Tina Arena reveals life-threatening health battle: 'I spent six days in ICU'

Tina Arena has spoken for the first time about a life-threatening infection that landed her in an intensive care unit. 

The Chains hitmaker, 58, was forced to cancel her 2023 tour after being struck down by a mystery illness later confirmed to be septicaemia, a potentially deadly blood disorder which can cause organ failure and death.

'It got really bad, I spent six days in ICU, I had a really bad kidney infection and stones that turned into septicaemia,' Tina told the Courier Mail. 

'It annihilated me for about eight or nine months before I got up and was able to walk on a stage. The psychological work I had to do in order to go, "Can I do this?"

'I was really lucky because when I went in my organ was starting to shut down so I didn't understand when I was going through it... Totally delirious when you’re in that much pain.' 

The singer has now partnered with Australian Red Cross Lifeblood to raise awareness about the importance of treatment.

She has also teamed up with other famous artists whose lives have been saved by donations, including Australian Idol veteran Ngaiire, to perform a new track, a cover of the Sia classic Unstoppable.

Tina said the experience has given her a broader understanding of this important health issue.

'When you’re in that position you realise how important something like Lifeblood is because people are sick all the time and need help. Unless we donate as people there's never going to be enough to go around,' she said.

Fortunately, Tina made a full recovery and is now preparing to tour France in October.

'I had an amazing team, the Epworth Hospital was nothing short of outstanding. Your capacity to be rational is not of optimum capacity. It wasn't until weeks or maybe a few months later that the penny really dropped with me,' she said. 

'Music, it's a healer. It's healed me and has given me incredible strength when the chips are down, it's a real lifeline for me.' 

In October 2024, Tina told Stellar Magazine her kidney infection may have been a 'manifestation of trauma'. 

The Sorrento Moon singer said her process of recovery is gradual, but she has plenty of support. 

'I've had to slowly work my way through it with the love of my friends and family. It's not over,' she added.

The Chains hitmaker announced the cancellation of the tour in October 2023.

The cancelled gigs included a Gold Coast concert scheduled for October 12, a Melbourne show for October 20 and the tour's finale in Adelaide on October 21.

But in August 2024, the singer announced she would be returning to the stage.

The Australian singer performed in December that year at the Mornington Racecourse.