Hard to overstate how big a star she was, she's the "Queen of Pop" for a reason.

Keep in mind this video is 30 plus years old. It was so controversial that the pope himself publicly condemned it. The topic deals with racial profiling, sexuality, and just put forth so many topically relevant issues of the time, and 35 years later still relevant. It’s a work of art, and I think one of her most important videos. People talk shit about her today ( and they always have) but she has ALWAYS believed we are all equally beautiful and valuable and always promoted diversity, sincerely, not just for effect, but because she truly believes it. Thanks for the reaction

She was ahead of her time but she always stood up for herself. This is one of my favorite songs from her.

Why are we even saying “was” about Madonna? She still “is” people! She is an icon with equal status to MJ, Prince, and George, she is the queen of pop, SHE IS! Get it right people😊

I also love, "Express Yourself". It teaches young girls to expect more from a significant other.

This women was so huge at her peek that every girl in the world was dressed like her even all the black girls.. she definitely paved the way. The biggest pop start of all time 🔥

First, Madonna always fights against racism, as you can see in this video. She's catholic from her Italian origins, so the church is a place of peaceful in this track. She needs to protect herself because she's threatened but she has a problem of conscience, maybe that's why the crosses are in fire, because there's a kind of anger about justice and maybe god... But finally, that helps her to do the right choice. That's how I 've always interpreted this song and this video. I love that song, my favorite one, and she was so beautiful... Thanks for your beautiful reaction. Love from France 🇫🇷😘

Yes, yes and more yes!! This song is so good! The music, the melodies, the lyrics, the choir, the build!! Had to smash that like before I even watched!

Madonna was a smart woman, always reinventing herself. Other songs of hers to check out: Like a Virgin, Crazy for You, Borderline, Open Your Heart, Cherish, and my favorite, This Use to be My Playground.

Madonna was so fun and Rebellious that’s what attracted all the kids! Little one from 7 and up, dressed like her and wanted to be her. Parents cringed at the thought! She was always in the edge. You guys should check out Papa Don’t preach! Another controversial one. Asia love your face of confusion trying to figure it all out! You two are awesome ❤️.

To me, a masterpiece both musically and culturally. Love BJ's take on it. Give Madonna all the credit: not just for being controversial but for having values and courage...and a talent that grew tremendously over the years, from her early "thin" voice to this resonant, trained one. Please, consider reacting to the (studio) videos Cherish (beautiful!) and Express Yourself. Both of those were on The Immaculate Collection, along with Like a Prayer.

This song is a masterpiece and so is the video! More from the QUEEN please: “Justify My Love,” “Erotica,” “Jump,” “Express Yourself,” “Secret,” “Human Nature,” “Hung Up” and my favorite, “Frozen.”

From WIKI: The music video for "Like a Prayer", directed by Mary Lambert, portrays Madonna witnessing a young white woman being killed by a group of white men. While a black man is arrested for the murder, Madonna hides in a church for safety, seeking strength to go forth as a witness. The video depicts a church and Catholic symbols such as stigmata. It also features the Ku Klux Klan's burning crosses and a dream about kissing a black saint. The Vatican condemned the video, while family and religious groups protested against its broadcast.

It sure did cause a lot of controversy when this came out, even some clergy were very angry with the video. Thank God for MTV to have the nerve to show the video, trust me there is a lot of double meaning in this song.thanks for playing it. 🌅

Madonna is the most successful female recording artist of all time with 335 million records worldwide. She has had 9 no.1 albums, 12 no.1 singles and a record 38 top 10 hits for female artists. She still holds the record for most top 5 consecutive singles with 16! A true legend. She dominated the singles chart and is the second most successful artist only behind the Beatles on the billboard singles chart! She had Atleast a top 10 hit single on all her albums from her first album in 1983 to her 2012 album MDNA

This is by far one of her best songs. Just fantastic. The arrangements,the drama and musicianship especially the bass playing and that choir just incredible.

******THE QUEEN OF DIVERSITY & CONTROVERSY****** Luv her, for opening millions of eyes ❣❣❣

I grew up on Madonna, from her first song. This is my fave. She did like to stir up controversy, any publicity was good publicity, and she owned it. It was her strategy, shock value. The video like everyone said was very very controversial at the time, she called out racism, racial profiling, religious stigmatize and racism within the catholic church. She performed this a few years ago at Eurovision and has since been banned from the competition because of it. A few things about Madonna. She went to Univ of Michigan on a scholarship for dancing. She’s a dancer. But dropped out to pursue a music career in a punk band in NYC. I believe the story goes, that she made a demo tape and was shopping it around and even went to the hospital bed of the owner of Epic Records and he signed her on the spot. How she started and got going is actually a fascinating story.

Madonna along side Michael Jackson, Prince, Whitney Houston, Phil Collins, Bruce Springsteen and so on, made the 80s the best decade ever.

I lv her w dark hair !! She’s so amazing!! She really broke boundaries back in the day !

I am so happy to hear you comment about her beauty. I can never understand how people could watch her videos and not remark on Madonna’s stunning beauty. Can we just take a minute to acknowledge that?! Thank you 🙏🏾

Madonna always danced to her own beat and didn't have a problem stirring it up !

Madonna was The Queen of Pop 👑 a songwriter, singer and Oscar nominated actress, acting roles 1979-2021 and a movie director. She was born the same year 1958 as me, Prince and Michael. She’s also from a suburb near Detroit, my hometown so I’ve followed her career. This video was very controversial but very popular with her fans. Of course you recognize model, singer actor Leon portraying Black Jesus, kissing his feet, etc. Implication of interracial love, her dress.

Dear Asia and BJ: You guys nailed this video perfectly. I remember (I'm old) when this video came out on MTV and people in NYC went crazy for the depiction of Jesus as a Black man. The other little and important detail is that the statue she prays to is a representation of the one of the popular African-descended saints. He name is St Martin De Porres and he was a helper of the poor in Panama about 130 years ago. I only know this because in Ireland, my home, my aunt had a large statues of St Martin De Porres and she prayed to his statue daily. The magic of song/poetry is when we blend the religious with the romantic (and this might include erotic references) we feel the video on two planes that coexist perfectly: the romantic and the religious. Great reaction!!!

I love watching your reactions... this video leads you to think... and leaves you thinking! Madonna makes commentary on racism and racial injustice in 1989...Most of the video is Madonna dreaming, so she can throw in as many statements on racism, sexism and catholicism as she wants.... and be as abstract as she wants. It's a dream. None of us understand our own... also, Madonna dancing in front of the burning crosses was Madonna taking the klan symbol of hate and inspiring fear and basically mocking it by dancing in front of it in her sexy, little dress.... and saying "you don't own this, here's my interpretation!"... she is one of a kind!

Nothing beats a gospel choir. 🙌🏽❤️

When she busts out the big guns at about a minute in "I hear your voice..." I get goosebumps everytime. I first heard this song when I was on Ecstacy (the irony there haha) about 15 years ago and those parts where she slows it down and soothes us with her voice just had me in tears for how beautiful and unexpected it was. I'll never forget that night. Pretty sure I can walk up to anyone that was there that night these days and ask "Like A Prayer?" and they'll say "BUMP IT!"

This video was brave and sooooo controversial! It could've ended Madonna's career but it didn't at all. For this video she lost her contract with Pepsi (but kept the 5Milliion), was excommunicated by the church, racial injustice, burning crosses, a black saint.... It shot to #1 on Billboard!

I remember being a kid and my mom jamming and singing this song❤ gotta love Madonna

Thanks for being so open minded and curious about the song and video!👍🏽 This holds up very well and is considered a pop classic. I feel like you need to react to La Isla Bonita and Hung Up. Hung Up is considered one of her biggest international hits even if it was released later in her career. The song samples the classic Abba song Gimme Gimme Gimme (A man after midnight).

MADONNA SHE IS A REAL STAR, A BIG STAR AND SHE SENDS GOOD MESSAGES IN HER SONGS I LOVE HER MUCH SHE IS A GREAT WOMAN

Such a classic pop song 🙌🏻👏🏻 to say it was controversial is kind of an understatement….lol the white moral majority were outraged by this video. It was all over the news ever day for a good couple of weeks. Madonna often draws parallels between religious ecstasy and sexual ecstasy in her work and points to the hypocrisy of the church in demonising sexuality when it’s such an innate part of life itself. That’s what’s made her such a controversial figure, but there’s a point to it, as in her antics are for the most part always thought out and have some deeper meaning other than just to shock!

In her documentary movie for the tour before this album came out,there is a scene where she's backstage and informed by one of her people that when she gets to Italy the Pope at the time wanted to sit down with her and basically admonish her for being a "bad Catholic". At least that was what she and everyone felt was going to be the reason for it. Her response,"Fuck him,if he wants to see me he can buy a ticket like everyone else." Straight baller,always loved her for that.

If I recall correctly, this was one of those songs they debuted on TV. I remember there being controversy over the representation of a black Jesus. Love her or hate her, Madonna always reinvented herself to stay relevant through the years.

I always liked Madonna, she was a ground breaking artist, very much her own person and unique style, wasn’t afraid of stirring up controversy, yet I feel that she had sincerity .

Check out "Express Yourself" Live at the MTV Awards1989. Spectacular!

One of my favorite Madonna songs is "Crazy For You". It was in the movie "Vision Quest" I feel it is a bit different then her dance hits. You need to listen to it. Have not seen but a couple people react to it.

That moment at 2:09 when Asia starts smiling? Damn, that's exactly how I felt when I first heard that beat hit. Thanks for the memory, guys.

G'day it's Steven from Down Under This is a deep story with good intentions, I recall at the time there was huge controversy when this was released in 1989. Madonna is the most successful female artist in history and she knows no fear. All hail the Queen of Pop.

She certainly was a 'SUPERSTAR', amazing to listen to & watch this particular video. Just brilliant!!

I was surprised when I heard she is Italian! Her blonde hair and fair skin! Gorgeous!

This video was VERY controversial at the time with the Black Jesus and burning crosses. Loved her for this.

I was obsessed with Madonna! My sister & I are 1 yr apart. We'd both make up dance routines to every one of her songs..gosh this was over 40 yrs ago..damn!!!!

To add to what some people have said she even was disowned by her father at one point because her family is very Catholic and she obviously liked to make statements. I don't know if they ever patched that up, but she always did what she felt was right and used her art to speak up about things. This was in the same era that Sinead O'Connor was essentially canceled because she spoke out against the Church. Especially as an Irish person speaking out against the Catholic church (like Madonna as a formerly Catholic Italian person speaking out in the same way) was a big no no, but she too was ahead of her time for having spoken up about a group that was hiding a lot of bad behavior (we all found out later what a lot of the priests were doing to kids and that sort of thing), so those two always kind of remain linked in my head because of their specific courage in taking on such a huge institution.

She pave the road for all the rest! Awesome getting the original video! The freaking controversy was ENDLESS when this came out. Madonna is the greatest!

Omg I feel old lol this song came out when I was 12 years old. Loved it then and still do I'm Australian and Madonna was my first concert.

This was I think her 2nd or 3rd album. Anyway the video was shot be Mary Lambert who directed another on of her videos back in the 90''s. If you look at the Wikipedia page for the song you will be amazed. Not only was it the first song released from the album Like a Prayer this song for Madonna was worked on very hard by herself an Patrick Leonard. The music in her eyes had to really reflect what her vision of the song. Then the Choir was actually the Andre Crouch Choir, and she had to share the lyrics with him before he would sign on to have the songs chorus to sing as the choir. It was noted on the Wikipedia site that she had done all that she could to make this song as good as it could get. I mean she collaborated with the best in the industry. It release as #2 the first week on the charts but the following week it hit #1 later the Bon Jovi's Song "I'll be there for you " to the number one spot. The lyrics have been analyzed, taught in colleges and so much speculation about the meaning of the lyrics have also been discussed. The in Week 2 on the charts other artist were already sampling the lyrics. Like a Pray has been named or placed in the category of songs that changed or affected the world. She got a Pepsi commercial out of it for 5 million dollars. However, when it was released the catholic church threat to boycott Pepsi so the pulled the deal but Madonna was keep her 5 Million dollars. There is a pretty good version of the song and Vogue on the TV show Glee. Madonna had no problems with Ryan Murphy using the songs he chose because she opened her catalog to him. Because the generation had never heard the song before it had a short resurgence. It renter the charts top 400 songs or album I can't remember. The black actor's name is Leon and he acted in the role of the black man falsely arrested. Also he acted as the saint for people of color. I think also the scene of them kissing was speculation the she was kissing the saint but anyone who watched the video fully and not narrow mindedly would've not come to that conclusion. The video turned out to be a play which I thought was cool. The imagery just had a lot of symbolism and the narrow minded just can't perceive due to the stiff rod of them trying to control the masses. Anyway, I don't want pontificate here, I just really like the song and video till this day. BTW, I think the reason it was made like a play is because she had done a play in NY called "Speed the Plow" with other stars in the cast. But, like I said she worked hard on this song with the industry's best and she wanted to be as best as it could be before it was released.

Madonna “Hung Up”. It won’t disappoint!

my very favourite madonna track, love how it transforms into a banger

I KNOW EVERYTHING ABOUT HER I'M 42 I BEEN LISTENING TO HER SINCE I WAS 3 I LOVE LOVE LOVE HER ..💯💯

Madonna Ciccone head of her time Queen of pop

Charles Reggazi, right. When I hear this song I interpret as her reaching to God overcome with how joyful he makes her feel and only wishes she could return that joyfulness.

My favourite Madonna song and Crazy For You is probably my 2nd favourite

One of the most accomplished music videos of all time, still as fresh as the day it was made. Great reaction.

Madonna always pushed bounderies in her music and videos and I loved her for it.

Her music always makes you think, maybe different than the status Quo. Plus its pretty good music and great production value.

Papa Don’t Preach next please. Asia your face of confusion cracked me up hahaha 🤣 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣👍🤣

Who the hell knows what Madonna is talking about - Its still a banger

The Karen’s were not happy with this video at the time. Very groundbreaking

The one and only !!! Madonna is not just a pop star She is Rebel !

Madonna's a Leo. She will push boundaries.

The song is about you “worshipping” the love of your life the way devout people worship the lord

EVERYTHING!!!!!!! Thank u my friends, zane 💙💙👍👍😎😎👊👊😘😘🙏🌷🌼🌸

I totally forgot how really impressive this music video was it has a striking visual style (I think the music video was either banned or edited at the time (was so long ago i forget, the video itself is pretty tame she knew how to sell her “Brand” before anyone understood branding the Madonna “Justify My Love promo video was banned so she sold it on a VHS Uncut and the public ate it up (She is without a doubt a real deal game changer in every possible way!) both “Rain” & “I’ll Remember” imo two seriously overlooked hits by Madonna

Thank you for helping me with my musical growth. I too have heard this song and yet, never listened to it.

There was a lot about the 80's that I didn't like, but, Madonna was not one of them! She was different! She was controversial and unapologetic. "It" was her way or no way! She never allowed the "suits" to mold her into what they wanted! Girls wanted to be her! Boys wanted to be with her! And, parents hated her!

I am glad that I grew up at a time when Madonna was the biggest global pop star because I think she did challenge societal views on womanhood, sexuality, race and religion. She was fearless for the time. You can’t underestimate the impact she had in the 80s and early 90s. Her Blonde Ambition tour was phenomenal and hugely controversial. You could try reacting to Like a Virgin from that tour which would give some sense of why she was so far ahead of her time.

Great reaction. I'm not a huge Madonna fan, but I love these 3 songs the most: From the 80's "Borderline" and "Crazy For You"; and from the 90's "Secret", which I think many people slept on. I'd love to see your reaction to those, especially since Asia is not very familiar with Madonna 😊.

A lot of what Madonna did caused controversy. She did things her way. Don’t take it literally. I like that she did things her way. She’s a Roman Catholic and those burning crosses caused a lot of controversy. Listen to her song Like a Virgin. And yet people love her because we all wish we can be as vocal as her.

Hey good eye with Leon! Great review.. I'd love to see more Madonna.

Song and video were both ahead of their time ❤️

Im not a Madonna fan but I have always admired her confidence in her art. She caught a lot of hell in the late 80s for that song. Some folks were alarmed at the religious and racial subject matter. I saw Madonna on MTV and her response was basically tough shit. It's my vision, deal with it.

Love Charles's comment. This is one of the most important music videos of all time. It caused controversy at the time, which is a joke, as this video is a work of art , it does not just evoke emotions , but it also confronts the audience to look at so many issues and predudices . Maddonna at her best. Holli's comment highlighted one of the issues at around this time. It was truly disgusting how some people reacted to this video. This generation may not realise how much this video shook people up back then , and for no good reason ! And really ! , do we need to spell out the black man behind bars ? ! the religious aspect ?! . This touched on sooo many issues. It is heart warming to see people discover Maddonna's earlier work.

I’m so glad I heard this song a hundred times before I ever saw the video. She takes us to church with that choir, plus it’s sooo catchy.

Iconic song and video. Madonna is an iconic artist!!!! Great stuff. React more of her.

I love Madonna she’s a true legend in this music world one of the biggest can you react to “Take A Bow”

We were in our early twenties when Madonna hit the scene. Every single thing she ever did was controversial and she intended to be that way to keep her name on and then everyone's conversation good or bad. The old saying of any publicity good or bad is publicity. She always pushed the envelope to shake people up and what they were thinking and backed it up with pure talent. Conservative people pretty much thought she was the devil and open-minded people couldn't wait to see what she was going to do next. Basically a female Michael Jackson is the only way you can describe her.

Must listen to Pentatonix Mary Did You Know and The Prayer MUST !!!

Madonna legend, queen 👑 of the pop

I would like to see Madonna try her hand at acting again. She was good in all of her movies.

Madonna at the top of her game like she is here is simply the shit. i mean this song is so damn good and Madonna looks unbelievably beautiful too. you all should try Borderline for some early less refined though no less compelling soulful pop from Madonna then check out one of her most stirring ballads Live To Tell. there is a reason why she's called the queen of pop because she earned that.

Madonnas best ever song .. The gospel choir are devastating.. Sadly the controversy the theme caused slightly detracted from the artistic merits of this really clever piece Asia got it straight away !

Madonna was waaaaaaay ahead of her time! Man, I remember when this video came out! It was shocking and so controversial. Everyone was talking about it! Most people were pretty much throwing shade to Madonna. People didn’t approve that she was bringing this kind of subject to the mainstream. And much like today, most people didn’t want to talk about it or acknowledge this is as an ongoing issue with society. Madonna didn’t give a shit. She put those issues to the forefront. She depicted the racial inequality and injustices of the world in a music video which aired on MTV. The video basically portrays a woman who witnesses a crime and sees the wrong person arrested as a result due to racial profiling. She is filled with guilt and pressure not to come forward out of fear for her own life that she is basically running from the horrific scene she just witnessed. She seeks refuge in a church where she falls asleep and has visions of the saint behind the cage coming to life. She has a religious experience that is so extraordinary that it’s almost sexual in nature to her. She eventually wakes up and realizes she must come forward to defend the wrongly accused which she does at then of the video. Still one of the most relevant music videos I have ever seen. This is artistic expression at its finest. And just FYI, Prince plays the guitar rift in the beginning of the song and continues to plays it again in the background for the remainder of the song.

masterpiece...madonna is such an incredible artist

It’s hard to remember now just how HUGE she was back then. She has so much of an impact on what we see now.

The way she said wait LOL this is awesome.

I love the way you two look at each other!❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

One of her backup singers, Nikki Harris, refused to be in the video because of the burning crosses, because of what it meant to her as a black woman. No hard feelings between Madonna and Nikki, she continued to tour with Madonna. Love Madonna and this video is iconic!

Big legendary talent, unique performer, genuinely good human being, philanthropic, single mom to 6 kids, some adopted from Malawi orphanage. 🙏💞

You two crack me up, love your reactions!

Leon, who plays the saint/incriminated man in the video, played Derrice in the movie Cool Runnings.

This song is a true classic!!! Controversy be damed...she pointed out what others didn't want to see! Another fav is Isla Bonita!

Yes she is stunning! More Madonna please!!

That „statue dude“ is Jesus. 🤣

One of the best songs of all time. Insanely catchy. Madonna’s artistic body works are unmatched by any artists in history

This is one of my favorites from her , video and song. Asia said" isn't that dress inoperative for church"!!!

Guys you should react to more Madonna!!! She has so much to explore

Madonna grew up Catholic and rebel against restrictions. The statue was one of the Catholic saints in a shrine inside the church. I like the part when she picked up the knife which was simultaneously the murder weapon as well as the the thing that caused stigmata wounds on Jesus as well as her hands. A metaphor for the guilt that she felt running away from the scene of the crime. My favorite part was when she was dancing with the choir and the spagetti straps of her dress started to slide down to show her black lace bra.

This song gets me every time. There’s nothing like the sound of a black choir. No one holds a candle to them. No one. 💕💕

They had trouble with the coloured guy as Jesus back in the day. I remember the church disliked the video then. It´s a good song me thinks. Thanks for the reaction.