Madonna has reacted to the unexpected airing of an old commercial she recorded in 1989 for Pepsi. The advertisement, which aired during the 2023 VMAs ceremony on American MTV, had never been broadcast before due to a decision by Pepsi itself. The singer took the opportunity to mock the censorship in force 34 years ago, contradicting the company’s institutional message.
Controversies and censorship
The commercial was originally planned to promote the video for “Like a Prayer”, but was ultimately canceled after the music video generated controversy with its content. Madonna said Pepsi asked for changes to the song’s video, especially in controversial scenes such as the kissing of a black saint and the burning of crucifixes. “The commercial was immediately canceled because I refused to edit any scenes in the video in which I appeared kissing a black saint or burning crucifixes. Thus began my illustrious career as an artist, refusing to give up my artistic integrity,” she explained Madonna in the post. send.
Artistic integrity
In the same tone, the singer joked about Pepsi’s late decision to display the ad: “Thank you, Pepsi, for finally realizing the genius of our collaboration. Artists are here to bother.”
Fan reaction was mostly positive. One follower commented: “It’s actually a really interesting advert, obviously you have to express yourself.” Another added: “Not only is this why you’ve had an incredible career over the decades, but it also proves that taking risks can sometimes pay off, especially when you know exactly what you’re struggling with.”
Madonna has the last laugh
For those who don’t remember, the video for “Like a Prayer” was condemned by several Christian groups, including the Vatican, shortly after its debut on MTV. Although the Pepsi commercial did not contain any religious imagery in the clip, the company had a terrible reaction to the controversy, deciding to terminate its contract with Madonna and cancel her ad after only airing it twice.
Madonna, of course, had the last laugh. Not only did she keep the campaign’s $5 million, but “Like a Prayer” became a global hit and remains one of her most beloved songs to this day. Finally, she mocked Pepsi’s belated decision to save the campaign, as if the drink had truly been cutting edge, as she claims in the ad.
34 years ago I made a commercial with Pepsi to celebrate the release of my song Like a Prayer.
The commercial was immediately deleted because I refused to edit the scenes in the video of me kissing a black saint or burning crosses.
Thus began my illustrious career as… pic.twitter.com/zHBaBtGP9v
—Madonna (@Madonna) September 13, 2023
Source: Terra
Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
