Powerful! Madonna - Like A Prayer Reaction

We're reacting to Madonna's iconic Like A Prayer song/video. Absolutely incredible.
Watch the official video here: • Madonna - Like A Praye...
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[@OurAnxiousReactions]

Don't forget to vote for which live version you would like us to react to, and we'll pick the one with the most votes! :)

[@josejimenez9857]

Sticky and Sweet live version, please!

[@gregoryreed4866]

I say the Super Bowl version was spectacular

[@WilUnleashed]

There are so many great live performances. If you're planning to react to the full Blond Ambition tour soon, then maybe you should save it for that and go for another live performance. Live 8 performance is very great and uplifting. The Sticky and Sweet Tour version is really a power anteme as she includes a sample of "Feels Like Home" in the performance. It works really well and adds another powerful level to the song. Then there are a few lower key version such as the Haiti Live performance or RIT which was a bit more stripped back. I would suggest though, LIVE 8 or Sticky And Sweet. I think they both would give you a great contrast to the video and song being performed years later in a different setting, showcasing the songs long journey of being such a huge song and anthem for her.

[@Marc-zi5cq]

Blond Ambition live in Paris.

[@Kaia6485]

Met Gala performance. Save Blond Ambition to watch for the first time in its entirety.

[@WilUnleashed]

What I love about your reactions is you are one of very few who really get the point and messaging of these videos by Madonna. A lot of others I've seen reacting to the video, come off confused what the story and message in this video. Some don't see how she's witness a crime, exposing racism back then and how easy a black man can be accused of a crime for simply being there. And it's scary to know, times haven't really change in regards to that. You're also right to say that many people did seem to get the message at the same time or at least was able to dissassociate the video from the song and still loved the song on an inspirational level. Because it is true, the song and video can be interpreted in a totally different and contrast way. The song itself can be more uplifting and inspriational while the video digs more deep into racial insecurities. Thanks so much for your awesome reaction. I so enjoy and value what you have to say here. It's just nice to see two different generations here experiencing her music.

[@OurAnxiousReactions]

Thank you - That's so kind of you to say. ❤️ And we greatly appreciate everything you have to say as well. Thank you for being here. ❤️

[@jamesanthonybutler367]

I agree 100%!! How hard is it to do a little research before hand!

[@eightchoy]

Sticky and sweet tour….amazing version

[@ianhaddock6057]

Blond Ambition, without a doubt!!

[@Marc-zi5cq]

Brenda, you are amazing. You got everything perfectly and explained it so well. Wonderful woman :)

[@OurAnxiousReactions]

You're incredibly sweet - Thank you. ❤️

[@salonglosswoodstock5773]

Just do both live performances!!!! One from The Sticky and Sweet tour and 1 from The Blonde Ambition tourThey are both sooooo different from each other and both amazing!!!°

[@daniellaplume3840]

The blonde ambition tour live version... with the pony tail

[@ThrillsofColdplay]

The burning crosses are the most iconic thing about this music video

[@SeeJay81]

She had a Pepsi sponsorship tied to this song which was all in place before the video came out. Once this video dropped, Pepsi pulled the deal and refused to work with her. This year, just a couple of months ago, in honor of Madonna celebrating 40 years in the industry they finally officially released the commercial along with an apology and statement on how Madonna has always been pushing boundaries in her pursuit of breaking down barriers to injustice and diversity.

[@r4a2l9]

So many people on this platform who react to this video miss the message from this video which was so and continuous to be so incredibly caustic today. Kudos ladies for understanding and highlighting that.

[@OurAnxiousReactions]

Thank you! ❤️

[@PerryCJamesUK]

Everybody has already mentioned all the serious stuff about this video so here's something fun lol Madonna's dress in the video was discovered in a studio costume department by Madonna's then costume designer Marlene Stewart (I think that was her name) and they both thought it was perfect for the feel of the video. It turns out that the dress was made for the late Hollywood golden age actress Natalie Wood. Marlene had to alter the bust to fit Madonna who was very ermmm "healthy" that month. hehehehe

[@OurAnxiousReactions]

Love that story! Thank you so much for sharing it. ❤️

[@sharkyroman]

As you.ll likely watch the Blonde Ambition soon.. Ill vote for sticky and sweet tour version.

[@ryanPual-ou7yu]

This is a classic song

[@user-ey8ln5sd8e]

Madonna like a prayer 🙏 live blonde 🎉ambition tour Is the best live version XX 💋

[@duane_313]

Like a prayer is objectively Madonna’s best song. In all the magazine “best of lists” I see it’s frequently ranked at top along with Vogue and Into The Groove.

[@drjuandonna]

I think you should watch the live version from the Sticky & Sweet tour... it's soooo different and truly an amazing re-imagining of the song - the crowd reaction in this performance is wild too!!!

[@antoniociviletto8493]

Look like a prayer live hope 4 Haiti

[@Marc-zi5cq]

One thing that is very exciting about Madonna's career is how she always grew and evolved, she was 30 here, showing a new more natural look with her real hair color and a song that sounds alot more grown up and intense than people probably expected. It's a mix of rock, pop, soul. Both song and video are iconic in the true sense of the word.

[@rowanmayfair9249]

To this day, I still want my hair styled like hers in the video.

[@todddepue681]

Everyone will say to watch the Blond Ambition live performance but honestly you should hold off until you watch the tour in its entirety (which is coming up very soon in the timeline) Like a Prayer is performed as part of very powerful story arc with a series of songs that is most impactful when viewed altogether. I'd suggest trying a one-off non tour performance like the Live 8 benefit concert from 2005. Or I think there's also a Relief for Haiti benefit show that's really good. Or even the 2018 Met Gala performance.

[@richardc8795]

Met Gala!!! Yes! 😁

[@gregoryreed4866]

One of the best reactions to this video ever!

[@OurAnxiousReactions]

Aww, thank you so much! ❤️

[@jonclingan193]

The cuts on the hands is stigma. It was a UK number 1. Madonna fighting racism back in 1989.

[@michaelmcmullen1113]

Agree The Sticky & Sweet Tour …Was so Amazing The Energy during that Performance was unforgettable moment I will never forget being caught up by the Power of Madonna

[@rowanmayfair9249]

The stigmata is what got Christians up in arms as well. This is the start of her pushing the boundaries further and further. It was an amazing time.

[@grazmsp2473]

Thank you so much for reacting to Madonna, as a young Madonna fan it’s so satisfying watching others react to her. Please continue to react to Madonna, you definately earned a follow!

[@OurAnxiousReactions]

Thank you for being here and going on this journey with us! ❤️

[@Guy-lo3ld]

Hi great reaction. 👍🏻Besides the serious message, I love watching Madonna dancing.❤😁

[@OurAnxiousReactions]

Thank you! ❤️

[@oscardelgado1075]

Definitely must to react her live performance from the blond ambition tour, for me the bests are live in Paris 1990, live in Nice and live in Barcelona

[@karansolanki592]

Ok - now you’ve seen this , please watch the live version from the Blonde Ambition tour 90’ - the truth or dare version! Captures this so well

[@yannickratineau3943]

The most iconic song & video all of the time !!!!

[@user-eu4rn4fp9n]

Please do Met Gala performance. grazie!

[@DavidLopez-yt1ds]

I absolutely love your reactions. You get it! I love it.

[@OurAnxiousReactions]

Aww, thank you so much! ❤️

[@briandubois-gilbert8182]

The negative reaction about the LAP video amplified by media came from bigoted segments of religious and conservative establishment/society. But journalists, critics, academics and fans gave the video and its messaging mostly positive response. One columnist from USA Today then wrote that she did not understand the media mayhem behind the video. She pointed out that “Madonna is a good girl in this video. She saves someone. What is the big deal!?”-Indeed, that’s what the video boils down to. Madonna succeeded in creating a pop music masterpiece here and as in all great art-it’s meant to elicit strong reactions from viewers. She masterfully layered, a balancing of opposing themes here like: the sacred and profane, religion and sexuality, spirituality and the mundane, good and evil-but above all she wanted to speak out against the racism, hate and violence that’s been directed historically towards women, people of color/minorities, a policing and criminal justice system that discriminate against Blacks/minorities. She portrays here a guilt-ridden young woman who found the strength to overcome her doubts, fears and frailties to confront the injustice she witnessed…thereby freeing the wrongly accused man that logically can lead to the arrest of those who committed the assault. In the end, it’s also about female empowerment. It’s also the moment when Madonna elevated her advocacy to a heroic level. It’s also a warning against complacency as the issues she tackled in LAP 34 years ago remains as relevant today. LAP has become an inspirational anthem whose spirituality transcends the controversies it generated. She had performed LAP live in her concerts, and one-off guest appearances-it’s always been an uplifting and inspirational highlight. Among these live versions, my favorites are: 1) the Redemption segment of her 2012 MDNA tour when in sequence she performed I’m A Sinner, then Cyberraga, and the glorious LAP. 2) Her haunting version during the 2018 Met Gala when she performed it at the grand staircase of the NYC Metropolitan Museum of Arts. It evoked the poignant thought that when she finally leaves this material space, her spiritual faith and journey will lead her to salvation and eternal peace. Really appreciate your deep, profound and insightful reaction to this video.❤

[@OurAnxiousReactions]

Thank you so much! ❤️ And thank you for that wonderful synopsis of the video. Very well said! ❤️❤️

[@pauldunlow33596]

The Sticky and Sweet tour live performance of Like a Prayer is phenomenal. Not giving much away, but there is a point in the performance where the platform she’s on rises her up above the crowd singing and it shows the entire stadium in the front of her it’s surreal.

[@OurAnxiousReactions]

Sounds amazing! :)

[@luisalbertocalla6649]

❤❤❤❤❤🙏🙏🙏

[@kristianberg4264]

Great reaction!!!! So, as the previous albums we’re Pop & fun, now we start to get into some of Madonna’s most thought provoking, daring and meaningful Albums, songs and especially videos. This album as well as the next few,are just glorious, and I have to say, I’m so happy to have come up with this amazing woman & performer in real time. No other performer ( male/female) can hold a mirror up to the world, like Madonna can.

[@OurAnxiousReactions]

Thank you! ❤️ She's truly been such a significant voice in the world (for so many years).

[@tapanim6576]

Great reaction.

[@OurAnxiousReactions]

Thank you! ❤️

[@daniellaplume3840]

Its a beautiful thing, like a painting in a museum. Theres no museum for most pop artists, but there is a place. The reaction to it by much of the public was: the point, and the purpose! Ty

[@jukeboxjoyce7359]

Beautiful and insightful reaction !!! X

[@OurAnxiousReactions]

Thank you so much! ❤️

[@blueeyes4910]

hello there 'a beautifulinterview where Madonna talks about this album if you want to see her and this ,Madonna - Like a Prayer Promotion - Molly Meldrum Interview, 1989 .

[@OurAnxiousReactions]

Thank you for sharing that! ❤️

[@richardc8795]

An excellent review ladies. Loved watching with Emily, as she has never seen this. Definitely one of Madonna’s best videos. The revelation you think she has after laying on the alter is actually a dream. Sadly, the racial themes in this still play out today, 34 years later. The controversy revolved around her kissing a black saint, and dancing around, scantily clad, amongst a field of burning crosses. Go figure the south, and bible belt went nuts. Madonna was just coming off a creative low. Both Shanghai Surprise and Who’s That Girl had flopped, and her broadway performance of Speed The Plow did not do well. This song, and the controversy around it only caused her popularity to surge. And she needed that. Pretty sure most votes for live performance will be for Blonde Ambition or Sticky n Sweet tours. Since you will be reviewing both tours eventually, I will suggest Met Gala 2018 😁 Have a fabulous day ladies.

[@OurAnxiousReactions]

Thank you so much! ❤️ Have a wonderful day too. :)

[@johnthegreek5836]

This song definitely made her an Icon and it was great to see her portray racism and some people thought it was blasphemy, great song and video

[@Blogodiseablog]

Emily, you have the smartest mother in the world. In fact, Brenda has got all the interpretations in the video right. For me the video is basically a criticism of racism. Anything else, such as sexual references in the video, were possibly added by Madonna to anger the church or make noise to call the attention of the viewer. But the important thing is that it is a criticism of racism, which is still valid today (for example "Black Lives Matter"). Brenda has understood the video perfectly, its history, etc. She has even explained that the burning crosses are a reference to the crosses that the KKK placed in front of black people's houses to terrorize them. I have seen several reactions to Madonna's "Like a Prayer", but this is without a doubt, the best and most accurate. Emily, you are very lucky to have a person like Brenda next to you, she surely will teach you a lot about life. Kisses 🥰🥰🥰

[@OurAnxiousReactions]

Awww, thank you so much. ❤️ What an incredibly kind and sweet comment. ❤️ 😘😘

[@andreww3225]

Hi Stunning Song and video. One of her best. The message is clear in this….. as you say it’s mind boggling how this message wasn’t received in the way it was intended. How times have changed that now it’s understood. Madonna has always tried to provoke discussion and reflect in her art. The controversy always overshadows. Great reaction ❤❤

[@OurAnxiousReactions]

Thank you! ❤️❤️

[@pepsine]

Fantastic video and song! And sadly still reflects today's society in terms of racial profiling. As for the live reaction! Ladies why not treat yourselves ( and us) to both Blond Ambition tour and the Sticky and sweet tour? 🤩🤩

[@ElectroPrince3000]

Like A Prayer is considered by many as the Greatest Pop song of all time. Its musical complexity & multiple lyrical layers are simply unmatchable. Madonna has been excommunicated by the Vatican 3x times to date, and this video was the beginning of that boycott. As most users said, the Sticky & Sweet Tour performance will blow you away! It’s a completely reimagined version of the song & the crowd goes NUTS. I would also recommend her Met Gala 2018 medley performance. Beautifully executed. 😌

[@frankvigliarolo9800]

Bravo, for the best reaction to what I believe is the best music video of all times. It’s brilliant, important, and sadly relevant even today. It’s a shame so many people were shocked by her kissing a black saint, her use of burning crosses, and the imagery of her hands bleeding like Jesus. If you recall Pepsi refused to air her Pepsi commercial- which only aired once prior to the premiere of this video.they were so upset by this. And the Pepsi commercial was so wholesome. Thank goodness she still got paid millions by Pepsi. Once again GREAT reaction!

[@OurAnxiousReactions]

Aww, thank you so much! ❤️

[@Marc-zi5cq]

The video is about racial profiling and they tried to cancel her over it. Didn't work obviously, the song is one of the biggest hits of all time.

[@pepsine]

Exactly!!

[@daniellaplume3840]

This is a wonderful video, and a wonderful song. Video directed by Mary Lambert along with her other great videos. The choir is the Andre Crouche choir, Andre Crouche who was so amazing and important in time.

[@cristoferchanimak]

Also this was just two decades after loving v Virginia

[@OurAnxiousReactions]

Excellent point!

[@duane_313]

Great reaction! Love all the insight you both shared.

[@OurAnxiousReactions]

Aww, thank you! ❤️

[@ChristianMetzMoreno]

Thanks for giving justice to the song and its video. Personally one of my favorite songs and one of my favorite music videos from Madonna. I loved your reaction and review! 🙂

[@OurAnxiousReactions]

Thank you so much! ❤️

[@ChristianMetzMoreno]

@@OurAnxiousReactions You're welcome! I enjoy your Madonna reaction videos!

[@franciscoorrantia3259]

Increíble, esta canción y el video, plasma una especia de fe y decisión por la humanidad, buenísima la canción y mensaje, para mí lo mejor de los 80, amo a Madonna es mi, una persona que es muy mal preciada por la sociedad, sin ella el mundo fuera un mundo muy diferente y más caótico, el cambio cultural que realizo no tiene nombre, es impresionante lo que hizo esta mujer con su fama, llevar temas superincomodos, pero reales que todos los vivimos en la vida y sabemos son importantes, pero nos los guardamos, ironías de la vida.

[@cristoferchanimak]

Great reaction! :) as always

[@OurAnxiousReactions]

Thank you so much! ❤️

[@jarrods1193]

I agree, growing up with the video on MTV, the video is in your head everytime you hear this song. I can still see 10 year old me in 1989 on the floor dancing like Madonna did in the church! Lol I'm loving your Madonna journey! So glad I'm along for the ride. It's awesome seeing both points of view. Growing up with Madonna and discovering her videos now. Can't wait to be part of your entire journey!

[@OurAnxiousReactions]

Aww, thank you so much! ❤️ We're very happy that you're here with us. :)

[@Icon4life2]

Yes we are to the era of my favorite album of hers. This song is pure pop perfection and the video is one of the greatest of all time. I was 16 when this came out and I remember seeing the video and commercial both premiere on tv. Wow, those were the great days!

[@OurAnxiousReactions]

What a great memory! And completely agree that this is one of the best of all time. ❤️

[@Icon4life2]

@@OurAnxiousReactions yes. I am sure she will do it on the new tour. Excited for you guys to see her live. She’s beyond amazing!

[@marcelloandreata3413]

Superb reaction, girls! And I see o lot of other layers too. As soon as she kissed the saint (Black Jesus), it shows a blood tear from him. I think is a representation of SIN. But this act of love is what actually drives her to God, to her spiritual salvation and also to his salvation from jail at the end. But as soon as they kissed each other the crosses starts to burn. The idea of a white woman kissing a black man would lead us to KKK as you said. And at the same time inside of the church there was a huge and happy party with joy, comunio, love, freedom etc. And at the very end it was a big dream (?), so the whole thing is portrayed as a play to represent the society at that time (unfortunately till today) with the characters, the choir and everything So, somehow the video is a piece of art to provoque thoughts towards racism, the hipocrasy of society and the catholic church itself that turns love into sin, judgment… She’s a visionary, an amazing artist. Thanks to the reaction and go on girls!

[@OurAnxiousReactions]

Thank you so much! ❤️ And thank you for sharing your thoughts on the video as well - Very insightful! ❤️

[@murrayhonahni746]

Great review, spot on analysis! The ignorance to a piece of art is disturbing. She once said that she is not condoning a way of life, but is sharing it so people can make up their own minds. The Vatican banned her Blonde Ambition tour and she had to cancel a few shows in Italy. I think she did the vocals in one take and Prince did the guitar 🎸 on the opening of the song.

[@OurAnxiousReactions]

Thank you so much! ❤️ So interesting that Prince played guitar on this!

[@charlesr63]

She was ahead of her time with the messaging but there were so many buttons pushed for a 1989 audience I think people were overwhelmed with a lot of the imagery. On a larger level I think Madonna’s combining sexuality and religion was and still is a lot for people to deal with. But she always did it with style and an intelligent theme.

[@Xfile1947]

The controversies are kissing a Jesus-like saint black man, stigmata scene, burning crosses and her clothing. Notes: Madonna’s background singer/dancer Niki Haris refused to be in the video as the lead choir member because of the burning crosses. Prince plays guitar, uncredited.

[@SLAVASAVIOUK]

c`est si bon

[@OurAnxiousReactions]

❤️❤️

[@belkyhernandez8281]

It's almost like the messages in the video are too much for people to handle.

[@cristoferchanimak]

The song lyrics in the chorus were also seen as controversial. Innuendo.

[@richardc8795]

Madonnas producers attempted to change the lyrics. Madonna refused.

[@cristoferchanimak]

I always viewed the saint as Jesus and that she was equating persecution with, well, persecution.

[@mic1240]

So many viewers didn’t understand the video depicts Saint Martin de Porres, not Jesus. All of it was so far ahead on time on racial equity.

[@SuperBooboo02]

unfortunately now the song has even more in depth meaning, the religious, and the race issues...its sad we ve not moved any further in 34 years since this first was released...Madonna has always been ahead of her time and still proves the same today

[@hmfrias]

the story. Madonna witnesses a murder of a young woman (who ironically looks like Madonna) by white supremacists. A young black man tries to help but he’s accused of the crime. Madonna seeks shelter in a church and prays to St Martin of Porres. She falls asleep in a pew and dreams that St Martin of Porres comes to life .. she experiences stigmata and then a flashback of the murder is revealed. The dancing in front of the burning crosses for me represent her not being intimidated by the white supremacists. She wakes up from her dream to see the church choir singing and testifies to the young man’s innocence. In 1989 most missed the positive message.

[@ThrillsofColdplay]

A super controversial music video

[@user-kv2tj4du8p]

yes yes--all the controversy over this video, it was just madness. it was nuts. that the pope reacted??! THE POPE?? get a life, pope! come on! don't you have more important things to deal with and do??? way ahead of everybody else-madonna was looking at these issues of race in America-in a way that nobody else was doing. she was showing us the exalted joy of the choir, the church, the music-juxtaposed with these images and this storyline that shows us the tyranny of white culture over black culture in America. Nobody in pop music was daring like this, Nobody else was asking these questions. Nobody else was asking us to look at ourselves this way. my god! madonna!! who are you?? all while still giving us a great classic song of all time. Madonna's videos, I think, are her greatest contribution to art. I think her videos take her music up a notch, and they create/created a new art form. truly. her videos, elevate her already great music, which often has art in it, to another level of experience. madonna was one of the key forces who brought this art form of the music video to another level and to the masses. again-she made it art. I am loving your channel. the choices. the reactions. the discussion. marvelous. thank you so much for posting! I've liked and subscribed.

[@OurAnxiousReactions]

Aww, thank you so much - We're very grateful that you're here! ❤️❤️ And completely agree that Madonna has taken music videos to an entirely new level of artistic expression. ❤️