Between songs, Madonna spoke to the crowd, highlighting the history of Pier 97, which was once an infamous gay cruising spot. Despite the thousands of people in the crowd, it felt intimate. It felt special, like we were seeing a unique show that would only exist this one night. Each song was perfectly interpreted for this exact performance. The staging was beautifully choreographed and Madonna was in top form. That marriage of her classic songs and her new material was on display throughout her entire four-song set, which also included “American Life,” “God Control,” and the anthemic “I Rise.” One sat at a typewriter, the sound of the keys filling in for the iconic snaps of the songs intro, flawlessly fusing her most iconic hit with her new era - in the music video for “God Control,” released last week, Madonna writes her manifesto at the very same typewriter. Yes, the Queen of Pop began her headlining set with what might be her biggest hit, “Vogue,” accompanied by a swarm of dancers all outfitted as Madame X in matching blonde wigs and trench coats. As the sun set on Pride weekend, marking the end of the celebration of 50 years since the Stonewall Riots ignited our movement, Madonna asked the audience a question she’s been asking since 1990: “What are you looking at?”
