MADONNA has made a triumphant return to the stage to reclaim her crown as the Queen of Pop.
The superstar proved she’s still got what it takes aged 65 — despite a near-death experience just four months ago and hip surgery in 2020 — as she launched her Celebration Tour in London last night.
During her 140-minute set at the O2 Arena, she performed 30 of her greatest hits, flew through the sky, downed beers, danced, strutted, judged a vogue ball and wore nine different costumes.
The most striking was a figure-hugging, reflective catsuit, which she wore to sing Ray Of Light.
She was joined on stage by five of her six children, with 11-year-old Estere impressing the crowd during a voguing contest — a popular style of house music-inspired dance in New York’s ballroom scene.
The contest was judged by Madge’s eldest, Lourdes, 27 — while Estere’s twin sister Stella performed choreography during Don’t Tell Me.
David, 18, donned several outfits to join in with the dancers.
And Madonna’s daughter Mercy, 17, accompanied her on piano while singing Bad Girl.
It was only eldest son Rocco, 23, who didn’t perform, opting instead to cheer on in the audience.
During the show, montages showed Beyonce and Ariana Grande, among others, praising the superstar.
Madonna used the event to honour her contemporaries, including Michael Jackson, by mixing Billie Jean with Like A Virgin, while silhouettes of them danced.
At another point, a snippet of Prince’s Let’s Go Crazy played as a man in a chainmail mask, like the one worn by Prince, played guitar.
Despite a long-running feud, Madonna also paid tribute to Sinead O’Connor after her death in July, by showing her picture on screen while singing Don’t Cry For Me Argentina.
During Erotica, she involved her current boxer boyfriend Josh Popper, 30.
He appeared in black and white visuals on screen as dancers fought in three boxing rings which rose from the catwalk.
Actresses Isla Fisher and Suranne Jones, Big Brother host AJ Odudu and TV’s Graham Norton were among the big names who had snapped up tickets.
And hours after Madonna took to the stage, Adele, speaking during her show in Las Vegas, said she was “very jealous” to have not been there.
Meanwhile Madonna, who was back on stage for the second of six sold-out shows at the venue tonight, wrote on Instagram today: “Thank you LONDON! Opening night! An evening I’ll never forget.”
