Culture

Madonna kicks off Celebration World Tour with electrifying sold out first night at London O2

Madonna live on stage at London's O2 arena for The Celebration World Tour

Madonna’s The Celebration World Tour kicked off in grand style last night, leaving fans crazy for her at the opening night in London’s O2,  the first of six sold-out shows at the iconic venue. 

Months of anticipation culminated in a spectacle that not only celebrated Madonna’s illustrious career but also offered a glimpse into her journey from a struggling artist to global superstardom.

It was a night of nostalgia and rejuvenation. Madonna, known for pushing boundaries and reinventing herself, treated the audience to a joyous journey through her chart-toppers, some of which she hadn’t performed in decades. 

Madonna, known for pushing boundaries and reinventing herself, treated the audience to a joyous journey…

Directed by long-time collaborator  Jamie King and featuring the musical direction of Stuart Price, the show embraced the euphoric dance beats of her ’80s classics as well as soul-stirring ballads – ‘Nothing Really Matters,’ ‘Open Your Heart,’ ‘Like A Prayer,’ ‘Into The Groove,’ and ‘Crazy For You.’

True to her reputation as the best-selling female artist of all time, Madonna left no stone unturned. The performance was a whirlwind of mesmerising choreography, bold costumes, and the most elaborate stage design of her career, courtesy of the renowned Stufish.

This world tour is no ordinary affair. With a staggering 78 dates and production handled by Live Nation, Madonna’s Celebration Tour is set to sweep across Europe before making a grand return to her adopted hometown, New York City, in December. 

The North American leg will follow, taking fans on an exhilarating musical journey throughout the spring of 2024. The celebration concludes with four sold-out shows in Mexico City next April.

For Madonna lovers, this roadshow represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness the evolution of a pop legend. With a repertoire spanning over four decades and a show that combines nostalgia with a vision of the future, The Celebration World Tour is a testament to Madonna’s enduring influence on the music industry.

Disney+ drops glossy Love Story JFK Jr drama and confirms Rivals Season 2 launch

If your watchlist is looking a little thin on glamour, scandal and period drama, Disney+ has some timely remedies. The streamer has just unveiled fresh details for a glossy new FX limited series about one of America’s most mythologised couples, while also confirming the return date of its hit satirical Jilly Cooper-penned mega-soap. FX’s Love…

Hennessy celebrates Year of the Horse with Lunar New Year limited edition cognacs 

Hennessy has released a set of limited edition bottlings to coincide with the Chinese New Year, marking the arrival of the Year of the Horse. The annual Lunar New Year release features redesigned editions of Hennessy V.S.O.P cognac, James Hennessy, Hennessy X.O and Hennessy Paradis, continuing the Maison’s long-standing tradition of commemorating the festival. Hennessy’s…

The Whisky Exchange looks to the stars with Zodiac series of single cask whiskies

The Whisky Exchange has unveiled a new limited whisky range inspired by the twelve signs of the Zodiac, following the conclusion of its Seasons Series in 2024–25. The first whiskies in the series – Pisces, Aries, Taurus and Gemini – supposedly reflect the character traditionally associated with each star sign – they’re also tailor made…