Stomach Bug Bites into Madonna Concert

By Stephen M. Silverman

05/26/2004 at 08:00 AM EDT

On the second night of her big "Re-Invention" tour, the star attraction was a no-show.

Madonna, 45, canceled her performance at the 15,000-seat Los Angeles Forum Tuesday, with a statement posted on her Web site saying: "Tonight's show at the LA Forum is postponed until tomorrow night. Madonna has the stomach flu and was ordered by her doctor to rest this evening. She will be back at 100 percent and can't wait to entertain her fans!!!! If you have tickets for tonight's show, they will be honored tomorrow night."

What could possibly cheer up the Material Mom are some of the reviews appearing in Wednesday's newspapers. For the most part, they are highly approving, though the Los Angeles Times laments the absence of sex in her new show, which is heavy on political and spiritual commentary.

The New York Times, admitting that at times the show is confusing, still considered it exhilarating, while New York's Daily News praised the powerful singing voice of Madonna.

A third and final L.A. concert is scheduled for Thursday, after which the tour will move on to Las Vegas and Anaheim, Calif. More than 750,000 fans are expected to see the show as it makes its way across North America and Europe – with a camera crew capturing it all for a behind-the scenes feature documentary for future release.