Right when the headline news were released that Madonna was going to perform in RIO and it will be a free concert, anticipation was already building high each day. It was especially so when Madonna had a bacterial infection which landed her in the ICU for days. Thank God she pull through and the will and determination to survive despite the illness. She still has so much to do and she had to get through it! AND SHE DID!
This final show encapsulated all of the essence in a live concert show should be. From stage, production, giant video screens, sound blasters, the music, the choreography, the dance, video interludes, the presence, wardrobe and costumes, the band, the dancers and a most special and heartfelt tribute to her friends and those lost to AIDS. The show brought an emotional ride for all who were there and for the viewers at home who were able to view the live broadcast in RIO and the countries who were lucky enough to catch it!
Of course there were songs which I wished Madonna would have performed in full - like Crazy For You but when it combined or it slowly morphed to the next song, it was done brilliantly and beautifully!
Highlights included the grand and spectacular opening of (ala Strange Encounters of the Third Kind) inspired Nothing Really Matters, Holiday, Into The Groove, Open Your Heart, Live To Tell, the Brazilian drum section with Pabllo Vittar, the great monologue by Bob The Drag Queen, Vogue and its various guest judges, Like A Prayer, Hung Up, Bad Girl (exquisite and beautiful vocals) ft. The incredible Mercy James on piano, cowboy inspired Don't Tell Me.... the list goes on and on...oh yes, her heartfelt tribute to her mother and David's mother in Mother and Father! Rain was beautiful!
You have to experience it for yourself. No amount of words could justify and testify the brilliant production of The Celebration Tour! It was indeed a celebration through her 4 decades of unparalled success in music, touring and being a performance artist that she is!
My review is a 10/10!
