Monday, June 8, 2026
News

Madonna urges fans to "put your phones down and connect", says technology has changed live concerts

SocialTwist Tell-a-Friend    Print this Page   COMMENT

New York | June 7, 2026 11:24:50 PM IST
Pop icon Madonna has shared her concerns about the growing influence of technology on live entertainment, urging people to put away their phones and connect with the moment during concerts, according to Variety.

Speaking at the premiere of Confessions II - The Film at Manhattan's Beacon Theater, Madonna reflected on how audiences have changed over the years and how constant phone usage has affected live experiences.

The screening was followed by a Q&A session featuring Madonna and directing duo TORSO, comprising David Toro and Solomon Chase. Journalist Anderson Cooper moderated the discussion after stepping in for Jimmy Fallon, who was unable to attend due to a scheduling conflict.

During the conversation, Cooper pointed out that attendees had been required to lock away their phones in Yondr pouches throughout the event, prompting a discussion about modern audiences and technology, as per the outlet.

Madonna said people now have a "persistent need" to document everything around them, something she believes has fundamentally altered the way individuals experience life.

While acknowledging that technology has become an unavoidable part of modern culture, the singer made her own position clear.

"I came to this earth to be a doer, not a watcher," Madonna said, according to Variety.

The singer cited her recent appearance at the Coachella music festival alongside Sabrina Carpenter as an example of how concert experiences have changed.

Although she enjoyed performing at the event, Madonna said it was unsettling to look out at the crowd and see mobile phone screens instead of faces.

According to the singer, dancing is a "deep tribal experience" that connects people and with the universe, but that connection is being weakened by the constant urge to record moments rather than live them, according to Variety.

Asked whether she had any final message for the audience, Madonna delivered a blunt appeal.

"Put your fucking phones down and connect," she said.

The singer's upcoming visual project, Confessions II - The Film, is set to premiere on YouTube on June 8. Her new studio album, Confessions II, will be released on July 3 through Warner Records.

Madonna also teased several surprise appearances in the coming months, but did not reveal details about any future tour plans. Her next confirmed performance is scheduled for the FIFA World Cup Final halftime show on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, according to Variety. (ANI)

 
  LATEST COMMENTS ()
POST YOUR COMMENT
Comments Not Available
 
POST YOUR COMMENT
 
 
TRENDING TOPICS
 
 
CITY NEWS
MORE CITIES
 
 
 
MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS
Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi faces one...
John Lithgow makes Tony Awards history a...
Subhash Ghai revisits 'Taal', floats ide...
Curry Barker's 'Obsession' becomes Focus...
It's a Girl! Twilight actor Taylor Lautn...
John Lithgow reveals what he told Daniel...
More...
 
INDIA WORLD ASIA
Public participation, entrepreneurship, ...
Maharashtra: Two suspended after Ministe...
Mumbai: Man stabbed to death, three inju...
'Accounts of all transactions are meticu...
Gujarat: Ministry of Panchayati Raj to h...
DRI arrests 7, seizes Rs 5 crore gold at...
More...    
 
 Top Stories
Balochistan government's education ... 
AI infrastructure race will be won ... 
Congress "more arrogant" than BJP, ... 
'Unified approach, alliance face': ... 
Jahnavi Kumari Mewar's Visionary Bl... 
Ahead of INDIA meeting, CPI(M)'s Br... 
"Crucial to keep everyone united": ... 
Why Anime Merch Spending Is Explodi...