WATCH: Madonna Praises Pepsi For Finally Releasing Her BANNED Commercial!
By Afouda Bamidele on September 13, 2023 at 9:57 AM EDT
Madonna has expressed her gratitude to Pepsi for finally airing a commercial that had been banned over three decades ago. The ban had come as a result of the widespread outrage one of her music videos received, particularly among Christian organizations, including the Vatican.
Keep reading to learn more.
Madonna Thanks Pepsi For Finally Recognizing The Genius Behind THIS Video
In 1989, Pepsi struck a $5 million (£4 million) deal with Madonna to use her song "Like A Prayer" in a TV advertisement for the brand. However, the day after the commercial's debut, she released the official music video for the song, which sparked the aforementioned widespread outrage.
As a result, Pepsi swiftly pulled the commercial from the airwaves. Now, to commemorate the company's 125th anniversary, they have resurrected the advertisement, which was re-aired during the MTV Video Music Awards on Tuesday night.
The Queen of Pop also shared her thoughts on the once-controversial clip seeing the light of day again. Taking to Instagram, the 65-year-old shared the footage that showed her holding a can of the fizzy drink in one hand as she watched the "Like a Prayer" music video play out before her. In the caption, she wrote:
"34 years ago I made a commercial with Pepsi to celebrate the release of my song Like a Prayer. The commercial was immediately canceled when I refused to change any scenes in the video where I was kissing a black saint or burning crosses."
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The "4 Minutes" hitmaker concluded, "So began my illustrious career as an artist refusing to compromise my artistic integrity. Thank you @pepsi for finally realizing the genius of our collaboration. Artists are here to disturb the peace."
Her fans quickly backed her in the comments section, with one of them pointing out, "The only issue here is that Pepsi was to afraid to back you and now look at them jumping on any trend. YOU my dear, set the TREND in CULTURE. Massive difference."
"Like a Prayer is one of my fav songs and the video is an amazing statement. I'm glad Pepsi finally out this out there. And glad you still got PAID!," a second viewer offered. A third person dubbed Madonna "a woman ahead of the times," and a fourth gushed:
"And that is why I love you so much @madonna You are not afraid to make unpopular decisions in your career. You always stay true to yourself without giving a F what others think. I admire that. You are a real bad*ss. Love U."
It Is 40 Years And Counting In Music For The 'Like A Prayer' Singer
The "Bloodhounds of Broadway" actress had previously celebrated the 40th anniversary of her self-titled debut album. Per The Blast, she marked this impressive milestone on Instagram by sharing a captivating video of herself jamming to her 1983 hit single, "Lucky Star."
Looking absolutely fantastic, the mother of six donned an all-black outfit, featuring cargo pants and a mesh t-shirt beneath a sleeveless bustier crop top. The bust-enhancer boasted a corset-style bodice with hook-and-eye back closures that highlighted the entertainer's cinched waist.
She completed her look with stylish gold sunglasses, matching gold earrings, and a red string tied around her wrist. As for her moves, the pop icon turned her back to the camera, placing her hands on her waist as she confidently swayed her hips to the rhythm.
The "Material Girl" sensation then gracefully twirled around, gradually moving closer to the camera with more sultry hip movements. Madonna captioned it:
"To be able to move my body and dance just a little bit makes me feel like the Luckiest Star in the world! Thank you to all of my fans and friends! You must be my lucky stars too! And Happy 40th Birthday to my very. First Album."
The Seven-Time Grammy Awards Recipient Returned To Rehearsals Shortly After Her Hospitalization
Last month, The Blast recorded that the 20-time MTV Video Music Awards winner had returned to rehearsing for her highly anticipated 'Celebration Tour' after her shocking hospitalization in June. The "Swept Away" star is said to have taken over New York City's Nassau Coliseum for her two months of preparation ahead of the global tour.
Additionally, she reportedly secured a venue in the United Kingdom for rehearsals before her opening night at London's O2 Arena on October 14. A source recently shared that even though the singer was in recovery she "has been chomping at the bit to get back to rehearsals." The insider further disclosed:
"Normally she would like to have the final week in the same venue she kicks off in but due to Blink 182's comeback gigs at the O2 her team won't be able to get access until the day before."
