, 2023 |date=July 10, 2023}} In a Pollstar article, manager Guy Oseary commented that, since the tour was about "celebrating" Madonna's career and life, it was "perfect that it aligned already with celebrating her 40 years and then something like this happens". He also stated that the health mishap wouldn't necessarily change the run of the show but, "just [bring] more emotion to it" and became more of a "meaningful blessing" after what Madonna endured and came back from.
On August 15, 2023, the rescheduled dates were announced. The Celebration Tour officially began in London on October 14, 2023, and wrapped up with a "historic" free concert in Rio de Janeiro's Copacabana Beach on May 4, 2024.{{cite web |last1=Savage |first1=Mark |date=October 14, 2023 |title=Madonna's Celebration Tour reviewed: The Queen of pop brings out her crown jewels |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-67098882 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231015041341/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-67098882 |archive-date=October 15, 2023 |access-date=April 29, 2024 |publisher=BBC News}}{{cite web |title=Madonna announces a historic free concert in Rio de Janeiro |url=https://www.madonna.com/news/title/madonna-announces-a-historic-free-concert-in-rio |publisher=Icon: Official Madonna Website |access-date=April 29, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240326163723/https://www.madonna.com/news/title/madonna-announces-a-historic-free-concert-in-rio-de-janeiro |archive-date=March 26, 2024 |date=March 25, 2024}} To commemorate the London concerts, the royal family's flagmakers, Flying Colours, made a Royal Standard flag for Madonna's honor.{{cite web |title=The O2 flying the flag for Madonna's London residency |url=https://www.independentnews.com/lifestyles/entertainment/the-o2-flying-the-flag-for-madonnas-london-residency/article_56688972-20a2-5d87-a8e9-1a7f0bbd86f2.html |work=The Independent |access-date=May 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231014221802/https://www.independentnews.com/lifestyles/entertainment/the-o2-flying-the-flag-for-madonnas-london-residency/article_56688972-20a2-5d87-a8e9-1a7f0bbd86f2.html |archive-date=October 14, 2023 |date=October 11, 2023}} Set to fly at full mast the days of the concerts, the red and gold flag showed an image taken from her third album True Blue (1986). Chris Taylor from Flying Colours commented: "[Madonna] is true pop royalty. We've been manufacturing flags for the Royal Family for over 20 years, but we've never made a flag quite like this".
= Rehearsals =
Rehearsals began in early April 2023.{{cite web |last1=Richards |first1=Will |title=Madonna shares behind the scenes video from 'Celebration' tour rehearsals |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/madonna-shares-behind-the-scenes-video-from-celebration-tour-rehearsals-3427099 |work=NME |access-date=April 29, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230413213522/https://www.nme.com/news/music/madonna-shares-behind-the-scenes-video-from-celebration-tour-rehearsals-3427099 |archive-date=April 13, 2023 |date=April 6, 2023}} By June, before Madonna's time in the hospital, sessions were taking place at Uniondale's Nassau Coliseum.{{cite web |last1=Baker |first1=Tim |title=Madonna's tour postponed after long days at Coliseum |url=https://liherald.com/lynbrook/stories/madonnas-tour-postponed-after-long-days-at-coliseum%2C184403 |work=Nassau Herald |access-date=April 29, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231014221802/https://liherald.com/lynbrook/stories/madonnas-tour-postponed-after-long-days-at-coliseum%2C184403 |archive-date=October 14, 2023 |date=July 10, 2023}} Rehearsals resumed at the same venue in mid-August, after Madonna was discharged from the hospital.{{cite web |title=Madonna resumes Celebration Tour rehearsals following hospitalization, prioritizing healing process |url=https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1099249-madonna-resumes-celebration-tour-rehearsals-following-hospitalization-prioritizing-healing-process |work=The News International |access-date=April 29, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230815063105/https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1099249-madonna-resumes-celebration-tour-rehearsals-following-hospitalization-prioritizing-healing-process |archive-date=August 15, 2023 |date=August 15, 2023}} In October, the week before opening night, it was reported that the troupe had moved to the AO Arena in Manchester for the final dress rehearsals.{{cite web |last1=Bourne |first1=Dianne |title=Madonna is in Manchester after booking out ENTIRE five-star hotel - as well as AO Arena |url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/whats-on/music-nightlife-news/madonna-manchester-hotel-booked-arena-27885810.amp |work=Manchester Evening News |access-date=April 29, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231012051150/https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/whats-on/music-nightlife-news/madonna-manchester-hotel-booked-arena-27885810.amp |archive-date=October 12, 2023 |date=October 11, 2023}} According to GQ magazine, rehearsals went on for six weeks after Madonna's return to the hospital.{{cite web |last1=Allen |first1=Ben |title=How Madonna's scrapped biopic (and TikTok) informed her wild new live show |url=https://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/article/madonna-tour-explained |work=GQ |access-date=April 28, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231025150018/https://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/article/madonna-tour-explained |archive-date=October 25, 2023 |date=October 25, 2023}} Stufish Entertainment stage director and architech Ric Lipson recalled that, "Madonna rehearses unlike most artists [...] Other[s], their dancers go and build the show somewhere and they come in a few weeks later".
Production
= Staging =
{{multiple image
| align = left
| perrow = 2
| total_width = 300
| image1 = Stage Layout Celebration TOur.jpg
| image2 = Madonna (53334761412) (cropped).jpg
| image3 = Madonna - The Celebration tour live - London 15 10 2023 (53272569385).jpg
| image4 = Madonna (53264438731).jpg
| footer = Clockwise: The stage for the tour with the multiple runways; Madonna singing "Live to Tell" from atop the floating portal; the cross-adorned carousel used on "Like a Prayer", and the circular lighting rig and disco ball.
}}
For the stage, Madonna worked with London-based company Stufish, with whom she had worked on the MDNA (2012), Rebel Heart (2015–2016), and Madame X tours. Lipson explained that they wanted to do something different to those outings, and came to the conclusion of a more immersive experience; "the way [Madonna] is seen, through video and her social media now for example, has changed. So we thought about making a show about where she is in the room".{{cite magazine |last1=Stathaki |first1=Ellie |title=Madonna's The Celebration Tour invites the audience into the artist's world |url=https://www.wallpaper.com/architecture/madonna-the-celebration-tour-2023-stage-architecture |magazine=Wallpaper |access-date=April 29, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231102190558/https://www.wallpaper.com/architecture/madonna-the-celebration-tour-2023-stage-architecture |archive-date=November 2, 2023 |date=October 20, 2023}}
According to James, the show revolves around four main themes: Time, New York City, fragments, and "the story of [Madonna]". Drawing on these elements, as well as the singer's 40-year long career, the stage was conceived as an abstract map of New York, with a network of B-stages and runways inspired by the streets and blocks of Manhattan —Uptown, Downtown, Midtown, East and West. The team also came up with a kinetic, revolving, three-layered circular central stage that refers to both the wedding cake from Madonna's performance of "Like a Virgin" at the 1984 MTV Video Music Awards and a clock's shape. Also present was a floating, illuminated portal frame that lifted Madonna {{convert|9|m|ft|abbr=on}} off the ground, and moved at {{convert|4.5|m|ft|abbr=on}} per second.{{cite magazine |last1=Dunworth |first1=Liberty |title=Madonna presents her 'Celebration Tour' in numbers |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/madonna-presents-her-celebration-tour-in-numbers-3514557 |magazine=NME |access-date=April 28, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231013203723/https://www.nme.com/news/music/madonna-presents-her-celebration-tour-in-numbers-3514557 |archive-date=October 13, 2023 |date=October 13, 2023}} It allowed the singer to fly over the audience and move between the stage.{{cite magazine |last1=Reilly |first1=Nick |date=November 6, 2023 |title=How Madonna's Celebration Tour was brought to life |url=https://www.rollingstone.co.uk/music/news/how-madonnas-celebration-tour-was-brought-to-life-34048/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231107035327/https://www.rollingstone.co.uk/music/news/how-madonnas-celebration-tour-was-brought-to-life-34048/ |archive-date=November 7, 2023 |access-date=April 28, 2024 |magazine=Rolling Stone UK}} According to Lipson, the portal was meant to act like a "time machine". "Live to Tell" (1986) was one of the numbers that saw Madonna riding the flying portal.
For the song "Bedtime Story" (1995), the front of the stage would rise {{convert|5|m|ft|abbr=on}} and transform into a giant cube. Projectors covered each side of the cube, and depicted a video created by Brazilian video game developer Gabriel Massan.{{cite web |last1=Lawson-Tancred |first1=Jo |title=Meet the artist behind the dreamlike sets of Madonna's new tour |url=https://news.artnet.com/art-world/madonna-tour-artist-gabriel-massan-2396591 |publisher=Artnet |access-date=April 29, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231208070542/https://news.artnet.com/art-world/madonna-tour-artist-gabriel-massan-2396591 |archive-date=December 8, 2023 |date=November 20, 2023}} Inspired by the original "Bedtime Story" music video, Massan's visual depicted "dreamy" landscapes, while Madonna's movements were recorded in real time and linked to an avatar that emulated them. The stage also came equipped with a vast circular lighting rig, 14 spotlights, 600 intelligent lighting, and over 8,800 lighting cues.{{cite magazine |last1=Chiu |first1=Melody |title=Madonna's tour by the numbers: 4 Kids, 8 humidifiers, 3 traveling gyms and more surprising revelations |url=https://people.com/madonna-celebration-tour-by-the-numbers-surprising-revelations-8356457 |magazine=People |access-date=May 2, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231013190724/https://people.com/madonna-celebration-tour-by-the-numbers-surprising-revelations-8356457 |archive-date=October 13, 2023 |date=October 13, 2023}} Props included a massive disco ball for "Holiday" (1983), and a carousel adorned with crosses for "Like a Prayer" (1989).{{cite news |last1=Graff |first1=Gary |title=Madonna makes her home town 'proud' at Little Caesars Arena |url=https://www.theoaklandpress.com/2024/01/16/madonna-makes-her-home-town-proud-at-little-caesars-arena/ |newspaper=The Oakland Press |access-date=April 29, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240116133930/https://www.theoaklandpress.com/2024/01/16/madonna-makes-her-home-town-proud-at-little-caesars-arena/ |archive-date=January 16, 2024 |date=January 16, 2024}}
= Songs =
{{multiple image
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| alt2 = Madonna laying on top of a large box
| footer = The Celebration Tour included songs Madonna had not performed live in decades, such as "Bad Girl" (left) and "Bedtime Story" (right), which was sung on top of the giant cube.
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When discussing the tour, Price revealed that the set list would include more than 40 songs, as well as a "couple of spoken word sections".{{cite magazine |last1=Jones |first1=Damien |title=Madonna wanted to 'feel more connected" to audience on 'Celebration Tour', says stage designer |url=https://www.nme.com/en_au/news/music/madonna-wanted-to-feel-more-connected-to-audience-on-celebration-tour-says-stage-designer-3532408 |magazine=NME |access-date=May 1, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231107055828/https://www.nme.com/en_au/news/music/madonna-wanted-to-feel-more-connected-to-audience-on-celebration-tour-says-stage-designer-3532408 |archive-date=November 7, 2023 |date=November 6, 2023}} Additionally, Celebration was the first Madonna tour to not feature an onstage live band.{{cite web |last1=Cain |first1=Matt |author1-link=Matt Cain (writer) |date=October 17, 2023 |title=What the Celebration tour reveals about 'my spirit guide' Madonna |url=https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20231017-what-the-celebration-tour-reveals-about-my-spirit-guide-madonna |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231017141113/https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20231017-what-the-celebration-tour-reveals-about-my-spirit-guide-madonna |archive-date=October 17, 2023 |access-date=April 28, 2024 |publisher=BBC News}} This was allegedly Madonna's decision, as she wanted to focus on the original recordings; nonetheless, her children played instruments on certain parts of the show.{{cite magazine |last1=Lynch |first1=Joe |title=Stuart Price shares sonic secrets from Madonna's Celebration Tour |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/stuart-price-madonna-2023-celebration-tour-interview-1235449185/ |magazine=Billboard |access-date=April 29, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231019183238/https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/stuart-price-madonna-2023-celebration-tour-interview-1235449185/ |archive-date=October 19, 2023 |date=October 19, 2023}}{{cite magazine |last1=Brathwaite |first1=Lester Fabian |title=Madonna joined on stage by five of her kids on opening night of delayed Celebration Tour |url=https://ew.com/music/madonna-celebration-tour-opening-night-daughters-lourdes-mercy/ |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231021182708/https://ew.com/music/madonna-celebration-tour-opening-night-daughters-lourdes-mercy/ |archive-date=October 21, 2023 |date=October 16, 2023}} Upon announcement, publications like Billboard, Variety, Rolling Stone UK, and Consequence each created their "dream set list".{{cite magazine |last1=Lynch |first1=Joe |title=The dream setlist for Madonna's 2023 Celebration Tour |url=https://www.billboard.com/lists/madonna-2023-celebration-tour-setlist-songs/ |magazine=Billboard |access-date=May 1, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230118230911/https://www.billboard.com/lists/madonna-2023-celebration-tour-setlist-songs/ |archive-date=January 18, 2023 |date=January 18, 2023}}{{cite magazine |last1=Wass |first1=Mike |title=A Dream setlist for Madonna's 'Celebration Tour', from staple songs to slept-on hits |url=https://variety.com/2023/music/news/madonna-celebration-tour-dream-setlist-1235493977/ |magazine=Variety |access-date=May 1, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230118224716/https://variety.com/2023/music/news/madonna-celebration-tour-dream-setlist-1235493977/ |archive-date=January 18, 2023 |date=January 18, 2023}}{{cite magazine |last1=Levine |first1=Nick |title=Here's our dream setlist for Madonna's 'Celebration' greatest hits tour |url=https://www.rollingstone.co.uk/music/features/heres-our-dream-setlist-for-madonnas-upcoming-celebration-greatest-hits-tour-26458/ |magazine=Rolling Stone UK |access-date=May 1, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230203174722/https://www.rollingstone.co.uk/music/features/heres-our-dream-setlist-for-madonnas-upcoming-celebration-greatest-hits-tour-26458/ |archive-date=February 3, 2023 |date=February 3, 2023}}{{cite web |last1=Zaleski |first1=Annie |title=A dream setlist for Madonna's 'The Celebration Tour' |url=https://consequence.net/2023/01/madonna-dream-setlist-celebration-tour/ |work=Consequence |access-date=May 1, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230117220125/https://consequence.net/2023/01/madonna-dream-setlist-celebration-tour/ |archive-date=January 17, 2023 |date=January 17, 2023}} In February 2023, the singer posted a picture on her Instagram, asking her fans, "what songs should I play?" She went on to upload a series of stories of herself writing out potential tracks for the concerts, including songs like "Like a Virgin", "Papa Don't Preach" (1986), "Crazy For You" (1985), "Lucky Star" (1983), "Rescue Me" (1991), "Erotica" (1992), and "Bad Girl" (1993), among others.{{cite web |last1=Gomes |first1=Ricardo |title=Madonna teases setlist for 'Celebration Tour' and asks fans for their top picks |url=https://retropopmagazine.com/madonna-teases-setlist-for-celebration-tour-and-asks-fans-for-their-suggestions/ |work=RetroPop |access-date=May 1, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230203102139/https://retropopmagazine.com/madonna-teases-setlist-for-celebration-tour-and-asks-fans-for-their-suggestions/ |archive-date=February 3, 2023 |date=February 2, 2023}} A poll was created by Billboard for fans to vote on which songs they would like to hear on the tour.{{cite magazine |last1=Anfitos |first1=Rania |title=What song do you want to see Madonna perform on tour? Vote! |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/poll-madonna-tour-songs-setlist-1235202793/ |magazine=Billboard |access-date=May 1, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230120200118/https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/poll-madonna-tour-songs-setlist-1235202793/ |archive-date=January 20, 2023 |date=January 20, 2023}}
The official set list included songs Madonna had not performed in more than a decade: "Bedtime Story" and "Nothing Really Matters", last performed in 1995 and 1999, respectively; "Justify My Love" (1990), "Bad Girl", and "Rain" (1993) were sung for the first time since 1993; "Die Another Day" (2002), "Mother and Father" (2003), and "Live to Tell" had not been part of a tour since the mid-2000s.{{cite web |last1=Rettig |first1=James |title=Watch Madonna sing hits she hasn't performed in decades at Celebration Tour kickoff in London |url=https://www.stereogum.com/2239145/madonna-celebration-tour-kickoff-setlist-videos/news/ |work=Stereogum |access-date=May 1, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231016021235/https://www.stereogum.com/2239145/madonna-celebration-tour-kickoff-setlist-videos/news/ |archive-date=October 16, 2023 |date=October 15, 2023}} Other songs included were a cover of Gloria Gaynor's "I Will Survive" (1978), and "Don't Cry for Me Argentina" (1996).
= Fashion and styling =
In July 2023, The New York Times reported that designer Guram Gvasalia from Vetements had been "secretly" working with the singer on the tour's looks and costumes.{{cite web |last1=Friedman |first1=Vanessa |author1-link=Vanessa Friedman |title=The man who wants to be the biggest thing in fashion |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/07/05/style/guram-gvasalia-vetements.html |work=The New York Times |access-date=May 1, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230705134359/https://www.nytimes.com/2023/07/05/style/guram-gvasalia-vetements.html |archive-date=July 5, 2023 |date=July 5, 2023}}{{subscription required}} For the official wardrobe, Madonna worked with designers Eyob Yohannes and Rita Melssen.{{cite web |last1=Allaire |first1=Christian |title=A closer look at Madonna's one-of-a-kind Celebration Tour wardrobe |url=https://www.vogue.com/slideshow/madonna-celebration-tour-costume-designer-interview |work=Vogue |access-date=May 1, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231017020350/https://www.vogue.com/slideshow/madonna-celebration-tour-costume-designer-interview |archive-date=October 17, 2023 |date=October 17, 2023}}{{subscription required}} The duo came up with the outfits by focusing on the show's main theme: Madonna's 40-year long career. They decided to make their creations refer some of the singer's most famous outfits from the past; "[Fashion] has always been a part of [Madonna's] storytelling, so we drew from her past stylistically, and we kept those themes within the costumes", recalled Yohannes. Additional designers included Gvasalia, Donatella Versace, Jean Paul Gaultier, and Dilara Fındıkoğlu. While coming up with the looks, Melssen and Yohannes had to take into consideration movement and functionality, as the singer goes through several costume changes throughout the concert. To make changing easy, all the clothes came with back zippers; Madonna would also wear one costume underneath another.
{{multiple image
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| alt2 = Lower view of Madonna on a high ledge
| footer = Madonna performing "Vogue" (left) and "Ray of Light" (right), wearing the Jean Paul Gaultier-designed mini dress, and the Versace silver catsuit. She also dons the wigs created by Andy Lecompte.
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For the first act, which was based on 1980s New York, Fındıkoğlu came up with a "punky" tailcoat, inspired on one Madonna had worn during a performance in Japan; "it was a men’s coat that she got from a vintage store [...] [For the new one], we tricked it out, and added memorabilia and pins from the ’80s onto it", explained Yohannes. A boxing theme was used on the wardrobe of the 1990s-inspired second act. Madonna donned a red silk slip dress with black lace details underneath a boxing robe, along with a pair of knee-length, lace-up heeled boots.{{cite magazine |last1=Davis |first1=Jeessica |title=Inside Madonna's 'The Celebration tour' wardrobe |url=https://www.harpersbazaar.com/uk/fashion/fashion-news/g45554974/madonna-tour-wardrobe-fashion/ |magazine=Harper's Bazaar |access-date=May 1, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231023081514/https://www.harpersbazaar.com/uk/fashion/fashion-news/g45554974/madonna-tour-wardrobe-fashion/ |archive-date=October 23, 2023 |date=October 17, 2023}} Wanting to explore the sexual liberation of songs like "Erotica", Yohannes and Melssen settled on a boxing theme. Gaultier created the outfit for the performance of "Vogue" (1990): a black conical mini dress, encrusted with black crystals, that echoes the one Madonna wore on the Blond Ambition World Tour of 1990.{{Cite web |last=Malach |first=Hannah |date=2023-10-15 |title=Madonna’s ‘Celebration Tour’ Looks: Mirrored Versace Catsuit, Vetements Coat and Jean Paul Gaultier’s Updated Take on the Cone Bra |url=https://wwd.com/pop-culture/celebrity-news/madonnas-celebration-tour-looks-versace-vetements-jean-paul-gaultier-1235877228/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231016195215/https://wwd.com/pop-culture/celebrity-news/madonnas-celebration-tour-looks-versace-vetements-jean-paul-gaultier-1235877228/ |archive-date=2023-10-16 |access-date=2023-10-16 |website=Women's Wear Daily |language=en}} A model of green, yellow, and blue tones was created specifically for the Rio de Janeiro show.{{cite web |last1=Malach |first1=Hannah |date=May 6, 2024 |title=Madonna plays for 1.6 million fans in Rio wearing custom Jean Paul Gaultier corset inspired by the Brazilian flag |url=https://wwd.com/pop-culture/celebrity-news/madonna-celebration-tour-rio-jean-paul-gaultier-corset-1236355221/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240507042807/https://wwd.com/pop-culture/celebrity-news/madonna-celebration-tour-rio-jean-paul-gaultier-corset-1236355221/ |archive-date=May 7, 2024 |access-date=May 13, 2024 |work=Women's Wear Daily}} The third act was based on the 2000s, and included songs like "Die Another Day" and "Don't Tell Me" (2000). Ruslan Baginskiy came up with an ensemble consisting of custom Miu Miu steel-toed cowboy boots, a leather corset, a studded shirt, and a leather cowboy hat.
The show's final look was created by Versace with the intention of taking the singer to the metaverse; it is a silver catsuit with oversized shoulders that resembles an armor, made in the pattern of broken glass. One sequence towards the end has dancers recreating 17 of Madonna's past looks and outfits, a lot of which were still in the singer's possession. Madonna gave Yohaness and Melssen access to these clothes so the new costumes' fabric and embroidery would match the originals'. Additional clothing included a denim mini-skirt draped in chains and cross charms, a blue leotard, fishnet tights, a white lace veil, and 40 pairs of boxing gloves; Yohannes designed a black kimono, which was worn with a halo-style headpiece by House of Malakai. Versace also created a printed bodysuit with knee-high boots, worn by Madonna's daughter Estere during "Vogue". A necklace with teardrop-shaped crystals was provided by Swarovski. Stylist Andy Lecompte created two blonde wigs Madonna wore on the show. One was a bob "dramatically" parted to the side and curled in big ringlets ―based on the singer's appearance in the "Vogue" video and the 1990 film Dick Tracy― and the other was long, pin-straight with pink tones.{{cite magazine |last1=Nesvig |first1=Kara |title=Madonna wore at least 3 different hairstyles on the opening night of her tour |url=https://www.allure.com/story/madonna-celebration-tour-hairstyles |magazine=Allure |access-date=January 5, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231026184218/https://www.allure.com/story/madonna-celebration-tour-hairstyles |archive-date=October 26, 2023 |date=October 16, 2023}} Madonna was involved in "every single [part of the] process [...] She cares about who the characters are, and the clothes telling that story", explained Yohannes.
= Philanthropy and tributes =
In early October 2023, Madonna teamed up with fashion brand Ministry of Tomorrow to launch a limited edition line of merchandise, set to be sold both online and at a handful of venues the tour would visit. 100% of proceeds would go to the singer's charity Raising Malawi, and the Chema Vision Children's Center.{{Cite web |last=Aniftos |first=Rania |date=2024-03-20 |title=Madonna & Her Twin Daughters Return to Malawi to Visit Singer’s Charity |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/madonna-twin-daughters-malawi-visit-charity-1235637268/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240611032457/https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/madonna-twin-daughters-malawi-visit-charity-1235637268/ |archive-date=2024-06-11 |access-date=2025-01-04 |website=Billboard |language=en-US}} A concert in Nashville was announced as response to the Tennessee Senate Bill 3, and to the "100 anti-LGBTQ+ bills currently before state legislatures" in the United States. Calling the oppression of LGBTQ+ people "unacceptable and inhumane", Madonna vowed to donate portion of the proceeds from the Nashville show to trans rights organizations.{{cite web |title=Celebration Tour to visit Nashville + new US dates added |url=https://www.madonna.com/news/title/celebration-tour-to-visit-nashville--new-us-dates- |publisher=Icon: Official Madonna website |access-date=May 1, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230327144000/https://www.madonna.com/news/title/celebration-tour-to-visit-nashville--new-us-dates-added |archive-date=March 27, 2023 |date=March 27, 2023}} Said concert, however, was cancelled due to scheduling conflicts.{{cite web|url=https://www.tennessean.com/story/entertainment/music/2023/08/15/madonna-cancels-scheduled-december-date-at-nashvilles-bridgestone-arena/70596417007/|title=Madonna cancels Celebration concert date at Nashville's Bridgestone Arena|last=Dowling|first=Marcus|work=The Tennessean|date=August 16, 2023|access-date=May 2, 2024}}
Throughout the show, Madonna paid tribute to deceased musicians and artists who've influenced her, including Billie Holiday, David Bowie, Michael Jackson, Prince, and Sinéad O'Connor.{{cite web |last1=Chavarría |first1=Maritxel |date=November 3, 2023 |title=Madonna: 'Yo soy vuestra madre, Barcelona' |url=https://www.lavanguardia.com/cultura/20231103/9349390/madonna-concierto-celebration-barcelona.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231103060035/https://www.lavanguardia.com/cultura/20231103/9349390/madonna-concierto-celebration-barcelona.html |archive-date=November 3, 2023 |access-date=May 1, 2024 |work=La Vanguardia |language=es}}{{subscription required}} In the performance of "Live to Tell", about 300 pictures of people who died during the AIDS epidemic —including Keith Haring and Freddie Mercury— appeared on drop-down screens and banners that were draped throughout the venue. Ukrainian-born director Sasha Kasiuha was commissioned by Madonna to orchestrate the video effects; additionally, with the help of the creator of Instagram account The AIDS Memorial, she was able to get the names of more than 100,000 victims.{{cite web |last1=Trebay |first1=Guy |title=Madonna lived to tell |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/12/01/style/madonna-aids-memorial-celebration-tour.html |work=The New York Times |access-date=May 1, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231201200530/https://www.nytimes.com/2023/12/01/style/madonna-aids-memorial-celebration-tour.html |archive-date=December 1, 2023 |date=December 1, 2023}}{{subscription required}} British singer Elton John applauded this tribute.{{cite magazine |last1=Daw |first1=Stephen |title=Elton John praises Madonna for her 'advocacy & compassion' with Celebration Tour AIDS tribute |url=https://www.billboard.com/culture/pride/elton-john-madonna-hiv-aids-tribute-celebration-tour-1235456412/ |magazine=Billboard |access-date=May 2, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231027200500/https://www.billboard.com/culture/pride/elton-john-madonna-hiv-aids-tribute-celebration-tour-1235456412/ |archive-date=October 27, 2023 |date=October 27, 2023}} While on the tour, the singer also referred political events such as the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas-controlled Palestine, and the November 2015 Paris attacks.{{cite web |title=Madonna takes a stand for Ukraine in London world tour opener |url=https://news.yahoo.com/madonna-takes-stand-ukraine-london-104700570.html |publisher=Yahoo! News |access-date=May 2, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231015120136/https://news.yahoo.com/web/20231015120136/https://news.yahoo.com/madonna-takes-stand-ukraine-london-104700570.html |archive-date=October 15, 2023 |date=October 15, 2023}}{{cite magazine |last1=Rizzo |first1=Carita |title=Madonna honors anniversary of Paris terror attacks with 'I Will Survive' |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/madonna-paris-terror-attacks-anniversary-i-will-survive-video-1234877168/ |magazine=Rolling Stone |access-date=May 2, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231114113901/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/madonna-paris-terror-attacks-anniversary-i-will-survive-video-1234877168/ |archive-date=November 14, 2023 |date=November 14, 2023}}{{subscription required}}
Concert synopsis
File:Madonna Celebration Tour (53332435388) (cropped).jpg".]]
Before the concert, the screen displays an artwork by Los Angeles-based artist Jess Cuevas, showing a distorted picture of Madonna. After a DJ set, the concert begins with an introduction by Bob the Drag Queen, who walks to the stage through the audience set to a remix of "Deeper and Deeper" (1992), wearing a Marie Antoinette inspired dress, similar to the one worn by Madonna during the 1990 MTV Video Music Awards performance of "Vogue". He tells the audience about Madonna's beginnings in New York City in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Following the speech, Madonna appears on the circular center stage to perform "Nothing Really Matters" in the black Yohannes Kimono. "Everybody" and "Into the Groove" follow; the singer loses the kimono and switches to the Fındıkoğlu tailcoat. She's joined by dancers dressed in 1980s-inspired gear, while the backdrop screens depict a New York City skyline. Following a speech where she tells the audience that she's going to "tell you the story of my life", and is joined by a dancer dressed like her younger self, Madonna sings "Burning Up" on guitar as VHS-style projections of the CBGB play on the backdrops. "Open Your Heart" has the singer writhing on a chair, echoing the music video.
"Holiday" is performed underneath a disco ball on the circular stage, set up to resemble Danceteria and Paradise Garage, as Bob plays as a bouncer who won't let Madonna enter the club. The number ends with the dancers slowly dropping to the floor. Madonna covers the last one with her trenchcoat and disappears under the stage. Following the opening verse of "In This Life" (1992), "Live to Tell" is sung with the singer flying over the audience on the portal frame. Images of people who died of HIV/AIDS are projected on the screens and throughout the venue. "Like a Prayer" closes the act. Mashed up with Madonna's own "Act of Contrition", and "Unholy" (2022) by Sam Smith and Kim Petras, it is performed atop a rotating carousel with crosses depicting a chapel, and dancers as half naked crucifixes. At the end, her son David Banda plays the guitar solo from "Act of Contrition" dressed as a Prince look-alike, while the screens show the message "I Would Die 4 U".
The second act begins with an interlude set to the instrumental of "Living for Love" (2014). Then, Bob appears on the screens and gives a brief speech about relationships in the 1990s. "Erotica" is performed with Madonna and the troupe in boxing gear. The string introduction of "Papa Don't Preach" plays as Madonna recreates the masturbation sequence of the Blond Ambition tour with a dancer wearing one of the tour's costumes on the red velvet bed from that tour. An orgy-like performance of "Justify My Love" follows. After singing the first verse of "Fever", a mash-up of "Hung Up" and its remix, "Hung Up on Tokischa", is performed by Madonna amid topless dancers; Dominican rapper Tokischa makes an appearance on video. For "Bad Girl", Madonna's joined by her daughter Mercy James on piano. The ballroom performance of "Vogue" features the troupe, including Estere, breakdancing and voguing. They're dressed in ballroom-inspired costumes, and strut on the catwalk as Madonna and a guest judge them. Policemen then subdue the singer, giving way to a shortened performance of "Human Nature". The act ends with "Crazy for You", which sees the singer hug a dancer decked out in the bondage costume from the original "Human Nature" music video.
File:Madonna Celebration Tour (53334425374).jpg", depicting the singer surrounded by multiple dancers dressed like her throughout time.]]
A video interlude set to "The Beast Within" opens the third act; it shows footage taken from the 2002 Steven Klein installation project X-STaTIC PRO=CeSS. The singer and dancers don leather cowboy-inspired gear for the performance of "Die Another Day", which takes place amid lasers. "Don't Tell Me" sees Madonna reenacting the song's music video, and engaging in a mock shootout with Bob. A country-tinged "Mother and Father" is sung as a duet between Madonna and her son David Banda; images of the singer's mother and Banda's biological mother are shown on the backdrops. Madonna then addresses the audience, looking back on motherhood and her hospitalization, and does an acoustic rendition of "I Will Survive". This is followed by a mashup of "La Isla Bonita" and "Don't Cry for Me Argentina"; Madonna's joined by a topless dancer in Army pants, and wraps herself up in a rainbow flag. An interlude that interpolates "I Don't Search I Find" and fragments of her Billboard Women in Music 2016 speech closes the section.
Madonna wears the Versace catsuit and a long blonde wig for the final act. It begins with "Bedtime Story", sung atop a giant cube at the front of the stage. Massan's visuals play on the cube as Madonna sings. The ending of "Bedtime Story" is connected to the beginning of the next number, "Ray of Light". Performed on its Sasha Ultra Violet remix, the singer flies over the audience in the portal frame, as dancers perform amid lasers on the circular stage. The section's final song is a shortened "Rain"; footage of the "Frozen" music video plays on the screens, as Madonna —decked out in a long black robe— is embraced by a dancer in black. On the final interlude, set to a mashup of "Like a Virgin" and Jackson's "Billie Jean" (1982), silhouettes of Madonna and Jackson interact and hug each other on the screens. The video ends with the phrase "Never Can Say Goodbye".
The closing number is "Bitch I'm Madonna", which has the cheers from her 2012 single "Give Me All Your Luvin'". Dancers march onstage dressed as different incarnations of the singer, whilst Madonna herself wears a blue corset and gloves, lace veil, and heavy jewelry, similar to the artwork shown before the concert. A short snippet of "Celebration" follows, featuring a chorus from "Music". After her past incarnations hug her and say goodbye to her, Madonna ends the concert thanking the audience and covering her face with the veil, disappearing into the stage. As the audience leaves the venue, an instrumental version of "The Power of Good-Bye" (1998) plays over the PA system.
Critical reception
= Europe =
{{Quote box|width=20%|align=right|quote="With no band, an entourage of dancers and one very attentive avatar, Madonna serves up four decades of greatest hits in a multimedia spectacle that ranges from steamy to sombre".|source=—The Guardian{{'}}s Kitty Empire commenting on one of the London concerts.{{cite web |last1=Empire |first1=Kitty |author1-link=Kitty Empire |title=Madonna review – a triumphant romp through her many moods |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2023/oct/21/madonna-o2-arena-london-celebration-tour-review-a-triumphant-romp-through-her-many-moods |work=The Guardian |access-date=May 2, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231021131414/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2023/oct/21/madonna-o2-arena-london-celebration-tour-review-a-triumphant-romp-through-her-many-moods |archive-date=October 21, 2023 |date=October 21, 2023}}}}
Of the opening night in London, the BBC's Mark Savage applauded the singer's looks, vocals, and the way she moved, "from one elaborate set-piece to the next with conviction and power". From Variety, Mark Sutherland agreed and added that while "Madonna still doesn’t know how to quit, boy has she learned how to come back".{{cite web |last1=Sutherland |first1=Mark |title=Madonna's Celebration Tour proves the material Girl is still the reigning Queen of Pop Music: Concert review |url=https://variety.com/2023/music/news/madonna-celebration-tour-concert-review-1235756452/ |work=Variety |access-date=May 2, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231015014631/https://variety.com/2023/music/news/madonna-celebration-tour-concert-review-1235756452/ |archive-date=October 15, 2023 |date=October 14, 2023}} Joe Lynch from Billboard wrote: "This wasn’t just a party – it was an exuberant victory lap for a woman who showed up to New York City with $35 and turned herself into the biggest pop diva the world has ever seen". NME{{'}}s Nick Levine gave the concert a perfect five-star rating, and applauded its "rich autobiographical narrative". He was pleased with the participation of Bob the Drag Queen, and the show's "spectacular set-pieces [that reference] iconic highlights from Madonna’s reign", such as "Vogue", "Bedtime Story", and "Ray of Light". Levine ended his review by referring to Celebration as a "thrilling reminder that Madonna isn’t just a pop star, but also a cultural force who genuinely changed the world".{{cite web |last1=Levine |first1=Nick |title=Madonna live in London: pop queen grapples with her legacy |url=https://www.nme.com/reviews/live/madonna-celebration-tour-review-setlist-3515338 |work=NME |access-date=May 1, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231016100106/https://www.nme.com/reviews/live/madonna-celebration-tour-review-setlist-3515338 |archive-date=October 16, 2023 |date=October 16, 2023}}
Rolling Stone UK{{'}}s Nick Reilly deemed the concert, "two hours of overblown, indulgent fun that refuses to dance to the beat of anyone else’s drum"; he also singled out the performances, particularly "Holiday" and "Live to Tell", which he classified as "the first powerful moment of the night".{{cite magazine |last1=Reilly |first1=Nick |title=Madonna live in London: Queen of Pop shows why she still owns the crown |url=https://www.rollingstone.co.uk/music/live-reviews/madonna-live-in-london-queen-of-pop-shows-why-she-still-owns-the-crown-33514/ |magazine=Rolling Stone |access-date=May 1, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231016143044/https://www.rollingstone.co.uk/music/live-reviews/madonna-live-in-london-queen-of-pop-shows-why-she-still-owns-the-crown-33514/ |archive-date=October 16, 2023 |date=October 15, 2023}} Celebration is a "spectacular, ambitious and occasionally bemusing" concert, according to The Arts Desk{{'}}s Thomas H. Green, who also praised "Live to Tell", "Hung Up", and "Vogue", which he named the best moment of the night.{{cite web |last1=Green |first1=Thomas H. |title=Madonna, Celebration Tour, O2 review - spectacular, ambitious and occasionally bemusing |url=https://theartsdesk.com/new-music/madonna-celebration-tour-o2-review-spectacular-ambitious-and-occasionally-bemusing |work=The Arts Desk |access-date=May 2, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231016181949/https://theartsdesk.com/new-music/madonna-celebration-tour-o2-review-spectacular-ambitious-and-occasionally-bemusing |archive-date=October 16, 2023 |date=October 16, 2023}} Laura Snapes from The Guardian also lauded "Vogue" for its ballroom theme, which she felt showcased a genuine bond between Madonna and the LGBTQ+ community.{{cite web |last1=Snapes |first1=Aprill |date=October 20, 2023 |title=Eight things we learned from Madonna's nights of Celebration in London |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2023/oct/20/eight-things-we-learned-madonna-celebration-tour-london |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231020161514/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2023/oct/20/eight-things-we-learned-madonna-celebration-tour-london |archive-date=October 20, 2023 |access-date=May 2, 2024 |work=The Guardian}} The participation of the singer's children was also met with praise. Reviewing the Paris concert, the staff of France 24 noted that Madonna's appearance and performances were her best in years.{{cite web |last1=Clausse |first1=Solène |last2=Ben Brahim |first2=Jennifer |last3=Chaval |first3=Marion |last4=Faure |first4=Magaly |last5=Jackson |first5=Eve |title=Madonna: The Queen of Pop wows Paris on the Celebration Tour |url=https://www.france24.com/en/tv-shows/arts24/20231114-madonna-the-queen-of-pop-wows-paris-on-the-celebration-tour |publisher=France 24 |access-date=May 2, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231114231550/https://www.france24.com/en/tv-shows/arts24/20231114-madonna-the-queen-of-pop-wows-paris-on-the-celebration-tour |archive-date=November 14, 2023 |date=November 14, 2023}} Luis Hidalgo from El País considered it "one of the most complete and dazzling [concerts] by an artist who's given impressive shows [known for] their elegance, originality and fearlessness".{{cite web |last1=Hidalgo |first1=Luis |title=Madonna, la reina madre del pop, deslumbra en Barcelona |url=https://elpais.com/cultura/2023-11-01/madonna-la-reina-madre-del-pop-deslumbra-en-barcelona.html |website=El País |access-date=May 5, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231102103722/https://elpais.com/cultura/2023-11-01/madonna-la-reina-madre-del-pop-deslumbra-en-barcelona.html |archive-date=November 2, 2023 |language=es |date=November 2, 2023}}{{subscription required}}
From Vogue, Liam Hess was impressed with the singer's mood; describing her previous tours as "a little robotic in their military-level precision and acrobatic choreography", he added that she seemed "thrilled" to be back on stage and her presence was perceived "warmer than in previous years".{{cite web |last1=Hess |first1=Liam |title=With Madonna's Celebration Tour, the Queen of Pop reclaims her throne |url=https://www.vogue.com/article/madonna-celebration-tour-london-review |work=Vogue |access-date=May 2, 2024 |date=October 20, 2023}}{{subscription required}} Shaad D’Souza from Pitchfork described Celebration as "an Architectural Digest of the [Madonna] archives, as she shimmied across three catwalks, stepping into sets that echoed past tours and iconic moments", commenting that her voice sounded the best it has "since Ray of Light". D'Souza nonetheless, observed that although the show wasn't as "meticulous and highly conceptual" as the singer's past tours, "[that] was also [its] greatest strength, allowing for brilliant choreographed moments [...] and sections that felt off-the-cuff.{{cite web |last1=D'Souza |first1=Shaad |title=Madonna's Celebration Tour is more than Just another greatest hits show |url=https://pitchfork.com/thepitch/madonnas-celebration-tour-is-more-than-just-another-greatest-hits-show/ |work=Pitchfork |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231018182656/https://pitchfork.com/thepitch/madonnas-celebration-tour-is-more-than-just-another-greatest-hits-show/ |archive-date=October 18, 2023 |date=October 18, 2023}} Kirsten Sokol, from Belgian broadcaster VRT, was satisfied with the "dazzling" concert, but chastised the singer's tardiness and lack of a live band.{{cite web |last1=Sokol |first1=Kirsten |title="Greatest hits"-show met valse start, maar glansrol voor dansers en haar kinderen: dit was Madonna in het Sportpaleis |url=https://www.vrt.be/vrtnws/nl/2023/10/21/madonna-sportpaleis-verslag/ |publisher=VRT |access-date=May 1, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231023025501/https://www.vrt.be/vrtnws/nl/2023/10/21/madonna-sportpaleis-verslag/ |archive-date=October 23, 2023 |language=nl |date=October 22, 2023}} Sutherland also criticized the lack of a band.
The inclusion of "The Beast Within" was criticized both by Snapes and Reilly; the latter deemed it "overlong", and added that, "[w]hen hits like ‘Papa Don’t Preach’ are tonight relegated to a mere intro, you wonder if it's worth it". Both Snapes and Green both agreed that the show lost some narrative as it went on, specifically after the second act. Reilly was also critical of Jackson's inclusion on "Like a Virgin".
= North America =
For USA Today, Melissa Ruggieri called the tour an "effective commemoration of a woman who has fulfilled every accomplishment, yet still possesses a scrappy drive", and placed "Holiday", "La Isla Bonita", "Vogue", and "Like a Prayer" among the night's best numbers.{{cite web |last1=Ruggieri |first1=Melissa |date=December 14, 2023 |title=Madonna kicks off Celebration tour in U.S. with seduction, grace: 'It's a miracle that I'm alive' |url=https://eu.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/music/2023/12/14/madonna-celebration-tour-review-sex-grace-health-scare/71912326007/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231214130450/https://eu.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/music/2023/12/14/madonna-celebration-tour-review-sex-grace-health-scare/71912326007/ |archive-date=December 14, 2023 |access-date=May 2, 2024 |work=USA Today}} The New York Times
File:Madonna Celebration Tour (53333882298) (cropped).jpg" was referred to as a "spirited highlight of the night" by the Washington Blade{{'}}s Kevin Naff.{{cite web |last1=Naff |first1=Kevin |title=REVIEW: Madonna's joyful, nostalgic, chaotic 'Celebration' |url=https://www.washingtonblade.com/2023/12/20/madonna-celebration-tour/ |work=Washington Blade |access-date=May 6, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231220213358/https://www.washingtonblade.com/2023/12/20/madonna-celebration-tour/ |archive-date=December 20, 2023 |date=December 20, 2023}}]]
According to The Washington Post{{'}}s Chris Richards, "It’s hard to shock the world in this digital age — but on tour, Madonna is still finding new ways to make her music memorable". Even though he lauded "Into the Groove", "Open Your Heart" and "Like a Prayer", Richards noted the artist started almost two hours late, and was critical of the Jackson and Prince nods; "[they were] weird at best, ghoulish at worst".{{cite news |last1=Richards |first1=Chris |title=Madonna used to be a provocateur. Now her music sounds timeless. |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/music/2023/12/19/madonna-dc-concert-review/ |newspaper=The Washington Post |access-date=May 3, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231219200007/https://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/music/2023/12/19/madonna-dc-concert-review/ |archive-date=December 19, 2023 |date=December 19, 2023}} Metro Weekly{{'}}s André Hereford deemed it a "high-energy, heartfelt" concert that was "executed with straightforward technical prowess", and highlighted "Everybody", "Live to Tell", "Bad Girl", and "Ray of Light".{{cite web |last1=Hereford |first1=André |title=Madonna's 'Celebration Tour' in D.C. (Review): Queen mother |url=https://www.metroweekly.com/2023/12/madonnas-celebration-tour-in-d-c-review-queen-mother/ |work=Metro Weekly |access-date=May 3, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231221001015/https://www.metroweekly.com/2023/12/madonnas-celebration-tour-in-d-c-review-queen-mother/ |archive-date=December 21, 2023 |date=December 20, 2023}} For Craig C. Semon from the Telegram & Gazette, Celebration is "pure, unabashed Madonna, embracing her glorious past while taking a stranglehold on the future", considering the spectacle as a "theatrical show about the pop icon's life". The author had high praise for the "deeply moving" "Live to Tell", the "deliciously glammy and completely over the top" performance of "Vogue", the "irresistible" "Don't Tell Me", and an impromptu rendition of "Express Yourself".{{cite web |last1=Semon |first1=Craig C. |title=Madonna brings her 'Celebration Tour' to TD Garden, and the crowd is into the groove |url=https://eu.telegram.com/story/entertainment/music/2024/01/09/madonna-proves-why-shes-the-queen-of-pop-at-td-garden/72159283007/ |work=Telegram & Gazette |access-date=May 3, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240109175414/https://eu.telegram.com/story/entertainment/music/2024/01/09/madonna-proves-why-shes-the-queen-of-pop-at-td-garden/72159283007/ |archive-date=January 9, 2024 |date=January 9, 2024}}{{subscription required}} Writing for the Toronto Sun, Jane Stevenson gave the concert a three and a half star rating out of a potential four stars, and ranked "Open Your Heart", "Holiday", "Live to Tell", and "Erotica" as the night's best.{{cite news |last1=Stevenson |first1=Jane |title=Madonna starts late but still wows Toronto crowd in first of two shows |url=https://torontosun.com/news/local-news/madonna-starts-late-but-still-wows-toronto-crowd-in-first-of-two-shows |newspaper=Toronto Sun |access-date=May 3, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240112131955/https://torontosun.com/news/local-news/madonna-starts-late-but-still-wows-toronto-crowd-in-first-of-two-shows |archive-date=January 12, 2024 |date=January 12, 2024}}
The Globe and Mail{{'}}s Brad Wheeler noted that the repertoire was reworked in order to being presented in altered forms instead of relying on "nostalgia".{{cite web |last1=Wheeler |first1=Brad |title=Madonna's Celebration Tour salutes her history, nostalgia free |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/music/article-madonnas-celebration-tour-salutes-her-history-nostalgia-free/?utm_medium=Referrer:+Social+Network+/+Media&utm_campaign=Shared+Web+Article+Links |work=The Globe and Mail |access-date=May 3, 2024 |date=January 12, 2024}} A particularly positive review was given by Le Journal de Montréal, where Bruno LaPointe wrote that, "Madonna's crown as queen of pop has lost none of its luster. [she] proved it with a cracking, polished and frankly spectacular concert".{{cite web |last1=LaPointe |first1=Bruno |title=Tournée "Celebration": Madonna fait honneur à son titre de reine de la pop en enflammant le Centre Bell de Montréal |url=https://www.journaldemontreal.com/2024/01/19/tournee-celebration-madonna-fait-honneur-a-son-titre-de-reine-de-la-pop-en-enflammant-le-centre-bell-de-montreal |work=Le Journal de Montréal |access-date=May 3, 2024 |language=fr |date=January 19, 2024}} For the Chicago Tribune{{'}}s Bob Gendron, the concert was "ambitious, sexy, inclusive, buoyant, vibrant, defiant and, on occasion, messy, awkward, and overly busy [...] the very traits that define Madonna’s career".{{cite web |last1=Gendron |first1=Bob |title=Review: Madonna's Celebration Tour is her looking back at superstardom |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2024/02/02/madonna-celebration-tour-chicago-review/ |work=Chicago Tribune |date=February 2, 2024 |access-date=May 5, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240202185037/https://www.chicagotribune.com/2024/02/02/madonna-celebration-tour-chicago-review/ |archive-date=February 2, 2024 |format=February 2, 2024}} According to PopMatters{{'}} Chris Rutherford, "in a year when Taylor Swift and Beyoncé owned the touring circuit, [Madonna] proves why she is the blueprint for all female pop artists who came after her".{{cite web |last1=Rutherford |first1=Chris |title=Madonna's Celebration Tour: A forward-thinking retrospective |url=https://www.popmatters.com/madonna-celebration-tour-music-feature |work=PopMatters |access-date=May 18, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240118165018/https://www.popmatters.com/madonna-celebration-tour-music-feature |archive-date=January 18, 2024 |date=January 18, 2024}}
A negative review came from the Los Angeles Times, where Mikael Wood was disappointed with the inclusion of "forgettable" songs such as "Die Another Day", the "inexplicable" mashup of "Human Nature" and "Crazy For You", and the "overly moody" arrangements of songs like "Like a Prayer", "Hung Up", and "Ray of Light". "[F]or a tour called Celebration, this show [...] was curiously short on joy", wrote Wood, also referring to the concert as "messy [that] needed more razzle-dazzle".{{cite web |last1=Wood |first1=Mikael |title=Madonna complicates the victory lap on her Celebration tour |url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/music/story/2024-03-05/madonna-celebration-tour-kia-forum-review |work=Los Angeles Times |access-date=May 5, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240305214153/https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/music/story/2024-03-05/madonna-celebration-tour-kia-forum-review |archive-date=March 5, 2024 |date=March 5, 2024}} In 2024, Celebration was named Madonna's best sixth concert tour by Sal Cinquemani, who wrote for Billboard that he watched and listened to Madonna's embracement of her legacy. Cinquemani continued: "With no new album to promote, the setlist is packed with so many iconic songs [...] that more than a dozen of her 28 top 5 hits on the Billboard Hot 100 had to be omitted".{{cite magazine |last1=Cinquemani |first1=Sal |title=Every Madonna tour, ranked |url=https://www.billboard.com/lists/best-madonna-tours/ |magazine=Billboard |access-date=July 22, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240406014221/https://www.billboard.com/lists/best-madonna-tours/ |archive-date=April 6, 2024 |date=April 5, 2024}}
=Brazil=
During the final show of the tour, held on May 4, 2024, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, many Brazilian media outlets turned their attention to the show. Ronald Villardo writing for GShow said the best part of the show was "Madonna's disposition"; he also struggled to believe how she "was hospitalized until just before the start of the Celebration tour. The energy on stage leaves any young artist in the dust".{{Cite web |date=2024-05-05 |title=Crítica: veja o melhor e o pior do show de Madonna em Copacabana, no Rio |trans-title=Review: see the best and worst of Madonna's concert in Copacabana, Rio |url=https://gshow.globo.com/tudo-mais/pop/noticia/critica-veja-o-melhor-e-o-pior-do-show-de-madonna-em-copacabana-no-rio.ghtml |access-date=2024-10-11 |website=GShow |language=pt-br}} O Estadão, one of the largest newspapers in Brazil, wrote that the show was a "Broadway's megaspectacle that went down in history".{{Cite web |title='Monumental', 'histórico', 'épico': O que imprensa internacional falou sobre show da Madonna no Rio? |trans-title='Monumental', 'historic', 'epic': What did the international press say about Madonna's concert in Rio?|url=https://www.estadao.com.br/cultura/musica/monumental-historico-epico-o-que-imprensa-internacional-falou-sobre-show-madonna-rio-nprec/ |access-date=2024-10-11 |website=Estadão |language=pt-br}} Lanna Silveira, in the newspaper Correio da Manhã summarized the show as "emotion, reference and sensuality", and about the first moments after the show started, she said: "What was seen next by millions of Brazilians was a clear demonstration of the strength of the Madonna phenomenon".{{Cite web |title=Crítica Show - Madonna - Celebration Tour: Uma apresentação enérgica e divertida |trans-title=Show Review - Madonna - Celebration Tour: An energetic and entertaining performance |url=https://www.correiodamanha.com.br/cultura/musica/2024/05/130894-critica-show-madonna-celebration-touruma-apresentacao-energica-e-divertida.html |access-date=2024-10-11 |website=Correio da Manhã}} The television program Fantástico mentioned that during the "Like a Virgin" interlude, Madonna heard the biggest chorus of her career and ended by saying that: "Copacabana, Rio and Brazil celebrated not only an extraordinary artist, but also what she represents: boldness, courage and freedom".{{Cite AV media |url=https://globoplay.globo.com/v/12572842/ |title=Fantástico {{!}} Madonna leva fãs ao delírio no Rio de Janeiro com o maior show de sua carreira {{!}} Globoplay |trans-title=Fantástico {{!}} Madonna sends fans into delirium in Rio de Janeiro with the biggest concert of her career {{!}} Globoplay |language=pt-br |access-date=2024-10-11 |via=globoplay.globo.com}}
However, despite the positive reviews of the show in the country's biggest media outlets, some media personalities and right-wing politicians created a wave of hatred against Madonna and the show, calling it "satanic" and a "pornographic show".{{Cite web |date=2024-05-06 |title='Crime', 'satânico', 'pornográfico': parlamentares bolsonaristas criticam Madonna e investimento do Rio em show {{!}} Sonar - A Escuta das Redes |trans-title='Crime', 'satanic', 'pornographic': Bolsonaro MPs criticize Madonna and Rio's investment in concert |url=https://oglobo.globo.com/blogs/sonar-a-escuta-das-redes/post/2024/05/crime-satanico-pornografico-parlamentares-bolsonaristas-criticam-madonna-e-investimento-do-rio-em-show.ghtml |access-date=2024-10-11 |website=O Globo |language=pt-br}} Soon, many of these media personalities tried to associate and blame Madonna for the climate disasters that occurred in southern Brazil, the same week that the show took place. All of these criticisms came from politicians and newspapers associated with Bolsonarism, a far-right political line in Brazil.{{Cite web |title=Por que bolsonaristas continuam a xingar Madonna |trans-title=Why Bolsonaro supporters keep cursing Madonna |url=https://veja.abril.com.br/coluna/ricardo-rangel/por-que-bolsonaristas-continuam-a-xingar-madonna/mobile |access-date=2024-10-11 |website=Veja |language=pt-BR}} The Rio de Janeiro concert was broadcast live through Brazil's TV Globo, Multishow and Globoplay channels.{{cite magazine |last1=Hartzog |first1=Oscar |title=How to livestream Madonna’s free Brazil concert in the U.S. |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/product-recommendations/lifestyle/how-to-watch-madonna-brazil-show-livestream-free-concert-1235014428/ |magazine=Rolling Stone |access-date=February 11, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240505051428/https://www.rollingstone.com/product-recommendations/lifestyle/how-to-watch-madonna-brazil-show-livestream-free-concert-1235014428/ |archive-date=May 5, 2024 |date=May 4, 2024}}
Tardiness lawsuits
On January 19, 2024, Michael Fellows and Jonathan Hadden, two men who attended the Barclays Center concert on December 13, 2023, filed a lawsuit against Madonna for having started the show two hours later than the time listed on tickets.{{cite web |last1=Sun |first1=Michael |title=Madonna sued over late concert start by fans who 'had to get up early' the next morning |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2024/jan/19/madonna-sued-late-start-show-barclays-center-celebration-tour-new-york-court-case-details-what-happened |website=The Guardian |access-date=May 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240119031926/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2024/jan/19/madonna-sued-late-start-show-barclays-center-celebration-tour-new-york-court-case-details-what-happened |archive-date=January 19, 2024 |date=January 19, 2024}} They accused the singer, Live Nation and the venue of "unconscionable, unfair, and/or deceptive trade practices" for the delayed start time, which the men accused of constituting a breach of contract and a "wanton exercise in false advertising". A statement was issued by Live Nation, saying that a technical issue caused the delay, and they "intend[ed] to defend this case vigorously".{{cite magazine |last1=Nolfi |first1=Joey |title=Madonna responds to lawsuit over late concert, will 'vigorously' defend herself |url=https://ew.com/madonna-responds-lawsuit-late-concert-date-celebration-tour-8548869 |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |access-date=May 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240124190934/https://ew.com/madonna-responds-lawsuit-late-concert-date-celebration-tour-8548869 |archive-date=January 24, 2024 |date=January 24, 2024}} Madonna's lawyers argued that she "rarely" starts her concerts on time; they also pointed out that Hadden, a seemingly longtime fan of the singer's, should've been aware of her late starts.{{cite web |last1=Dev |first1=S. |title=Madonna asks judge to toss lawsuit over late concert start time: 'Fans got just what they paid for' |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/madonna-motion-to-dismiss-lawsuit-late-start-time-brooklyn/ |publisher=CBS News |access-date=May 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240405004431/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/madonna-motion-to-dismiss-lawsuit-late-start-time-brooklyn/ |archive-date=April 5, 2024 |date=April 4, 2024}} The plaintiffs decided to drop the case in June.{{cite web|url=https://www.etonline.com/madonna-concertgoers-lawsuit-over-shows-late-start-time-dismissed-without-a-settlement-227729|title=Madonna Concertgoers' Lawsuit Over Show's Late Start Time Dismissed Without a Settlement|first=Paige|last=Gawley|work=Entertainment Tonight|date=June 20, 2024|access-date=June 21, 2024}}
Another lawsuit was filed in Washington D.C. three months later after the first one, where attendees accused Madonna of showing "total disrespect for her fans" and "forcing [them] to wait hours for her performance in a hot, uncomfortable arena". They also condemned her for not apologizing when she finally took the stage.{{cite magazine |last1=Donahue |first1=Bill |title=Madonna sued again over delayed concerts: 'Total disrespect for her fans' |url=https://www.billboard.com/pro/madonna-sued-again-late-concerts-washington-dc-fans/ |magazine=Billboard |access-date=May 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240422200829/https://www.billboard.com/pro/madonna-sued-again-late-concerts-washington-dc-fans/ |archive-date=April 22, 2024 |date=April 22, 2024}}{{subscription required}} The singer's tardiness had been previously criticized by Joy Behar and Sara Haines.
Commercial performance
{{see also|List of Madonna records and achievements}}
= Ticket sales =
Despite reports of the tickets' high price, additional dates were added in London, New York, Seattle, Chicago, Toronto, Montreal, Boston, Miami, Houston, Dallas, Austin, San Francisco, and Las Vegas.{{cite web |last1=Pereira |first1=Lia |date=January 19, 2023 |title=Madonna com bilhetes mais caros de sempre espanta o próprio promotor: 'Como é possível o público português ter dinheiro para estas coisas?' |url=https://expresso.pt/blitz/2023-01-19-Madonna-com-bilhetes-mais-caros-de-sempre-espanta-o-proprio-promotor-Como-e-possivel-o-publico-portugues-ter-dinheiro-para-estas-coisas--2a45b1b4 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230119145238/https://expresso.pt/blitz/2023-01-19-Madonna-com-bilhetes-mais-caros-de-sempre-espanta-o-proprio-promotor-Como-e-possivel-o-publico-portugues-ter-dinheiro-para-estas-coisas--2a45b1b4 |archive-date=January 19, 2023 |access-date=May 5, 2024 |work=Expresso |language=pt}}{{cite web |last1=Gauk-Roger |first1=Topher |title=Madonna announces more Celebration Tour dates as fans flock to get tickets to upcoming greatest hits show |url=https://people.com/music/madonna-announces-more-celebration-tour-dates-due-to-overwhleming-demand/ |work=People |access-date=May 5, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230119215314/https://people.com/music/madonna-announces-more-celebration-tour-dates-due-to-overwhleming-demand/ |archive-date=January 19, 2023 |date=January 19, 2023}}{{cite web |last1=Daly |first1=Rhian |title=Madonna announces second London 'Celebration Tour' show due to overwhelming demand |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/madonna-announces-second-london-celebration-tour-show-overwheming-demand-3383848 |work=NME |access-date=May 5, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230119190549/https://www.nme.com/news/music/madonna-announces-second-london-celebration-tour-show-overwheming-demand-3383848 |archive-date=January 19, 2023 |date=January 19, 2023}} On January 20, 2023, Billboard reported that the tour was "98% sold out", and that 600,000 tickets had sold out in a matter of hours throughout Europe and North America: The first three New York shows sold out in under 15 minutes, the first two London dates within 20 minutes, the Paris shows under seven minutes, and the Amsterdam date sold out in 10 minutes.{{cite magazine |last1=Brooks |first1=Dave |title=Madonna's 'The Celebration Tour' sells out New York, London, Paris dates in minutes |url=https://www.billboard.com/pro/madonna-celebration-tour-sells-out-new-york-london-paris-minutes/ |magazine=Billboard |access-date=May 5, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230120225059/https://www.billboard.com/pro/madonna-celebration-tour-sells-out-new-york-london-paris-minutes/ |archive-date=January 20, 2023 |date=January 20, 2023}} Over 200,000 fans queued to buy tickets for the London shows, and nearly 30,000 did in the Netherlands;{{cite web |last1=Flanders |first1=Narin |date=January 20, 2023 |title=Madonna adds three London O2 dates as 200,000 UK fans queue for tickets to Celebration tour |url=https://www.walesonline.co.uk/whats-on/music-nightlife-news/madonna-adds-three-london-o2-26032141 |access-date=May 5, 2024 |publisher=WalesOnline}}{{cite web |last1= |author1-link= |date=January 20, 2023 |title=Madonna adds second Amsterdam show after rush for tickets |url=https://nltimes.nl/2023/01/20/madonna-adds-second-amsterdam-show-rush-tickets |access-date=May 5, 2024 |work=NL Times}} on top of that, Ticketmaster's website in Spain crashed momentarily.{{cite web |last1=Balaguer |first1=Esperanza |title=Madonna anuncia una segunda fecha en Barcelona en pleno caos por las entradas |url=https://www.expansion.com/sociedad/2023/01/20/63ca75fb468aeb214c8b4604.html |work=Expansión |access-date=May 5, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230120115253/https://www.expansion.com/sociedad/2023/01/20/63ca75fb468aeb214c8b4604.html |archive-date=January 20, 2023 |language=es |date=January 20, 2023}}
On January 23, 2023, second dates in Cologne, Berlin, and Lisbon were announced.{{cite web |title=Madonna announces 2nd shows in Cologne & Berlin |url=https://www.madonna.com/news/title/madonna-announces-2nd-shows-in-cologne--berlin |publisher=Icon: Official Madonna website |access-date=May 5, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230123220739/https://www.madonna.com/news/title/madonna-announces-2nd-shows-in-cologne--berlin |archive-date=January 23, 2023 |date=January 23, 2024}}{{cite web |title=Em atualização Madonna anuncia data extra em Lisboa |url=https://mag.sapo.pt/musica/artigos/madonna-anuncia-data-extra-em-lisboa |publisher=SAPO |access-date=May 5, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230123091257/https://mag.sapo.pt/musica/artigos/madonna-anuncia-data-extra-em-lisboa |archive-date=January 23, 2023 |date=January 23, 2023}} Three days later, after four shows in London had sold out, a fifth concert was announced due to "sensational demand" for tickets.{{cite web |last1=Griffiths |first1=George |date=January 26, 2023 |title=Madonna adds fifth London date to Celebration Tour after phenomenal demand from fans |url=https://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/madonna-adds-fifth-london-date-to-celebration-tour-after-phenomenal-demand-from-fans__38361/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230126124755/https://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/madonna-adds-fifth-london-date-to-celebration-tour-after-phenomenal-demand-from-fans__38361/ |archive-date=January 26, 2023 |access-date=May 6, 2024 |work= |publisher=Official Charts Company}} Later that day, due to continued demand, new dates were also added in New York City and Inglewood, bringing the total number of shows in the latter city to six.{{cite web |title=Madonna adds four new shows across New York and LA |url=https://www.madonna.com/news/title/madonna-adds-four-new-shows-across-new-york-and-la |publisher=Icon: Official Madonna website |access-date=May 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230126164951/https://www.madonna.com/news/title/madonna-adds-four-new-shows-across-new-york-and-la |archive-date=January 26, 2023 |date=January 26, 2023}} On the following day, a fourth and final concert in Paris was announced, as well.{{cite web |title=Face à la demande, Madonna rajoute un 4e et dernier concert à l'Accor Arena de Paris en novembre 2023 ! |url=https://hey-alex.fr/actu/madonna-concert-rajout-4e-derniere-date-accor-arena-paris-novembre-2023-the-celebration-tour-dates-prix-billetterie-2/ |publisher=Hey Alex |access-date=May 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230127174624/https://hey-alex.fr/actu/madonna-concert-rajout-4e-derniere-date-accor-arena-paris-novembre-2023-the-celebration-tour-dates-prix-billetterie-2/ |archive-date=January 27, 2023 |language=fr |date=January 27, 2023}} On January 30, 2023, due to continued demand, a sixth and final show in London was announced.{{cite web |author1-link=January 30, 2023 |title=Sixth and final London show added |url=https://www.madonna.com/news/title/sixth-and-final-london-show-added |publisher=Icon: Official Madonna website |access-date=May 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230130125400/https://www.madonna.com/news/title/sixth-and-final-london-show-added |archive-date=January 30, 2023 |date=January 30, 2023}} On March 27, due to continued "overwhelming demand", eight additional shows were added in the US; these included second dates in Phoenix, and third shows in San Francisco and Las Vegas. The first shows in Nashville, Palm Springs, Sacramento, and Philadelphia were announced as well.
After anticipation in the Mexican press, the first show in Mexico City was announced on April 17, 2023.{{cite web |last1=Reyes |first1=Angie |title=¿Madonna en México el 27 de enero de 2024? Esto sabemos del supuesto concierto |url=https://yosoitu.com/musica/2023/4/12/madonna-en-mexico-el-27-de-enero-de-2024-esto-sabemos-del-supuesto-concierto-79752.html |publisher=YoSoiTú |access-date=May 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230413130648/https://yosoitu.com/musica/2023/4/12/madonna-en-mexico-el-27-de-enero-de-2024-esto-sabemos-del-supuesto-concierto-79752.html |archive-date=April 13, 2023 |language=es |date=April 12, 2023}}{{cite web |title=Celebration Tour to visit Mexico City |url=https://www.madonna.com/news/title/the-celebration-tour-to-visit-mexico-city |publisher=Icon: Official Madonna website |access-date=May 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230417171215/https://www.madonna.com/news/title/the-celebration-tour-to-visit-mexico-city |archive-date=April 17, 2023 |date=April 17, 2023}} Four days later, a second date was announced after the first one had quickly sold out.{{cite web |date=April 21, 2023 |title=Madonna anuncia segunda fecha de conciertos en México tras agotar venta de boletos |url=https://www.milenio.com/espectaculos/famosos/madonna-anuncia-segundo-concierto-en-mexico-agota-venta-de-boletos |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230422082650/https://www.milenio.com/espectaculos/famosos/madonna-anuncia-segundo-concierto-en-mexico-agota-venta-de-boletos |archive-date=April 22, 2023 |access-date=May 7, 2024 |work=Milenio |language=es}} The third concert in the country was announced on April 27.{{cite web |title=Madonna complace a sus fans con tercer concierto para México |url=https://prensaocesa.prowly.com/240902-madonna-complace-a-sus-fans-con-tercer-concierto-para-mexico |publisher=OCESA |access-date=May 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230711143855/https://prensaocesa.prowly.com/240902-madonna-complace-a-sus-fans-con-tercer-concierto-para-mexico |archive-date=July 11, 2023 |language=es |date=April 27, 2023}} Due to "overwhelming demand", a fourth show was announced on May 4, while a fifth and final date was added on December 1.{{cite web |title=Madonna demuestra que es la 'Reina del Pop': Abre cuarta fecha en Palacio de los Deportes |url=https://www.elfinanciero.com.mx/entretenimiento/2023/05/04/madonna-en-mexico-abre-cuarta-fecha-en-cdmx-fecha-de-preventa-precio-boletos/ |work=El Financiero |access-date=May 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230504183419/https://www.elfinanciero.com.mx/entretenimiento/2023/05/04/madonna-en-mexico-abre-cuarta-fecha-en-cdmx-fecha-de-preventa-precio-boletos/ |archive-date=May 4, 2023 |language=es |date=May 4, 2023}}{{cite web |title=Madonna announces fifth and final date on Mexico City |url=https://www.madonna.com/news/title/madonna-announces-fifth-and-final-date-in-mexico-city |publisher=Icon: Official Madonna website |access-date=May 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231223033712/https://www.madonna.com/news/title/madonna-announces-fifth-and-final-date-in-mexico-city |archive-date=December 23, 2023 |date=December 1, 2023}} Over 1.2 million tickets had been sold by June 30, 2023, according to Billboard.{{cite magazine |last1=Brooks |first1=Dave |title=Who's most affected by Madonna's tour postponement? |url=https://www.billboard.com/business/touring/madonna-tour-postponed-cost-reschedule-84-dates-1235365104/ |magazine=Billboard |access-date=May 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230630181732/https://www.billboard.com/business/touring/madonna-tour-postponed-cost-reschedule-84-dates-1235365104/ |archive-date=June 30, 2023 |date=June 30, 2023}}{{subscription required}} Celebration became one of the world's fastest-selling concert tours, with The New York Times describing it as "one of the year's big-ticket events".{{cite web |last1=Bryson Taylor |first1=Derrick |last2=Sisario |first2=Ben |author2-link=Ben Sisario |title=Madonna celebrates four decades of Hits With career-spanning spectacle |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/10/14/arts/music/madonna-celebration-tour-london.html |work=The New York Times |access-date=May 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231015024053/https://www.nytimes.com/2023/10/14/arts/music/madonna-celebration-tour-london.html |archive-date=October 15, 2023 |date=October 14, 2023}}{{subscription required}}
= Boxscore =
In December 2023, Billboard reported that $77.5 million had been made from the European leg alone, which had sold over 429,000 tickets.{{cite magazine |last1=Frankenberg |first1=Erik |title=Madonna's The Celebration Tour approaching $100 million in grosses |url=https://www.billboard.com/pro/madonna-celebration-tour-100-million/ |magazine=Billboard |access-date=May 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231208195044/https://www.billboard.com/pro/madonna-celebration-tour-100-million/ |archive-date=December 8, 2023 |date=December 8, 2023}}{{subscription required}} Madonna earned $14.7 million, and sold 60,000 tickets, from the first four London concerts; with an additional $7.5 million from the fifth and sixth London shows, she became the third highest grossing act to play the O2 Arena following the COVID-19 pandemic, behind Elton John and Queen + Adam Lambert. 62,000 tickets sold for the four Paris show raked in about $10.7 million. Billboard reported that the average gross for the European concerts was $2.9 million, with 15,900 sold per night on a $180.53 price. Nightly earnings rose up by 312%, and by 518% in attendance, in comparison to the Madame X tour. Following the announcement of the Mexican concerts, Billboard predicted Celebration's final gross as around $225 million worldwide; this would make it Madonna's third most successful tour, behind 2008―2009's Sticky & Sweet, which grossed $407.7 million, and the MDNA tour, which grossed $305.2 million. Madonna was named the United Kingdom's second highest-selling female performer of 2023, just behind Beyoncé.{{cite web |last1=Fox |first1=Dale |title=Madonna's The Celebration Tour is a love letter to the star's queer fanbase |url=https://www.attitude.co.uk/culture/madonnas-the-celebration-tour-is-an-all-out-tribute-to-the-stars-queer-fanbase-450313/ |work=Attitude |access-date=May 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231106031620/https://www.attitude.co.uk/culture/madonnas-the-celebration-tour-is-an-all-out-tribute-to-the-stars-queer-fanbase-450313/ |archive-date=November 6, 2023 |date=October 18, 2023}} Upon completion, according to figures reported to Billboard, the tour grossed $225.4 million from 80 shows, and had played to an audience of 1.1 million, making Madonna the first touring female artist to gross over $100 million in six different tours. Steven Horowitz from Variety reported that she scored the highest-grossing tour of 2024 so far, with an average gross of $2,794,007, having sold an average of 13,378 tickets that made for a total of 856,247 in ticket sales across 34 shows out of 65 dates.{{Cite magazine |last=Horowitz |first=Steven |date=June 24, 2024 |title=Madonna Scores Highest-Grossing Tour of 2024 So Far as Live Music Growth Settles Down |url=https://variety.com/2024/music/news/madonna-tops-pollstar-midyear-tour-chart-1236046955/ |access-date=June 24, 2024 |magazine=Variety}}
= Tourism and economy =
File:Copacabana Rooftop View.jpg's Copacabana Beach saw Madonna play to a crowd of over 1.6 million people, the biggest audience of her career.]]
Around January 19, 2023, during pre-sales, more than 90% of hotels around the O2 Arena were booked up, and had to increase their prices.{{cite web |last1=Flanders |first1=Narin |title=Madonna concert hotel prices near O2 rocket as fans snap up rooms for Celebration Tour |url=https://www.mylondon.news/whats-on/whats-on-news/madonna-concert-hotel-prices-near-26001582 |publisher=MyLondon |access-date=May 7, 2024 |date=January 17, 2023}} Viagogo reported that fans from 71 countries, including the United States, Spain, India and Turkey, flew to London to attend the opening show.
After major speculation on the Brazilian press, a free concert at Rio de Janeiro was announced on March 25, 2024.{{cite web |last1=Saconi |first1=João Paulo |date=March 7, 2024 |title=Show de Madonna em Copacabana está confirmado e deve ser o maior de sua carreira |url=https://oglobo.globo.com/blogs/lauro-jardim/post/2024/03/show-de-madonna-em-copacabana-esta-confirmado-e-deve-ser-o-maior-de-sua-carreira.ghtml |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240307082033/https://oglobo.globo.com/blogs/lauro-jardim/post/2024/03/show-de-madonna-em-copacabana-esta-confirmado-e-deve-ser-o-maior-de-sua-carreira.ghtml |archive-date=March 7, 2024 |access-date=May 7, 2024 |website=O Globo |language=pt}}{{subscription required}} It was sponsored by Itaú Bank (in celebration of its centenary), Rio's city prefecture and state government, and the beer company Heineken.{{cite web |title=Madonna vai dar um concerto gratuito na praia de Copacabana para um milhão de pessoas |url=https://www.publico.pt/2024/03/26/culturaipsilon/noticia/madonna-vai-dar-concerto-gratuito-praia-copacabana-milhao-pessoas-2084882 |work=Publico |access-date=May 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240327113956/https://www.publico.pt/2024/03/26/culturaipsilon/noticia/madonna-vai-dar-concerto-gratuito-praia-copacabana-milhao-pessoas-2084882 |archive-date=March 27, 2024 |language=pt |date=March 26, 204}}{{cite web |last1=Steil |first1=Juliana |last2=Martini |first2=Paula |title=Afinal, quem vai pagar pelo show da Madonna no Rio? |url=https://valor.globo.com/eu-e/noticia/2024/05/01/quem-vai-pagar-pelo-show-da-madonna-no-rio.ghtml |work=Valor Globo |access-date=May 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240502232215/https://valor.globo.com/eu-e/noticia/2024/05/01/quem-vai-pagar-pelo-show-da-madonna-no-rio.ghtml |archive-date=May 2, 2024 |language=pt |date=May 1, 2024}} The event drew over 1.6 million people, becoming Madonna's largest concert of her career, as well as the largest audience ever for a free stand-alone concert by any artist, and the largest crowd for a female artist in a single-one concert.{{cite magazine |last1=Kreps |first1=Daniel |title=Madonna closes out Celebration Tour in front of record-setting 1.6 million fans in Brazil |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/madonna-celebration-tour-record-setting-1-6-million-fans-brazil-1235015393/ |magazine=Rolling Stone |access-date=May 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240505142758/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/madonna-celebration-tour-record-setting-1-6-million-fans-brazil-1235015393/ |archive-date=May 5, 2024 |date=May 5, 2024}}{{subscription required}}
Prior to the show's confirmation and participation, discussions about Madonna's impact on the local economy were addressed, notably by Rio de Janeiro's Municipal Secretary of Tourism.{{cite web |last1=Vieceli |first1=Leonardo |date=April 3, 2024 |title=Rio Foresees fully booked hotels and increased flights with Madonna's show in Copacabana |url=https://www1.folha.uol.com.br/internacional/en/business/2024/04/rio-foresees-fully-booked-hotels-and-increased-flights-with-madonnas-show-in-copacabana.shtml |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240403222303/https://www1.folha.uol.com.br/internacional/en/business/2024/04/rio-foresees-fully-booked-hotels-and-increased-flights-with-madonnas-show-in-copacabana.shtml |archive-date=April 3, 2024 |access-date=May 7, 2024 |work= |publisher=Abril}}{{cite web |date=March 6, 2024 |title=Show da Madonna em Copacabana? Sem confirmação, memes inundam a internet |url=https://vejario.abril.com.br/beira-mar/show-madonna-copacabana-memes-internet |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240401160034/https://vejario.abril.com.br/beira-mar/show-madonna-copacabana-memes-internet |archive-date=April 1, 2024 |access-date=May 7, 2024 |website=Veja |language=pt}} According to a survey by the city's prefecture, which was based on an estimated one million attendees, the single concert would yield an estimated {{Currency|293.4|BRL}} million; 30 times more than the R$10 million invested, and a 20% rise in taxes over the same period in 2023.{{cite web |title=Show de Madonna vai movimentar R$ 293,4 milhões na economia e dar aos cariocas um retorno 30 vezes maior do que o valor investido pela Prefeitura em patrocínio |url=https://prefeitura.rio/desenvolvimento-urbano-e-economico/show-de-madonna-vai-movimentar-r-2934-milhoes-na-economia-e-dar-aos-cariocas-um-retorno-30-vezes-maior-do-que-o-valor-investido-pela-prefeitura-em-patrocinio/ |publisher=Prefeitura da Cidade do Rio de Janeiro |access-date=May 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240413215016/https://prefeitura.rio/desenvolvimento-urbano-e-economico/show-de-madonna-vai-movimentar-r-2934-milhoes-na-economia-e-dar-aos-cariocas-um-retorno-30-vezes-maior-do-que-o-valor-investido-pela-prefeitura-em-patrocinio/ |archive-date=April 13, 2024 |language=pt |date=April 13, 2024}} By late April 2024, TV Globo had already raised R$51 million for the broadcast.{{cite web |title=Como a TV Globo faturou MAIS que a própria Madonna graças ao show histórico em Copacabana? |url=https://www.terra.com.br/diversao/tv/como-a-tv-globo-faturou-mais-que-a-propria-madonna-gracas-ao-show-historico-em-copacabana%2C8ebc0a152e2cc78b102a99e8e9309400jhg3eayg.html |publisher=Terra |access-date=May 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240502230950/https://www.terra.com.br/diversao/tv/como-a-tv-globo-faturou-mais-que-a-propria-madonna-gracas-ao-show-historico-em-copacabana,8ebc0a152e2cc78b102a99e8e9309400jhg3eayg.html |archive-date=May 2, 2024 |language=pt |date=April 30, 2024}} Institutions and media outlets, including Agência Brasil and Agência O Globo, referred to the tourism boost closely associated with the singer as the "Madonna effect", which included an increase of hotel bookings and airline flights.{{cite web |last1=Cardin |first1=Adele |title=International tourists flock to Rio for Madonna's Copacabana concert |url=https://www.riotimesonline.com/international-tourists-flock-to-rio-for-madonnas-copacabana-concert/ |work=The Rio Times |access-date=May 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240403020039/https://www.riotimesonline.com/international-tourists-flock-to-rio-for-madonnas-copacabana-concert/ |archive-date=April 3, 2024 |date=April 2, 2024}}{{cite web |title=Efeito Madonna: hotéis do Rio preveem 100% de ocupação em Copacabana e aumento de até 20% |url=https://www.folhape.com.br/cultura/efeito-madonna-hoteis-do-rio-preveem-100-de-ocupacao-em-copacabana-e/325974/ |work=Folha de Pernambuco |access-date=May 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240401171701/https://www.folhape.com.br/cultura/efeito-madonna-hoteis-do-rio-preveem-100-de-ocupacao-em-copacabana-e/325974/ |archive-date=April 1, 2024 |language=pt |date=March 27, 2024}}{{cite web |title=Efeito Madonna: supermercados esperam aumento de 18% nas vendas |url=https://agenciabrasil.ebc.com.br/geral/noticia/2024-05/efeito-madonna-supermercados-esperam-aumento-de-18-nas-vendas |publisher=Agência Brasil |access-date=May 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240502170530/https://agenciabrasil.ebc.com.br/geral/noticia/2024-05/efeito-madonna-supermercados-esperam-aumento-de-18-nas-vendas |archive-date=May 2, 2024 |language=pt |date=May 2, 2024}} Additionally, Madonna's Brazilian listeners in Spotify saw an increase of 26%, and she reached her highest Google searches in the country since 2012.{{cite web |last1=Sarques |first1=Brenno |title=Show de Madonna no Rio fez audiência da cantora subir 26% no Spotify |url=https://www.jornalopcao.com.br/ultimas-noticias/show-de-madonna-no-rio-fez-audiencia-da-cantora-subir-26-no-spotify-602610/ |website=Jornal Opção |access-date=May 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240502224553/https://www.jornalopcao.com.br/ultimas-noticias/show-de-madonna-no-rio-fez-audiencia-da-cantora-subir-26-no-spotify-602610/ |archive-date=May 2, 2024 |language=pt |date=May 2, 2024}}{{cite web |title=Busca por Madonna entre brasileiros no Google é a maior em mais de 10 anos |url=https://www1.folha.uol.com.br/blogs/hashtag/2024/05/busca-por-madonna-entre-brasileiros-no-google-e-a-maior-em-mais-de-10-anos.shtml |website=Folha de S.Paulo |access-date=May 7, 2024 |language=pt |date=May 1, 2024}}{{subscription required}}
Searches for flight tickets surged by 82% compared to the weekend before Madonna's show announcement according to Decolar, while searches for accommodations increased by 1000% on Airbnb's platform, 900% for bus tickets ―including a 682% increase in ClickBus― and 300% for boat rentals.{{cite web |last1=Saconi |first1=João Paulo |title=Madonna: Fãs latinos e europeus são os mais interessados em vir ao Brasil; veja os países |url=https://oglobo.globo.com/blogs/lauro-jardim/post/2024/03/madonna-fas-latinos-e-europeus-sao-os-mais-interessados-em-vir-ao-brasil-veja-os-paises.ghtml |work=O Globo |access-date=May 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240330155010/https://oglobo.globo.com/blogs/lauro-jardim/post/2024/03/madonna-fas-latinos-e-europeus-sao-os-mais-interessados-em-vir-ao-brasil-veja-os-paises.ghtml |archive-date=March 30, 2024 |language=pt |date=March 30, 2024}}{{cite web |title=Show de Madonna no Rio aumenta buscas por hospedagem em 1.000% |url=https://rollingstone.uol.com.br/musica/show-de-madonna-no-rio-aumenta-buscas-por-hospedagem-em-1000/ |work=Rolling Stone Brasil |access-date=May 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240409190854/https://rollingstone.uol.com.br/musica/show-de-madonna-no-rio-aumenta-buscas-por-hospedagem-em-1000/ |archive-date=April 9, 2024 |language=pt |date=April 9, 2024}}{{cite web |last1=Lopes |first1=Leticia |last2=Veloso |first2=Ana clara |title=Madonna no Rio: busca por passagens de ônibus aumenta até 900%, e rodoviária terá até cover da diva pop |url=https://extra.globo.com/economia/noticia/2024/04/madonna-no-rio-busca-por-passagens-de-onibus-aumenta-ate-900percent-e-rodoviaria-tera-ate-cover-da-diva-pop.ghtml |website=Extra |access-date=May 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240502224552/https://extra.globo.com/economia/noticia/2024/04/madonna-no-rio-busca-por-passagens-de-onibus-aumenta-ate-900percent-e-rodoviaria-tera-ate-cover-da-diva-pop.ghtml |archive-date=May 2, 2024 |language=pt |date=April 25, 2024}}{{cite web |last1=Grinberg |first1=Felipe |last2=Rodrigueus |first2=Thayná |last3=Barbi |first3=Henrique |title=Madonna em Copacabana: procura de turistas por aluguel de barcos para assistir a show direto do mar aumenta 300% |url=https://oglobo.globo.com/rio/noticia/2024/04/16/madonna-em-copacabana-procura-de-turistas-por-aluguel-de-barcos-para-assistir-a-show-direto-do-mar-aumenta-300percent.ghtml |website=O Globo |access-date=May 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240416090900/https://oglobo.globo.com/rio/noticia/2024/04/16/madonna-em-copacabana-procura-de-turistas-por-aluguel-de-barcos-para-assistir-a-show-direto-do-mar-aumenta-300percent.ghtml |archive-date=April 16, 2024 |language=pt |date=April 16, 2024}} Furthermore, the Union of Hotels and Accommodation of Rio de Janeiro, HotéisRio, reported a 30% increase in demand for accommodation in just one day within various establishments, with full occupancy in the area expected near the event's date;{{cite web |title=Madonna show on Copacabana Beach already increases demand in Rio's hotels |url=https://hoteisrio.com.br/en/noticias/madonna-show-on-copacabana-beach-already-increases-demand-in-rios-hotels/ |publisher=HotéIsRio |access-date=May 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240401171702/https://hoteisrio.com.br/en/noticias/madonna-show-on-copacabana-beach-already-increases-demand-in-rios-hotels/ |archive-date=April 1, 2024 |date=March 7, 2024}} this represented a 20% increase over the previous year.{{cite web |last1=Prado |first1=Juliana |title=Madonna no Rio: hotéis de Copacabana devem ter 100% de ocupação na data do show |url=https://cbn.globo.com/rio-de-janeiro/noticia/2024/03/27/madonna-no-rio-hoteis-de-copacabana-devem-ter-100percent-de-ocupacao-na-data-do-show.ghtml |publisher=Central Brasileira de Notícias |access-date=May 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240331140408/https://cbn.globo.com/rio-de-janeiro/noticia/2024/03/27/madonna-no-rio-hoteis-de-copacabana-devem-ter-100percent-de-ocupacao-na-data-do-show.ghtml |archive-date=March 31, 2024 |language=pt |date=March 27, 2024}}{{cite web |title=Madonna impulsiona entrada de turistas internacionais no Rio de Janeiro |url=https://embratur.com.br/2024/04/01/madonna-impulsiona-entrada-de-turistas-internacionais-no-rio-de-janeiro/ |publisher=Embratur |access-date=May 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240401140609/https://embratur.com.br/2024/04/01/madonna-impulsiona-entrada-de-turistas-internacionais-no-rio-de-janeiro/ |archive-date=April 1, 2024 |language=pt |date=March 27, 2024}} The Rio de Janeiro State Supermarket Association also expected a sale increase of 18% in supermarkets located at Copacabana. On April 1, 2024, the Brazilian Tourist Board Embratur confirmed almost 7,500 airline tickets via Forward Keys, representing a nearly fourfold increase in the average number of international tourist arrivals at all Brazilian airports, and an overall increase to 27.3% of international flights compared to the same period in 2023.
= Impact =
Due to the success of the Copacabana concert, Eduardo Paes, mayor of Rio de Janeiro, expressed his desire to institutionalize the experience with free major shows every year until his term ends in 2028, titling the project as Todo Mundo no Rio. The following year, American singer Lady Gaga was announced as the first official headliner under the new project, titled Mayhem on the Beach.{{Cite web |last=Valbão|first=Mariana |title=Lady Gaga no Brasil em 2025: confira tudo o que se sabe até o momento|url=https://www.cnnbrasil.com.br/entretenimento/lady-gaga-no-brasil-em-2025-confira-tudo-o-que-se-sabe-ate-o-momento/ |date=November 28, 2024 |access-date=February 21, 2025 |publisher=CNN Brasil |language=pt-BR}}{{Cite web |date=October 2, 2024 |title=Eduardo Paes promete show de U2 no Rio de Janeiro |url=https://istoe.com.br/eduardo-paes-promete-show-de-u2-no-rio-de-janeiro/ |access-date=February 21, 2025 |website=Istoé |language=pt-br}}
Set list
The following set list was obtained from the concert held on October 14, 2023, at the O2 Arena in London, England, and additional sources.{{cite magazine|last1=Lynch |first1=Joe |title=The 17 best moments from Madonna's Celebration Tour opening night in London |url=https://www.billboard.com/lists/madonna-tour-celebration-london-opening-night-best-moments/ |magazine=Billboard |access-date=April 29, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231015101939/https://www.billboard.com/lists/madonna-tour-celebration-london-opening-night-best-moments/ |archive-date=October 15, 2023 |date=October 14, 2023}}{{cite web |last1=Harrison |first1=Scoop |date=December 11, 2023 |title=Madonna's 'The Celebration Tour': How to Get Last-Minute Tickets |url=https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/madonna-celebration-tour-last-minute-201435677.html |access-date=August 19, 2024 |website=Yahoo! }}{{cite web |last1=Masley |first1=Ed |title=Madonna 2024 setlist: Every song she played at Phoenix concert on her Celebration tour |url=https://www.azcentral.com/story/entertainment/music/2024/03/17/madonna-2024-setlist-phoenix/72993170007/ |work=The Arizona Republic |access-date=August 19, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240519150357/https://www.azcentral.com/story/entertainment/music/2024/03/17/madonna-2024-setlist-phoenix/72993170007/ |archive-date=May 19, 2024 |date=March 17, 2024}} It does not represent all concerts for the duration of the tour.
Act I
- "It's a Celebration" {{small|(Bob the Drag Queen introduction; includes elements of "Lucky Star", "Celebration", "Material Girl", "Vogue", "Express Yourself", and "Bitch I'm Madonna")}}
- "Nothing Really Matters"
- "Everybody" {{small|(With elements of "Where's the Party")}}
- "Into the Groove" {{small|(With elements of "Into the Hollywood Groove")}}
- "Burning Up"
- "Open Your Heart" {{small|(With elements of "Live to Tell")}}
- "Holiday" {{small|(With elements of "I Want Your Love")}}
- "In This Life" {{small|(Intermission)}}
- "Live to Tell"
- "Like a Prayer" {{small|(Includes elements of "Girl Gone Wild", "Act of Contrition", "Unholy" and "Let's Go Crazy")}}
Act II
- "Blond Ambition" {{small|(Interlude; includes elements of "Living for Love", "Fever", "Erotica" and "Justify My Love")}}
- "Erotica" {{small|(With elements of "Final Demo 2" and "Papa Don't Preach")}}
- "Justify My Love" {{small|(Includes elements of "Gangsta")}}
- "Fever" {{small|(snippet)}}
- "Hung Up" {{small|(Includes elements of "Hung Up on Tokischa")}}
- "Bad Girl"
- "Ballroom" {{small|(Interlude; includes elements of "Up Down Suite", "Break My Soul (The Queens remix)" and "Vogue")}}
- "Vogue"
- "Human Nature"
- "Crazy for You"
Act III
- "The Beast Within" {{small|(Interlude)}}
- "Die Another Day"
- "Don't Tell Me" {{small|(Includes elements of "The Good, the Bad and the Ugly")}}
- "Mother and Father"
- "I Will Survive" {{small|(Gloria Gaynor song)}}
- "La Isla Bonita"
- "Don't Cry for Me Argentina"
- "I Don't Search I Find" {{small|(Intermission)}}
Act IV
- "Bedtime Story"
- "Ray of Light" {{small|(Sasha Ultra Violet mix)}}
- "Rain"
- "Like a Virgin" {{small|(Interlude; includes elements of "Smooth Criminal", "Billie Jean", "Dangerous", "Express Yourself", "You Rock My World", "The Way You Make Me Feel", "Celebration", "She's Not Me" and "Angel")}}
Act V
- "Bitch I'm Madonna" {{small|(With elements of "Give Me All Your Luvin'" and "Unapologetic Bitch")}}
- "Celebration" {{small|(Outro; contains elements of "Celebration" (Benny Benassi remix) and "Music")}}
Notes
- During the opening concert in London, on October 14, 2023, Madonna performed "Little Star" a cappella to commemorate the 27th birthday of her daughter Lourdes Leon.
- The second London concert, on October 15, ended immediately following the performance of "Rain", due to venue curfew restrictions and Madonna's late start.{{cite web |last1=Bond |first1=Nick |title=Fans fume as Madonna abruptly cuts short second night of tour |url=https://www.news.com.au/entertainment/music/tours/fans-fume-as-madonna-abruptly-cuts-short-second-night-of-tour/news-story/12a247ab2717782edf01722e7715457b |publisher=News.com.au |access-date=May 2, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231015233649/https://www.news.com.au/entertainment/music/tours/fans-fume-as-madonna-abruptly-cuts-short-second-night-of-tour/news-story/12a247ab2717782edf01722e7715457b |archive-date=October 15, 2023 |date=October 15, 2023}}
- On certain concerts, Madonna sang a cappella excerpts of "Causing a Commotion".{{cite web |last1=Raatgever |first1=Stefan |title=Madonna viert vrijdag en zaterdag in de Ziggo Dome vier roerige decennia als de Queen of Pop |url=https://www.parool.nl/kunst-media/madonna-viert-vrijdag-en-zaterdag-in-de-ziggo-dome-vier-roerige-decennia-als-de-queen-of-pop~bec35464/ |work=Het Parool |access-date=May 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231202021326/https://www.parool.nl/kunst-media/madonna-viert-vrijdag-en-zaterdag-in-de-ziggo-dome-vier-roerige-decennia-als-de-queen-of-pop~bec35464/ |archive-date=December 2, 2023 |language=nl |date=December 1, 2023}}
- Madonna sang Cesária Évora's "Sodade" on the first Lisbon concert.{{cite web |title=Madonna cantou 'Sodade', de Cesária Évora, na Altice Arena: veja o vídeo |url=https://expresso.pt/blitz/2023-11-07-Madonna-cantou-Sodade-de-Cesaria-Evora-na-Altice-Arena-veja-o-video-02b0cd67 |work=Expresso |access-date=May 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231107020821/https://expresso.pt/blitz/2023-11-07-Madonna-cantou-Sodade-de-Cesaria-Evora-na-Altice-Arena-veja-o-video-02b0cd67 |archive-date=November 7, 2023 |language=pt |date=November 7, 2023}}
- On the first New York concert, on December 13, 2023, "Burning Up" was mashed up with "I Love New York". This was repeated on the second Madison Square Garden show, on January 23, 2024.{{cite magazine |last1=Lynch |first1=Joe |title=Madonna's Celebration Tour hits Madison Square Garden: The 5 Best moments |url=https://www.billboard.com/lists/madonna-celebration-tour-madison-square-garden-best-moments/ |magazine=Billboard |access-date=May 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240124174144/https://www.billboard.com/lists/madonna-celebration-tour-madison-square-garden-best-moments/ |archive-date=January 24, 2024 |date=January 24, 2024}}
- "Express Yourself" replaced "I Will Survive" on some American concerts, beginning with the first Boston date.{{efn|Per multiple references{{cite magazine |last1=Mier |first1=Tomás |title=Madonna performs 'Express Yourself' for the first time on Celebration Tour |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/madonna-performs-express-yourself-celebration-tour-1234943032/ |magazine=Rolling Stone |access-date=May 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240109203509/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/madonna-performs-express-yourself-celebration-tour-1234943032/ |archive-date=January 9, 2024 |date=January 9, 2024}}}}
- On the two Toronto concerts, Madonna sang the Sickick remix of "Frozen" instead of "Rain".{{cite web |last1=Jones |first1=Damien |title=Watch Madonna play 'Frozen' for first time on her 'Celebration Tour' |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/watch-madonna-play-frozen-for-first-time-on-her-celebration-tour-3570335 |work=NME |access-date=May 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240113171809/https://www.nme.com/news/music/watch-madonna-play-frozen-for-first-time-on-her-celebration-tour-3570335 |archive-date=January 13, 2024 |date=January 13, 2024}} "Frozen" was also sung on the Detroit concert.{{cite web |last1=Roskopp |first1=Jack |title=Madonna gets emotional during hometown Detroit show at Little Caesars Arena |url=https://www.clickondetroit.com/entertainment/2024/01/16/madonna-gets-emotional-during-hometown-detroit-show-at-little-caesars-arena/ |publisher=WDIV-TV |access-date=May 8, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240116180636/https://www.clickondetroit.com/entertainment/2024/01/16/madonna-gets-emotional-during-hometown-detroit-show-at-little-caesars-arena/ |archive-date=January 16, 2024 |date=January 16, 2024}}
- "Take a Bow" was performed instead of "Rain" on certain concerts, including Saint Paul, San Francisco, Los Angeles and Mexico City.{{efn|Per multiple references{{cite web |last1=Mendez |first1=Natalia |date=February 14, 2024 |title=Madonna's Celebration Tour enchants St. Paul crowd |url=https://www.thecurrent.org/feature/2024/02/14/madonnas-celebration-tour-enchants-st-paul-crowd |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240214215047/https://www.thecurrent.org/feature/2024/02/14/madonnas-celebration-tour-enchants-st-paul-crowd |archive-date=February 14, 2024 |access-date=May 7, 2024 |work= |publisher=KCMP}}{{cite web |last1=Bravo |first1=Tony |title=Madonna's 'Celebration' tour stop in S.F. a thrilling musical memoir |url=https://www.sfchronicle.com/entertainment/article/madonna-celebration-tour-sf-18689981.php |work=San Francisco Chronicle |access-date=May 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240229025149/https://www.sfchronicle.com/entertainment/article/madonna-celebration-tour-sf-18689981.php |archive-date=February 29, 2024 |date=February 28, 2024}}{{cite web |last1=Vídal |first1=Ricardo |title=Así fue el emotivo regreso de Madonna a México: 'Gracias por todos estos años de apoyo incondicional' |url=https://www.hola.com/us-es/celebrities/20240421359015/madonna-mexico-primer-concierto/ |work=¡Hola! |access-date=May 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240422102626/https://www.hola.com/us-es/celebrities/20240421359015/madonna-mexico-primer-concierto/ |archive-date=April 22, 2024 |language=es |date=April 21, 2024}}}}
- During the final New York concert, on January 29, 2024, Tokischa joined Madonna onstage to perform "Hung Up".{{cite web |last1=Kiley |first1=Rachel |title=Madonna gets hot and heavy on stage with Tokischa in final NYC Celebration Tour show |url=https://news.yahoo.com/madonna-gets-hot-heavy-stage-164447619.html |publisher=Yahoo! News |access-date=May 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240202163207/https://news.yahoo.com/web/20240202163207/https://news.yahoo.com/madonna-gets-hot-heavy-stage-164447619.html |archive-date=February 2, 2024 |date=February 1, 2024}}
- Madonna sang a cappella snippets of "This Used to Be My Playground" on the second Chicago concert, on February 2, 2024.{{cite magazine |last1=Caufield |first1=Keith |title=Madonna performs 'This Used to Be My Playground' live for the first time at Chicago concert |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/madonna-this-used-to-be-my-playground-live-chicago-1235597382/ |magazine=Billboard |access-date=May 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240203231931/https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/madonna-this-used-to-be-my-playground-live-chicago-1235597382/ |archive-date=February 3, 2024 |date=February 3, 2024}}
- During the Saint Paul concert, on February 13, Madonna performed a snippet of "Kiss" at the end of the acoustic performance of "Express Yourself".{{Cite web |last=Bream |first=Jon |date=February 14, 2024 |title=Review: Madonna turns into Queen of Nostalgia in St. Paul |url=https://www.startribune.com/madonna-xcel-energy-center-prince-michael-jackson/600343351/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240224001814/https://www.startribune.com/madonna-xcel-energy-center-prince-michael-jackson/600343351/ |archive-date=February 24, 2024 |access-date=July 18, 2024 |website=Minnesota Star Tribune}}{{subscription required}}
- On March 7, 2024, the third Inglewood concert, Kylie Minogue joined Madonna onstage to perform "I Will Survive" and "Can't Get You Out of My Head".{{cite magazine |last1=Brandle |first1=Lars |title=Madonna welcomes Kylie Minogue on stage at L.A. 'Celebration' concert: Watch |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/madonna-kylie-minogue-la-celebration-concert-watch-1235627636/ |magazine=Billboard |access-date=May 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240308091426/https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/madonna-kylie-minogue-la-celebration-concert-watch-1235627636/ |archive-date=March 8, 2024 |date=March 8, 2024}}
- "Mother and Father" and "Don't Cry for Me Argentina" were not sung on the Rio de Janeiro concert; Madonna instead sang "This Little Light of Mine", "Express Yourself" and "Music", for which she was joined by Pabllo Vittar. Additionally, Anitta joined her for "Vogue".{{cite web |last1=Wilkes |first1=Emma |title=Madonna plays biggest show of career to 1.6million people in Brazil |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/madonna-plays-biggest-show-of-career-to-1-6million-people-in-brazil-3753562 |work=NME |access-date=May 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240505104812/https://www.nme.com/news/music/madonna-plays-biggest-show-of-career-to-1-6million-people-in-brazil-3753562 |archive-date=May 5, 2024 |date=May 5, 2024}}
Tour dates
| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;"
|+ List of 2023 concerts{{cite web |title=The Celebration Tour - Dates |url=https://www.madonna.com/tour |publisher=Icon: Official Madonna website |access-date=May 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240129133549/https://www.madonna.com/tour |archive-date=January 29, 2024}} ! scope="col" style="width:12em;"| Date ! scope="col" style="width:10em;"| City ! scope="col" style="width:10em;"| Country ! scope="col" style="width:15em;"| Venue ! scope="col" style="width:10em;"| Opening act ! scope="col" style="width:10em;"| Attendance ! scope="col" style="width:10em;"| Revenue |
| scope="row" style="text-align:center;"| October 14
| rowspan="4"| London | rowspan="4"| England | rowspan="4"| The O2 Arena | rowspan="2"| Honey Dijon | rowspan="4"| 59,556 / 59,556 | rowspan="4"| $14,706,417 |
|---|
| scope="row" style="text-align:center;"| October 15 |
| scope="row" style="text-align:center;"| October 17
| Diplo |
| scope="row" style="text-align:center;"| October 18
| Honey Dijon |
| scope="row" style="text-align:center;"| October 21
| rowspan="2"| Antwerp | rowspan="2"| Belgium | rowspan="2"| Sportpaleis | rowspan="5" {{N/A}} | rowspan="2"| 34,307 / 34,307 | rowspan="2"| $5,477,001 |
| scope="row" style="text-align:center;"| October 22 |
| scope="row" style="text-align:center;"| October 25
| rowspan="2"| Copenhagen | rowspan="2"| Denmark | rowspan="2"| Royal Arena | rowspan="2"| 27,422 / 27,422 | rowspan="2"| $4,343,987 |
| scope="row" style="text-align:center;"| October 26 |
| scope="row" style="text-align:center;"| October 28
| Sweden | 39,173 / 39,173 | $4,019,448 |
| scope="row" style="text-align:center;"| November 1
| rowspan="2"| Barcelona | rowspan="2"| Spain | rowspan="2"| Palau Sant Jordi | rowspan="2"| Arca | rowspan="2"| 35,324 / 35,324 | rowspan="2"| $5,574,504 |
| scope="row" style="text-align:center;"| November 2 |
| scope="row" style="text-align:center;"| November 6
| rowspan="2"| Lisbon | rowspan="2"| Portugal | rowspan="2"| Altice Arena | KURA | rowspan="2"| 28,946 / 28,946 | rowspan="2"| $4,807,755 |
| scope="row" style="text-align:center;"| November 7
| Barata |
| scope="row" style="text-align:center;"| November 12
| rowspan="2"| Paris | rowspan="2"| France | rowspan="2"| Accor Arena | rowspan="2"| Stuart Price | rowspan="2"| 62,781 / 62,781{{efn|name=parisgross|Combined totals for all Paris shows.}} | rowspan="2"| $10,722,553{{efn|name=parisgross}} |
| scope="row" style="text-align:center;"| November 13 |
| scope="row" style="text-align:center;"| November 15
| rowspan="2"| Cologne | rowspan="2"| Germany | rowspan="2"| Lanxess Arena | rowspan="2" {{N/A}} | rowspan="2"| 30,049 / 30,049 | rowspan="2"| $4,959,322 |
| scope="row" style="text-align:center;"| November 16 |
| scope="row" style="text-align:center;"| November 19
| rowspan="2"| Paris | rowspan="2"| France | rowspan="2"| Accor Arena | rowspan="2"| {{efn|name=parisgross}} | rowspan="2"| {{efn|name=parisgross}} |
| scope="row" style="text-align:center;"| November 20
| Fecal Matter |
| scope="row" style="text-align:center;"| November 23
| rowspan="2"| Milan | rowspan="2"| Italy | rowspan="2"| Mediolanum Forum | rowspan="4"| Stuart Price | rowspan="2"| 22,895 / 22,895 | rowspan="2"| $4,095,015 |
| scope="row" style="text-align:center;"| November 25 |
| scope="row" style="text-align:center;"| November 28
| rowspan="2"| Berlin | rowspan="2"| Germany | rowspan="2"| Mercedes-Benz Arena | rowspan="2"| 25,426 / 25,426 | rowspan="2"| $4,826,375 |
| scope="row" style="text-align:center;"| November 29 |
| scope="row" style="text-align:center;"| December 1
| rowspan="2"| Amsterdam | rowspan="2"| Netherlands | rowspan="2"| Ziggo Dome | rowspan="2"| Sevdaliza | rowspan="2"| 32,104 / 32,104 | rowspan="2"| $6,344,416 |
| scope="row" style="text-align:center;"| December 2 |
| scope="row" style="text-align:center;"| December 5
| rowspan="2"| London | rowspan="2"| England | rowspan="2"| The O2 Arena | rowspan="2"| Stuart Price | rowspan="2"| 31,111 / 31,111 | rowspan="2"| $7,588,038 |
| scope="row" style="text-align:center;"| December 6 |
| scope="row" style="text-align:center;"| December 13
| rowspan="3"| New York City{{efn|Billed as Brooklyn.}} | rowspan="5"| United States | rowspan="3"| Barclays Center | Honey Dijon | rowspan="3"| 37,782 / 37,782 | rowspan="3"| $7,774,698 |
| scope="row" style="text-align:center;"| December 14
| DJ Swisha & Sammy |
| scope="row" style="text-align:center;"| December 16{{efn|Originally scheduled to take place on August 27, 2023, at Madison Square Garden. For this show, tickets were completely refunded and attendees were required to buy new tickets.}}
| rowspan="3" | Mary Mac |
| scope="row" style="text-align:center;"| December 18
| rowspan="2"| Washington, D.C. | rowspan="2"| Capital One Arena | rowspan="2"| 22,896 / 22,896 | rowspan="2"| $4,808,752 |
| scope="row" style="text-align:center;"| December 19 |
| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;"
|+ List of 2024 concerts{{Efn|Most dates were originally scheduled from July 15 to October 7, 2023, but were rescheduled due to Madonna's hospitalization.}} ! scope="col" style="width:12em;"| Date ! scope="col" style="width:10em;"| City ! scope="col" style="width:10em;"| Country ! scope="col" style="width:15em;"| Venue ! scope="col" style="width:10em;"| Opening act ! scope="col" style="width:10em;" | Attendance ! scope="col" style="width:10em;"| Revenue |
| scope="row" style="text-align:center;"| January 8
| rowspan="2"| Boston | rowspan="2"| United States | rowspan="2"| TD Garden | rowspan="2"| Stuart Price | rowspan="2"| 25,685 / 25,685 | rowspan="2"| $5,509,791 |
|---|
| scope="row" style="text-align:center;"| January 9 |
| scope="row" style="text-align:center;"| January 11
| rowspan="2"| Toronto | rowspan="2"| Canada | rowspan="2"| Scotiabank Arena | rowspan="2"| Frank Walker | rowspan="2"| 30,146 / 30,146 | rowspan="2"| $5,533,143 |
| scope="row" style="text-align:center;"| January 12 |
| scope="row" style="text-align:center;"| January 15
| Detroit | United States | Omar-S | 13,516 / 13,516 | $2,725,951 |
| scope="row" style="text-align:center;"| January 18
| rowspan="2"| Montreal | rowspan="2"| Canada | rowspan="2"| Bell Centre | rowspan="2"| Mary Mac | rowspan="2"| 30,670 / 30,670 | rowspan="2"| $5,094,575 |
| scope="row" style="text-align:center;"| January 20 |
| scope="row" style="text-align:center;"| January 22
| rowspan="2" | New York City | rowspan="11"| United States | rowspan="2" | Madison Square Garden | rowspan="2" | Stuart Price | rowspan="2" | 41,207 / 41,207{{efn|name=nycgross|Combined totals for the New York City shows.}} | rowspan="2" | $10,289,619{{efn|name=nycgross}} |
| scope="row" style="text-align:center;"| January 23 |
| scope="row" style="text-align:center;"| January 25
| Sammy | 12,037 / 12,037 | $2,044,220 |
| scope="row" style="text-align:center;"| January 29
| New York City | Madison Square Garden | Bearcat |{{efn|name=nycgross}} |{{efn|name=nycgross}} |
| scope="row" style="text-align:center;"| February 1
| rowspan="2"| Chicago | rowspan="2"| United Center | rowspan="2"| Honey Dijon | rowspan="2"| 27,405 / 27,405 | rowspan="2"| $6,748,085 |
| scope="row" style="text-align:center;"| February 2 |
| scope="row" style="text-align:center;"| February 5
| rowspan="7"| Mary Mac | 11,672 / 11,672 | $2,204,097 |
| scope="row" style="text-align:center;"| February 8
| 14,139 / 14,139 | $2,895,768 |
| scope="row" style="text-align:center;"| February 13
| 12,024 / 12,024 | $2,378,636 |
| scope="row" style="text-align:center;"| February 17
| rowspan="2"| Seattle | rowspan="2"| Climate Pledge Arena | rowspan="2"| 27,582 / 27,582 | rowspan="2"| $5,716,576 |
| scope="row" style="text-align:center;"| February 18 |
| scope="row" style="text-align:center;"| February 21
| Canada | 13,458 / 13,458 | $2,204,034 |
| scope="row" style="text-align:center;"| February 24
| rowspan="24"| United States | 12,982 / 12,982 | $2,693,456 |
| scope="row" style="text-align:center;"| February 27
| rowspan="2"| San Francisco | rowspan="2"| Chase Center | rowspan="2"| Stuart Price | rowspan="2"| 26,443 / 26,443 | rowspan="2"| $6,577,948 |
| scope="row" style="text-align:center;"| February 28 |
| scope="row" style="text-align:center;"| March 1
| rowspan="2"| Paradise{{efn|Billed as Las Vegas.}} | rowspan="2"| T-Mobile Arena | rowspan="2"| Bearcat | rowspan="2"| 28,869 / 28,869 | rowspan="2"| $7,566,992 |
| scope="row" style="text-align:center;"| March 2 |
| scope="row" style="text-align:center;"| March 4{{efn|name=LA|Originally scheduled to place on September 27, 28 & 30, and October 1, 2023, at the Crypto.com Arena, respectively. For these shows, tickets were completely refunded and attendees were required to buy new tickets.}}
| rowspan="5"| Inglewood{{efn|Billed as Los Angeles.}} | rowspan="5"| Kia Forum | rowspan="2"| Stuart Price | rowspan="5"| 64,493 / 64,493 | rowspan="5"| $13,360,248 |
| scope="row" style="text-align:center;"| March 5{{efn|name=LA}} |
| scope="row" style="text-align:center;"| March 7{{efn|name=LA}}
| rowspan="5"| Bearcat |
| scope="row" style="text-align:center;"| March 9{{efn|name=LA}} |
| scope="row" style="text-align:center;"| March 11 |
| scope="row" style="text-align:center;"| March 13
| Thousand Palms{{efn|Billed as Palm Springs.}} | 9,027 / 9,027 | $2,376,991 |
| scope="row" style="text-align:center;"| March 16
| Phoenix | 12,596 / 12,596 | $3,214,228 |
| scope="row" style="text-align:center;"| March 19
| Denver | rowspan="7"| Mary Mac | 12,472 / 12,472 | $2,640,479 |
| scope="row" style="text-align:center;"| March 24
| rowspan="2"| Dallas | rowspan="2"| American Airlines Center | rowspan="2"| 23,726 / 23,726 | rowspan="2"| $5,047,270 |
| scope="row" style="text-align:center;"| March 25 |
| scope="row" style="text-align:center;"| March 28
| rowspan="2"| Houston | rowspan="2"| Toyota Center | rowspan="2"| 19,268 / 19,268 | rowspan="2"| $3,724,053 |
| scope="row" style="text-align:center;"| March 29 |
| scope="row" style="text-align:center;"| April 1
| Atlanta | 11,139 / 11,139 | $2,679,812 |
| scope="row" style="text-align:center;"| April 4
| Tampa | 14,396 / 14,396 | $2,950,174 |
| scope="row" style="text-align:center;"| April 6
| rowspan="3"| Miami | rowspan="3"| Kaseya Center | rowspan="3"| Stuart Price | rowspan="3"| 37,556 / 37,556 | rowspan="3"| $8,649,389 |
| scope="row" style="text-align:center;"| April 7 |
| scope="row" style="text-align:center;"| April 9 |
| scope="row" style="text-align:center;"| April 14
| rowspan="2"| Austin | rowspan="2"| Moody Center | rowspan="2"| Honey Dijon | rowspan="2"| 22,957 / 22,957 | rowspan="2"| $5,706,268 |
| scope="row" style="text-align:center;"| April 15 |
| scope="row" style="text-align:center;"| April 20
| rowspan="5"| Mexico City | rowspan="5"| Mexico | rowspan="5"| Palacio de los Deportes | rowspan="3"| Stuart Price | rowspan="5"| 82,421 / 82,421 | rowspan="5"| $14,797,461 |
| scope="row" style="text-align:center;"| April 21 |
| scope="row" style="text-align:center;"| April 23 |
| scope="row" style="text-align:center;"| April 24 |
| scope="row" style="text-align:center;"| April 26
| Sammy |
| scope="row" style="text-align:center;"| May 4{{efn|The concert in Rio de Janeiro on May 4, 2024, was the inaugural show of Todo Mundo no Rio, a yearly free access concert in Copacabana Beach.}}
| Brazil | Diplo | 1,600,000{{efn|Estimated assistance by {{ill|Riotur|pt}}.{{cite web |title=Madonna leva 1,6 milhão a Copacabana, diz Riotur |url=https://g1.globo.com/rj/rio-de-janeiro/show-da-madonna/noticia/2024/05/05/madonna-leva-16-milhao-a-copacabana.ghtml |work=O Globo |access-date=May 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240505044942/https://g1.globo.com/rj/rio-de-janeiro/show-da-madonna/noticia/2024/05/05/madonna-leva-16-milhao-a-copacabana.ghtml |archive-date=May 5, 2024 |language=pt |date=May 5, 2024}} According to El País, other media outlets estimated an attendance of 2.5 million people.{{cite web |last1=Alonso |first1=Guillermo |title=Madonna contra Spotify: ¿por qué una canción de Hombres G supera a los clásicos de la reina del pop en la plataforma? |url=https://elpais.com/icon/2024-05-06/madonna-contra-spotify-por-que-una-cancion-de-hombres-g-supera-a-los-clasicos-de-la-reina-del-pop-en-la-plataforma.html |work=El País |access-date=May 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240506150515/https://elpais.com/icon/2024-05-06/madonna-contra-spotify-por-que-una-cancion-de-hombres-g-supera-a-los-clasicos-de-la-reina-del-pop-en-la-plataforma.html |archive-date=May 6, 2024 |language=es |date=May 6, 2024}}{{subscription required}}}} | {{n/a|—}} |
| colspan="5"|Total
! 1,127,658 / 1,127,658 (100%) ! $225,377,545 |
= Cancelled dates =
| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;"
|+ List of cancelled concerts ! scope="col" style="width:12em;"| Date ! scope="col" style="width:10em;"| City ! scope="col" style="width:10em;"| Country ! scope="col" style="width:15em;"| Venue ! scope="col" style="width:10em;"| Reason |
| scope="row" style="text-align:left;"| July 27, 2023
| Tulsa | rowspan="5"| United States | rowspan="5"| Scheduling conflicts{{cite web |last1=Ruggieri |first1=Melissa |title=Madonna announces rescheduled Celebration Tour dates after hospital stay in ICU |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/music/2023/08/15/madonna-new-celebration-tour-dates-after-health-scare/70596005007/ |work=USA Today |access-date=May 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230815175157/https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/music/2023/08/15/madonna-new-celebration-tour-dates-after-health-scare/70596005007/ |archive-date=August 15, 2023 |date=August 15, 2023}} |
|---|
| scope="row" style="text-align:left;"| December 22, 2023{{efn|The concert in Nashville on December 22, 2023, was to be a benefit concert for Trans Rights.}} |
| scope="row" style="text-align:left;"| January 15, 2024
| San Francisco | Chase Center |
| scope="row" style="text-align:left;"| January 18, 2024
| Las Vegas |
| scope="row" style="text-align:left;"| January 20, 2024
| Phoenix | Footprint Center |
See also
Notes
{{notelist}}
References
{{reflist}}
External links
{{Commons category|The Celebration Tour}}
- [https://www.madonna.com/tour Madonna.com > Tour]
{{Madonna}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Celebration Tour, The}}
Category:Madonna concert tours
Category:Concert tours of Canada
Category:Concert tours of the United States
Category:Concert tours of Europe
Category:Concert tours of Mexico
Category:Concert tours of North America
Category:Concert tours of Belgium
Category:Concert tours of France
Category:Concert tours of the United Kingdom
Category:Concert tours of Portugal
Category:Concert tours of the Netherlands
Category:Concert tours of Germany
Category:Concert tours of Spain
Category:Concert tours of Denmark
Category:Concert tours of Sweden