After almost 35 years, Pepsi dared to show the controversial clip for the first time at the MTV VMAs 2023.
In 1989, Madonna filmed a commercial for Pepsi that was never shown publicly. Until now. Almost 35 years later, the company placed the controversial clip during the MTV VMAs on Tuesday (September 12th). The musician now thanked the shower company for this.
The promotional film was made to coincide with the release of Madonna’s hit single “Like a Prayer”. The 30-second video shows the pop singer breathing the words “Make a wish” into the camera before a black and white music clip plays on a large screen. In it, Madonna dances across the street and sings her new single.
Just a day later, the song’s actual music video was released, drawing strong condemnation from the Vatican and other religious groups. Although the Pepsi ad itself did not show any of the provocative scenes, it was associated with the clip – and therefore deleted.
The singer still stands by her art today. “The commercial was immediately canceled when I refused to change scenes in the video of me kissing a Black saint and burning crosses. “So began my illustrious career as a musician who refuses to compromise her artistic integrity,” Madonna reflects on Instagram.
The fact that Pepsi decided to show the commercial after so many years obviously means a lot to the singer. “Thank you Pepsi for finally recognizing the genius of our collaboration,” she wrote on the image network. “Artists are here to disturb the peace.”
Although the commercial was canceled straight away, Madonna received the agreed fee. The clip was part of a $4.5 million deal that Pepsi had signed with her.
Most recently, Madonna was forced to cancel some dates on her tour due to her health. The singer has now recovered from her bacterial infection. The tour has been postponed; Madonna will also be appearing in Germany for two concerts at the end of November.