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Madonna Stages Surprise Pride Concert on Times Square to Preview Confessions II

A Grindr-backed Pride Month pop-up that previewed new songs, reunited Madonna with producer Stuart Price, sharpened promotion for the album’s July 3 release.

Overview

  • Madonna staged an unannounced roughly 15-minute free performance at Times Square on Thursday, June 5, that drew thousands and spread quickly on social media.
  • The event was presented with the dating app Grindr and timed to the start of Pride Month to foreground LGBTQIA+ visibility.
  • She mixed Confessions-era hits such as "Hung Up" and "I Love New York" with first live performances of new tracks including "I Feel So Free," "Bring Your Love" and "Love Sensation."
  • Longtime collaborator Stuart Price DJed onstage and the set used rainbow lighting and images of queer activists and artists to signal a direct outreach to queer communities.
  • The pop-up continues a concentrated promo run that follows Madonna’s Coachella cameo and single release, builds toward the July 3 Confessions II launch, and precedes her scheduled July 19 World Cup final halftime appearance.