Madonna, the iconic pop sensation, kicked off her highly anticipated Celebration tour with a sold-out concert at the Barclays Center in New York City on Wednesday. However, the evening was not without controversy as the 65-year-old singer left fans waiting until nearly 11 p.m. for her performance, originally slated to start at 8:30 p.m.
Despite the tardy start, Madonna treated the audience to an electrifying 45-song set list, showcasing the highlights of her record-breaking 40-year career. The show, known for its daring and provocative elements, captivated fans once the Queen of Pop finally took the stage.
The delay became apparent when DJ Honey Dijon, the opening act, began at 8:30 p.m. and revealed that technical difficulties were responsible for the setback. The Queen of Pop eventually graced the stage at 10:45 p.m., marking the commencement of her performance.
Social media platforms buzzed with both excitement and frustration from fans. One attendee expressed discontent, stating, “I don’t give a f*** if you’re Madonna, if you’re 3 hours late, you’re just fing rude.” Another fan noted the delayed start, saying, “Concert supposed to start at 8:30. Madonna started at 11 pm. Whole arena chanting bulls at her lateness. Great show but went way too late.”
Despite the backlash, a People source shed light on the challenges Madonna faced during soundcheck, causing a one-hour delay. Doors for the event opened at 7:30 p.m. as planned, but the singer continued sound-checking until the last moment to address the issues.
Acknowledging the frustrations voiced by fans, the insider emphasized Madonna’s perseverance on stage, highlighting that she was only an hour late when she finally graced the stage in front of her 14,000 fans. The Celebration tour, though starting on a controversial note, promises to be a memorable journey through the illustrious career of one of music’s most enduring and influential figures.
