After a health scare caused a delay, Madonna begins her "Celebration" tour: "I didn't think I was going to make it"

The singer, who turned 65 in August, gave a performance on opening night at the O2 Arena that was occasionally more solemn than joyous. Throughout the performance, homage were paid to some of the late legends who helped launch her career, including Prince, Michael Jackson, and Sinead O'Connor.

The "Like a Virgin" star talked about her health issues as well, calling it "a crazy year for me."

"Neither I nor my physicians believed that I would survive. That's why I woke up with my entire family seated around me, she explained.

In June, Madonna fought a bacterial infection that led her to postpone the North American portion of the "Celebration" tour.

"Five days of my life, or my death, I forgot. She continued, "I don't really know where I was. I'm grateful to my kids every time they save me.

"I had the notion, 'I've got to be there for my children. If you want to know my secret, and you want to know how I survived,' you should know that. She answered, "I have to live for them.

Another somber moment saw the images of AIDS victims flash over the enormous screens of the arena as Madonna sung the lyrics of the heartfelt song "In This Life" from her 1992 album "Erotica." She was prominently featured beside her friend, the late artist Keith Haring, as the concert transitioned to her 1986 song "Live to Tell."

Naturally, "Celebration" also featured some happy interludes, such as when Mercy James, Madonna's daughter, made an appearance in front of a piano and masterfully played the first notes of "Bad Girl," another song from "Erotica."

During the performance of Madge's classic 1990 song "Vogue," her other daughters Lourdes Leon, who was celebrating her birthday, and twins Stella and Estere joined in the fun.

Dancers wore masks and outfits designed to capture her most memorable career moments, both those connected to and separate from her No. 1 hits. For Madonna's ardent fans, it should be highlighted that the tour is not at all limited to her top-charting singles. A lot of affection was also given to more esoteric tracks, such as "Bedtime Stories" from 1994.

Video wizardry and lavish lighting were used in the performance. Madonna frequently performed with her back to the crowd, singing into a camera that subsequently reflected an immaculate Madge back to the crowd.

The iconic performer took some time to look back on her legendary career and personal journey, as well as the adventures of those who had an impact on her along the road. As a result, "Celebration" had an unexpectedly pared-down air.