Late Thursday night, Madonna appeared in Times Square in a striking hot pink outfit. As she threw back her cape, the opening theme to her single "I Feel So Free" from the album began playing. «Confessions II »", which included the line, "I can be anyone," and the star immediately called on the crowd below, "Let's meet on the dance floor.".
Of course, the fans crowding shoulder to shoulder on the streets had already complied with their request and greeted Madonna, who captivated them in a way only she can. The pop icon strutted across the elevated stage in thigh-high silver boots, soft pink satin stockings, and a matching corset during a free performance in honor of Pride Month, organized in partnership with the app Grindr.
More from Rolling Stone
-
Madonna pays rent for the space that houses her iconic New York rehearsal space: "It's desperately needed help.".
-
Kylie Minogue has denied rumours that she will be featured on Madonna's upcoming album, Confessions II.
-
How Madonna Inspired Billy Eichner to Create "Billy on the Street" — and Other Billy Eichner Secrets
Madonna then introduced "Love Sensation," the eighth track from the album. Confessions II , the long-awaited follow-up to her 2005 album Confessions on a Dance Floor , which is scheduled for release on July 3rd. Before performing this delightful song, she reminded everyone why they were gathered together: "Are you ready? It's Mama!"«
«"People think dance music is superficial, but they're completely wrong," Madonna said earlier, announcing her upcoming album. "The dance floor isn't just a place, it's a threshold: a ritual space where movement replaces language." The 67-year-old star also performed another version of "Bring Your Love" for fans, perched on a rotating platform above a speaker, surrounded by dancers. (Earlier this year, Madonna performed the song during Sabrina Carpenter's stunning performance at Coachella, where the duo made history.)
Madonna also performed tracks from the album Confessions on a Dance Floor: «"Get Together" and, of course, "I Love New York," miming air guitar in front of a feverishly flashing red screen as yellow taxis whizzed past. The singer closed the performance with "Hung Up," an incredibly popular dance track that samples ABBA's "Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!".
Before disappearing through the back doors, Madonna said goodbye and thundered, "Thank you, New York, I love you! Happy Pride!"«
Ahead of the film's release «Confessions II» Madonna continues to make historic public appearances, and this summer the star is preparing for a high-profile return to the Tribeca Film Festival with a project related to her new studio album. The film, described as a "cinematic work" inspired by and built around the first six tracks of "« Confessions II» , including "I Feel So Free" and "Bring Your Love," will premiere Friday, June 5, at the Beacon Theatre in New York City.
The Best of Rolling Stone
-
«Ben E. King's "Stand by Me": 21 Must-Hear Covers.
-
25 Songs That Are Actually Horrifying
-
All 286 Taylor Swift songs, listed in descending order of popularity.
Subscribe to the RollingStone newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.