Same in a way but Madonna for me was the greatest supporter of gay men through a horrendous period where I, and many other openly gay men, felt ostracised. I will always appreciate her for that support!
@@popthehistorymakers i was 12 when I rented The Girlie Show from my local video club it changed me in ways I cannot describe. It liberated me. It showed me it was celebrated to be different not frowned upon. I'm 41 and all her eras are my eras, connected with something I myself have lived. In an age of fast consumption and little to no attention span there will never be another Madonna. So we need to cherish her while we got her around.
Yooooo!! I'm the Iranian jewish person sitting next to Donna on my flight the other day! She was a total sweetheart, and it was so special to speak with her
Loved the interview! The most honest they have given! Its such a shame Madonna passed up on the opportunity of having these ladies to take part in the Celebration Tour. They made M the live act she was back in the day. She is less athletic in her choreography these days and to me should have focused more on the vocal side because she doesnt need to prove herself anymore her past tours are testiment to her talent on stage. She has done the hard work and cemented her legacy and Nikki and Donna would have brought the celebration show to a new level vocally as a 3 piece again. They where the holy trinity on stage together and they should have been included as part of M's history on stage and they deserve the thank you and acknowledgement of their hard work 👑👑
Totally agree. The Celebration Tour was a mess. All those you g dancers writhing around is old hat and Madonna could barely move. The vocal side could’ve been really fabulous.
@@popthehistorymakersI wish you can interview independent music artists. I just released my 17 th studio album. Both my 16th and 17th album made the Spotify radar list and the mood recommendation list. I composed over 300 songs in the last 16 years. My music page on Songcast ( music distributor ) is over 128k views. It’s a major achievement considering I don’t have a major label behind me. Can you send you my music page? I also provided over 90 professional music videos.
Ever since Madonna stopped working with Nikki and Donna, all her concerts don't feel the same anymore. I was hoping Madonna would bring them back for the Celebration Tour but was disappointed she didn't. Madonnas concerts aren't the same anymore. Great interview! 👍
To say Madonna shows aren't the same because of backing singers doesn't sit right, I go to see Madonna, not backing singers and she's had great shows without them but each to their own... and even if they did carry on she wouldn't have had them up front as much as her later shows proved, they would have just been at the back for most of the shows... they probably wouldn't have liked that. the shows are about Madonna, not them.
The last time i saw them perform was on The Drowned World Tour. The ending of that tour when all three of them came out together for the Holiday/Music finale was amazing! They really complimented and added something special to Madonna's performances.
As a gay man of a certain age, I grew up with these two beautiful classy ladies. Thank you so much for this interview. I'm hoping for a reunion. Please 🙏 🙏 🙏
Loved the interview, the whole world 🌎 knows how important Niki Haris and Donna delory were in Madonna career success and how much they contributed to that success to the point that we all Madonna s fans want to see them performing together again....., much love for both of them
Nikki darling, I'm 47, gay, and also a man. When you mentioned, that guys still come up to you in airports telling you that that movie changed thier lives, believe it. It changed mine in ways I'm still reflecting on today. So, thank you! Both of you! For giving me the strength to go after everything I ever wanted in life! ❤
That’s so cool. I get that impact, as a 64 year old gay man all things Madonna, and even earlier - Bowie - were so important! Respect where respect is due! Loved the girls, really enjoyed doing this interview!
Amen to this! I’m also 47 but a straight woman and Blond Ambition set the stage for my entire life. It consumed me. It enthralled me. It showed me a world that I hadn’t yet known. Madonna has captivated me like no one else has or ever will. All these years later, I am still mesmerized by her artistry and musicality. I’m so happy that she has also touched your life ❤️
Wonderful in depth interview with two women who were the vocal powerhouses behind Madonna. Such humble women with amazing musical backgrounds 🙌🏼💖💖💖🎶🎶🎶🎶
I love those two ladies. Madonna's best tours were with Nicky & Donna. The three of them together were just fantastic. So glad they refused to have their hair shaved off as no one should be forced to do something they don't wish to do. Great interview. ❤
A wonderful interview, Steve! I grew up watching you on MTV Europe, and so you were an intrinsic part of the Madonna journey too! Thank you for continuing to do what you love! Particularly of note is how Niki was able to express her full story around her complex relationship with her longtime Madonna association. It warms my soul to hear a balanced assessment of the experience. Both she and Donna seem so generously at peace with their history, and having seen them perform this fall in LA, I can honestly say they have never sounded better! 💛💫
Thanks, I do feel the Erotica interview was one of Madonna's best, very proud of that, and this channel gives me the opportunity to do what I love and hopefully get great interviews from the people that have always meant something to me, and Donna and Niki were part of that story, and also an important part of Madonna's legacy.
What always made these women so charismatic and credible being M's stage sisters (cause you can't call them just backing singers) is their authenticity: the grit, the fun, the involvement never seemed affected, always inspired and personalized (you could imagine where Niky put her touch in vocals adaptation). You could feel their presence and intention and THAT is talent imo. We still miss you girls!
I loved Nikki, Donna and Madonna together. I can listen to Rain live from the girlie show over and over and over again. Their 3 voices together is pure bliss. I always love the clip when Nikki tells Madonna that Bobby Brown as arrested for fucking on stage and Madonna replies I hope he is there when I get there.
Niki is right...she and Donna made Madonna a better singer. Not just in the mode of support artists, but i can imagine Madonna hearing those girls and thinking "i gotta step my game up"
Nostalgia! 😍Great interview with Niki & Donna. It's nice to see when an interviewer allows their guests to speak & not interrupt, thank you. It's fascinating to see the evolution, growth & hear their own stories told at this stage in their lives & careers. When Niki & Donna made their debut as THE "unofficial/official" trio with Madonna at the MTV Video Music Awards in 1989 for Express Yourself & presenting George Michael with the Video Vanguard Award, that was the beginning of something really magical & captivating. As a gay young boy, I was captivated & mesmerized. Niki & Donna are correct, the fun, energy & performance of being so in sync & connected was the 'Golden Era' ie. Blond Ambition World Tour 1990, Truth or Dare, 'Vogue' at the MTV VMA 1990. What pops out when Niki & Donna talked about influencing Madonna - about their energy, vocal harmony, connection in performance is in 'Truth or Dare' is "Holiday" when Niki say "Should we give it one more time for the stage girls...should we try to have a holiday (in an English accent hehe)" or 'Rain' for 'The Girlie Show - Live Down Under 1993". As a young gay boy in the 80s & 90s, I was wowed & fascinated by how a huge mega star allowed OTHER women & backup singers/dancers share the spotlight in her act/performances with her, and consistently for a period, at the height of Madonna's career AND how these 3 women treated a bunch of flamboyant gay homosexual queer men as normal regular people, made funny jokes & had fun together. Growing up in a period when there wasn't any positive gay representation or any at all, it was HIV/AIDS death, violence & homelessness that I thought this is what happens to gay men. Just a grim & depressing future with a tragic ending and no one who would care. Truth or Dare and these ladies provided a positive light, and representation IN THE MEDIA for so many lgbtq people during this time period, it was groundbreaking in so many ways. So much culture, talent, artistry & influence doing what it does best when all the pieces connect ...Magic. Love & light, thank you ladies, Niki & Donna. 🙏❤
Awww wow!! This interview was amazing!!❤❤❤ OMG!! STEVE BLAME… he was a big part of my childhood too! Loved all of the Madonna Weekends on MTV growing up❤ Steve hasn’t changed a bit 😮
Niki gave a moving sermon and Donna is so so sweet! Best interview with them. Very moving and inspiring and I wish Madonna would extend the olive branch to especially Niki.. what a loss for Madonna and her black children not too have “aunt Niki “ in their life.. but again Madonna and Niki are both still very young (regardless) of what society says
I agree. I think Madonna should have invited all the relevant people in her past to be, not on the whole tour, but guests. Would have been a clever and kind move
@@popthehistorymakers I agree, wholeheartedly. Madonna chose referencing the many people (men) who influenced and guided her, from her humble beginnings, as well as honouring her Mom. But it is disappointing at the intentional, (how else to define), the deliberate omittance of these two women, forever memorialized in video and records
Steve, this is a great interview! I have been doing a deep dive lately on Madonna (as a almost 49 yr old man) and enjoyed this interview. I remember your interviews back in the day and at THAT time, I was an aspiring drummer in Nashville TN. Hearing the Glen Campbell story from Donna, and hearing so many stories about my friends at that time, it really hits home for me. So many people involved with amazing recordings that got shafted because they weren't the "chosen ones" in Nashville, is unfortunately a story that continues today. Nonetheless, my deep dive into Madonna and her tours has brought me to a place of reflection about my life then and now. Music is in such a weird place. Pop music at that time was so much fun and really inspiring. The danceability (if such a word exists) of Madonna's music in those days far exceeds what is currently on the charts now. The exuberance and fun that comes through on those records shows us that from 1955 to 1993, Pop music was a wonderful genre to enjoy. It's unfortunate that the digital age has deprived us of originality and true art. Donna and Niki were such an integral part of the sound of that time and their contributions to popular music should never be forgotten. It's important to catalogue these interviews and forever archive these important words. I remember Truth or Dare when it came out. I remember Prince being the musical genius of his time. But Madonna had such an incredible impact on performance for women and recording great music of the day, that she got overlooked and often chastised for her sexuality (albeit Prince was just an androgynous Madonna) because she was a woman. And in the 80's, a woman was still not supposed to explore her sexuality. Obviously those times have changed, but the importance of Madonna's contributions should never be diminished due to newer artists becoming stars. Just as the Ella Fitzgerald's, Diana Ross's, Chaka Khan's, Karyn White's of her time, the Britney Spears', Christina Aguilera's, Taylor Swift's, Lady Gaga's of the world will be a template and future success of women in pop music. Madonna rose up and took the crown for queens everywhere. And a big part of that reason why Madonna was able to do that was because of the two women you have in this interview. Niki and Donna deserve so much credit in shaping the sound that became pop royalty. Their harmonies and dance moves were instrumental in providing us with a "sound" that was unmistakable and sonically as important as Prince's guitar sound, or Michael Jackson's "hee hee"! Let's give these ladies a round of applause for what they've contributed to popular music. Not that they haven't heard those applause for many, many years!!
I'm so glad they're doing all these interviews, because I love their insights and learning more about them. I wish Niki and Donna would do an album produced by Patrick Leonard.
What a rich interview! Loved the reflections and hearing their perspectives on what was happening behind the scenes externally and internally. I loved the part on Nikki speaking up about the hair being cut off...the lack of respect and decency to talk with them given their history...good for her. I imagine they got bolder as the years went by. They still retain the gratitude for it all. I love their rapport and that they have this shared history of such a rare moment in time that few people experienced or can relate to that made such an impact on pop culture. Always loved them, wish them the best!
Truth! Niki really hits the nail on the head! Madonna needed that flava hunni!! Niki and Donna contributed so much to the sound of M and she has not recaptured the essence of that sound since their collaboration! Awesome interview learning about Niki and Donna more outside of M! Love Niki and Donna! Love Madonna! 💓🤎
This is the best interview of Donna and Niki I have seen! Why? Because Mr. Blame allowed them to talk about themselves. I have seen a number of interviews where the interviewer used them to learn about Madonna rather than to learn about Donna and Niki. I am a recent Madonna fan who is also interested in Donna and Niki's music and talents. Could you both perform a show in the Bay Area, CA, say Yoshi's Jazz Club or in Las Vegas?
Thx for the compliment - my interview technique is to listen - simple really. Best to follow @nikianddonna on Instagram for any tour stuff, and maybe check out the interview with Jonas Åkerlund for his experience of working with Madonna.
Niki and Donna I loved every second of this learning about your families and beginnings. Love both of you. And Niki I am living for you telling the shaved head story. LOVED seeing your defiance come out and the "You sit down" attitude. You go girl, you knew your power. 😊
This was a fantastic interview Steve! And I loved that you also let them talk when they had something to say. You let them get it out and say it all. It was brilliant. And I loved the questions you asked including could they disagree with Madonna on something and it’s honored. As we discover with the hair situation. Niki did a great job at telling that story and going to bat for the both of them. I know what that’s like with fellow colleagues having to go to bat with the boss on something. Sometimes we won and sometimes we didn’t, but at least we spoke up. Also I feel Madonna greatest years were with Niki and Donna. And that’s about 1986-87 all the way up to 2005-2007, the confessions stuff. Donna’s last reported gig with Madonna was 2007, the second Live Aid. There was a noticeable shift with Madonna’s brand and music after that, which while still entertaining, I feel lacks the magic she once had while with Niki and Donna. That’s why Madonna kept them for so long.
Can’t say I’m surprised hearing about Madonna being ” harsh , its well known she was hard on her dancers. To me Nikki and Donna are very important to M’s career. They made Madonnas Voice sound amazing. It was a certain magic I think. 💕
M a perfectionist, wants what she wants and is the boss. It’s a difficult position to work with someone like that but Madonna probably wouldn’t have been so successful without that type of uncompromising drive. Love Niki, Donna and Madonna!
@@popthehistorymakers With all due respect to your opinion, Michael Jackson had that same drive of Perfection, even moreso, and did not need resort to offensive and loathsome treatment of any of his supporting players
Steve, this is a fabulous interview! It was insightful and inspiring to hear these lovely talented women talk about their experiences performing with Madonna. And you have a rare gift as an interviewer: you listen. I enjoyed hearing Niki and Donna’s full, organic answers to your questions with no interruption on your behalf. Well done, and thank you! 🙏🏻
Thank you Nicki, thank you Donna. Thank you so much, thank you both, thanks for everything. Thank you, thank you for all, I thank you again and again and again, thank you, you are both our lucky stars. Thank you. I love you both.
The ladies are looking AMAZING! Always thought they were great singers and performers. Hope the gigs go well... come to Scotland, Edinburgh fringe Festival... 🎉
So enjoying seeing this interview Steve ❤.my sister was always into Madonna from day one,I was a fan around late eighties and especially the Erotica era. It spoke to me as I was an isolated 17 year old teen. I still remember fondly your interview with M promoting the album. Always loved M although also never really wanting to have met her so as not to be disappointed if she wasn't nice lol. Nice to see you online.
I get that, sometimes meeting your heroes can be disappointing. Madonna was never an easy interview partner but I was never disappointed as I found her challenging and fascinating at the same time! I still love and appreciate her for all she’s done and for all she’s achieved!
Listening to them talking about how they loved singing with eachother on stage and how they taught Madonna to love singing with them all i could hear in my mind was the three of them singing Rain on the Girly show (which to this day is the best Madonna ever sounded)
Niki and Donna were hired to do a job. They didn't change anything. That doesn't mean they weren't great back up singers though and get I get the nostalgia thing...but the reactions here are so gullible...people going as far as saying that she needs Niki in her life because she has black children. Niki has been shady for years...she needs to have several seats. The real legend here is STEVE BLAME. MTVEUROPE was something else.
You are a TV pioneer. Those of us who grew up with MTVEUROPE know. And that has little to do with the MTV-phenomenon but more with the Pan-European concept. That in itself was inherently political and I remember your many great reports and how it opened up my view on the world as a gay kid growing up in some shitty village in Belgium. xxx @@popthehistorymakers
@@MO-ir7bt Donna and Niki had an immense influence on Madonna. (So did her brother.) To refer to them as "backup singers" is what Madonna might call "reductive". And, tbh, Madonna making Donna cry through a toadie _alone_ earned her more "shade" than Niki could ever possibly throw at her.
Steve, without you knowing it, you are connected with my college years in Thessaloniki Greece 30+ years ago. I used to watch MTV Europe almost all day. So dear memories you bring back when I see you! I love you very much wonderful man! Kisses from Athens!
How I loved and still love Greece. My 29th time was at the end of November- and number 30 will be soon. I’ve been all around, Thessaloniki obviously too. But mostly Athens, as I love that city. Love to you too!
Niki and Donna: thank you for your candor and insight. I too have been in the business over 35 years and have been part of 'machines gone wrong' as Niki put it. But, I'm still toiling away but my way! BTW: I would pay top dollar to see/hear you two sing with Madonna on a tour with top live musicians. I just won't pay for this current Karaoke 'Celebration' tour, sorry.
Preach!! That pulling the hair off and cutting it was intense and damn right Bold and insulting....glad you all didn't. Love this interview. Look forward to seeing you and Dona in your next adventure..... I remember seeing you at AGAPE in LA
Everyone wondering why they aren't back for the Celebration tour..M had a big falling out with Nikki over stupid drama ages ago. Donna doesn't seem to have issues with anyone but she's so close with NH..loyalty. On this new tour, M has so many dancers and it pales in comparison to when these three took the stage. Just those three was pure magic. I think D and N are really done with the Madonna years, and as grateful as they are for the past... it's the past. I still think Madonna could have reached out to both of them and said there's no Celebration tour without you two. Imagine the possibilities.
Niki your body back then gave me a good feeling about myself. Nowadays it’s true, everything is bigger, we missed out on that but I’m so thankful girls don’t have to beat themselves up as much.
This is so informative. I prefer this interview by far because I think it’s important to hear them share positive things about Madonna. At the end of the day that’s why they’re interviewed. There’s another recent interview where the interviewer lures them into negative territory.
As you know it’s easy to be negative about life and people. Sometimes even when we have a good experience we can focus on the negative and phrasing of questions is important. I think because I’ve also had experience of interviewing, and met Madonna a few times, I know a bit about the way she works and operates, and know how focussed and how much she expects from herself - the same as she expects from others. That’s perfectionism - nothing wrong with that. I’m also a believer that my role is not to judge, or dig for dirt, but just to get the artist(s) to open up as much as I can and in that way get new information. I’ve interviewed over many many years, do extensive research for each interview, and have botched a few when I was younger, eventually learning that it’s all about guiding the interviewee, about trust (reputation is important, and interest - I like artists, their foibles, and what they have given us. Life is ultimately dull without art. Who should judge when they themselves have not had their own output judged? Thanks for your comment!
@@popthehistorymakers And thank you very much for you reply. Your passion shows in the way you let your guests speak while guiding the conversation into constructive directions.
I would love to see the three of you perform again. But most importantly I wanna see you repair your relationship her. I wonder if Donna and Niki have reached out? Or if she has reached out to them. I love all three of these women! Madonna Niki and Donna helped shape me for who I am today.
You girls are amazing magnificent talented and your voices. Like Angel's I love you since the 80s you are madonna miss your voices so much together and your vision of rain is georgous thank you for your decades with madonna you girls are so loved godbless❤❤❤
Seeing Madonna at Madison Square Garden tomorrow. Gonna be epic but also bittersweet because these lovely ladies aren't on stage. Soo much of Madonna's musical herstory include these woman especially Bedtime Stories and Ray Of Light. The harmonies i Rain C'mon Madonna work with Niki and Donna again!
I love the honesty and especially during hair bs. Totally stayed true to themselves, and yes- how you're treated and spoken to at 22 and 42 are very different. Love you two!!!❤
Steve Blame ❤ Donna, Niki and Steve Blame were all a huge part of my childhood 🤗 Huge Madonna fan then and now, huge music fan and back then MTV was full of the great stuff 💃🏻🥰
What history with or without Ms.World...They're great!! Love them....Love to hear that Madonna use to have to order Nikki's Mic off when Her voice was "clearly overthrowing Her majesty voice." Amazing pipes....Love both Nikki&Donna
This is incredibly interesting!! Answers a lot of things I've wondered about since I was a teenager. I wonder if it was Jamie King telling them to cut their hair off for The Drowned World Tour?
@popthehistorymakers them having to endure the change of guard "at Court" explains an awful lot in how Madonna's shows changed in nature and how the backing singers - Nicki, Donna and their replacements were largely sidelined in the vision of her post 2004 tours - to the point now where the Celebration Tour has no other vocalists on stage!
Why not become a member of this channel? LINK; th-cam.com/channels/5S9xw1B-ppDXVkAuvRRQtg.htmljoin
These girls have shaped my childhood so much like Madonna. Exceptionally talented and so insightful.
Same in a way but Madonna for me was the greatest supporter of gay men through a horrendous period where I, and many other openly gay men, felt ostracised. I will always appreciate her for that support!
Same for me though I’m guessing I’m older. So important to me
@@popthehistorymakers i was 12 when I rented The Girlie Show from my local video club it changed me in ways I cannot describe. It liberated me. It showed me it was celebrated to be different not frowned upon. I'm 41 and all her eras are my eras, connected with something I myself have lived. In an age of fast consumption and little to no attention span there will never be another Madonna. So we need to cherish her while we got her around.
Me too. Such beautiful voices and presence too!
U😮t😢🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉i@@popthehistorymakers
These gals are STARS 🤩!
Totally
Yooooo!! I'm the Iranian jewish person sitting next to Donna on my flight the other day! She was a total sweetheart, and it was so special to speak with her
Loved the interview! The most honest they have given! Its such a shame Madonna passed up on the opportunity of having these ladies to take part in the Celebration Tour. They made M the live act she was back in the day. She is less athletic in her choreography these days and to me should have focused more on the vocal side because she doesnt need to prove herself anymore her past tours are testiment to her talent on stage. She has done the hard work and cemented her legacy and Nikki and Donna would have brought the celebration show to a new level vocally as a 3 piece again. They where the holy trinity on stage together and they should have been included as part of M's history on stage and they deserve the thank you and acknowledgement of their hard work 👑👑
Thx for the compliment. Agree, but it’s Madonna‘s choice, though I feel the same.
Totally agree
Totally agree. The Celebration Tour was a mess. All those you g dancers writhing around is old hat and Madonna could barely move. The vocal side could’ve been really fabulous.
Their voices in "Bedtime stories" album are pure perfection. "Survival" or "Inside of me" for instance are great examples !
100% two amazing songs!
True! Loved that album and remember interviewing M at the Ritz in Paris
Survival was awesome. There was a shep pettibone remix of express yourself where nikki’s voice was fierce .
@@popthehistorymakersI wish you can interview independent music artists. I just released my 17 th studio album. Both my 16th and 17th album made the Spotify radar list and the mood recommendation list. I composed over 300 songs in the last 16 years. My music page on Songcast ( music distributor ) is over 128k views. It’s a major achievement considering I don’t have a major label behind me. Can you send you my music page? I also provided over 90 professional music videos.
Survival is probably one of my favorite M songs.
Ever since Madonna stopped working with Nikki and Donna, all her concerts don't feel the same anymore. I was hoping Madonna would bring them back for the Celebration Tour but was disappointed she didn't. Madonnas concerts aren't the same anymore. Great interview! 👍
Thx and agreed!
Madonna concerts are still amazing, but we want them with her❤️
To say Madonna shows aren't the same because of backing singers doesn't sit right, I go to see Madonna, not backing singers and she's had great shows without them but each to their own... and even if they did carry on she wouldn't have had them up front as much as her later shows proved, they would have just been at the back for most of the shows... they probably wouldn't have liked that. the shows are about Madonna, not them.
The last time i saw them perform was on The Drowned World Tour. The ending of that tour when all three of them came out together for the Holiday/Music finale was amazing!
They really complimented and added something special to Madonna's performances.
I go to Madonna's concerts to see Madonna i don't want to see backup singers 😬!!!
As a gay man of a certain age, I grew up with these two beautiful classy ladies. Thank you so much for this interview. I'm hoping for a reunion. Please 🙏 🙏 🙏
I‘m with on all of that!
Their voices blend so perfectly together with Madonna‘s! One of many good examples is Rain in the Girlie Show! 😍🤩😜
Rain was so damn good with all three!
Wow yes rain that was so 🔥them 3 girls together so glad I got to witness that at Wembley
Loved the interview, the whole world 🌎 knows how important Niki Haris and Donna delory were in Madonna career success and how much they contributed to that success to the point that we all Madonna s fans want to see them performing together again....., much love for both of them
Nikki darling, I'm 47, gay, and also a man.
When you mentioned, that guys still come up to you in airports telling you that that movie changed thier lives, believe it.
It changed mine in ways I'm still reflecting on today.
So, thank you!
Both of you! For giving me the strength to go after everything I ever wanted in life! ❤
That’s so cool. I get that impact, as a 64 year old gay man all things Madonna, and even earlier - Bowie - were so important! Respect where respect is due! Loved the girls, really enjoyed doing this interview!
Amen to this! I’m also 47 but a straight woman and Blond Ambition set the stage for my entire life. It consumed me. It enthralled me. It showed me a world that I hadn’t yet known. Madonna has captivated me like no one else has or ever will. All these years later, I am still mesmerized by her artistry and musicality. I’m so happy that she has also touched your life ❤️
Wonderful in depth interview with two women who were the vocal powerhouses behind Madonna. Such humble women with amazing musical backgrounds 🙌🏼💖💖💖🎶🎶🎶🎶
They are true musicians - as you say with incredible backgrounds. Thx for your comment!
Love this podcast Steve. Still feels like something is missing from a Madonna gig without them.
Totally agree!
I love those two ladies. Madonna's best tours were with Nicky & Donna. The three of them together were just fantastic. So glad they refused to have their hair shaved off as no one should be forced to do something they don't wish to do. Great interview. ❤
A wonderful interview, Steve! I grew up watching you on MTV Europe, and so you were an intrinsic part of the Madonna journey too! Thank you for continuing to do what you love! Particularly of note is how Niki was able to express her full story around her complex relationship with her longtime Madonna association. It warms my soul to hear a balanced assessment of the experience. Both she and Donna seem so generously at peace with their history, and having seen them perform this fall in LA, I can honestly say they have never sounded better! 💛💫
Thanks, I do feel the Erotica interview was one of Madonna's best, very proud of that, and this channel gives me the opportunity to do what I love and hopefully get great interviews from the people that have always meant something to me, and Donna and Niki were part of that story, and also an important part of Madonna's legacy.
So interesting to here their journey without seeing only the Madonna lense.
What always made these women so charismatic and credible being M's stage sisters (cause you can't call them just backing singers) is their authenticity: the grit, the fun, the involvement never seemed affected, always inspired and personalized (you could imagine where Niky put her touch in vocals adaptation). You could feel their presence and intention and THAT is talent imo. We still miss you girls!
You are right and I’m gonna change the text - stage sisters!!! Perfect!
Loved your MTV interviews too Steve: the Erotica/Sex one is historic! @@popthehistorymakers
@@edilbertosacchi thx. I am proud of that one
Great interview 😊
Love N&D ❤❤
As a Madonna fan I was so hoping for a reunion on the celebration tour.
I’m just glad they still work together.
Same, would have made sense
Me too
It still could happen 🤞
I still don't understand Madonna's decision to use Bob, the Drag Queen, but omits the reunion of these two icons themselves!
I've never met these girls, but they feel like family. I just love them so much. Big part of my life.
They created her live sound!!!! I miss these ladies singing with her sooooo much!!!!! ❤❤❤❤❤
I loved Nikki, Donna and Madonna together. I can listen to Rain live from the girlie show over and over and over again. Their 3 voices together is pure bliss. I always love the clip when Nikki tells Madonna that Bobby Brown as arrested for fucking on stage and Madonna replies I hope he is there when I get there.
Niki is right...she and Donna made Madonna a better singer. Not just in the mode of support artists, but i can imagine Madonna hearing those girls and thinking "i gotta step my game up"
Totally agree. And Madonna did raise her game.
Nostalgia! 😍Great interview with Niki & Donna. It's nice to see when an interviewer allows their guests to speak & not interrupt, thank you. It's fascinating to see the evolution, growth & hear their own stories told at this stage in their lives & careers. When Niki & Donna made their debut as THE "unofficial/official" trio with Madonna at the MTV Video Music Awards in 1989 for Express Yourself & presenting George Michael with the Video Vanguard Award, that was the beginning of something really magical & captivating. As a gay young boy, I was captivated & mesmerized. Niki & Donna are correct, the fun, energy & performance of being so in sync & connected was the 'Golden Era' ie. Blond Ambition World Tour 1990, Truth or Dare, 'Vogue' at the MTV VMA 1990. What pops out when Niki & Donna talked about influencing Madonna - about their energy, vocal harmony, connection in performance is in 'Truth or Dare' is "Holiday" when Niki say "Should we give it one more time for the stage girls...should we try to have a holiday (in an English accent hehe)" or 'Rain' for 'The Girlie Show - Live Down Under 1993". As a young gay boy in the 80s & 90s, I was wowed & fascinated by how a huge mega star allowed OTHER women & backup singers/dancers share the spotlight in her act/performances with her, and consistently for a period, at the height of Madonna's career AND how these 3 women treated a bunch of flamboyant gay homosexual queer men as normal regular people, made funny jokes & had fun together. Growing up in a period when there wasn't any positive gay representation or any at all, it was HIV/AIDS death, violence & homelessness that I thought this is what happens to gay men. Just a grim & depressing future with a tragic ending and no one who would care. Truth or Dare and these ladies provided a positive light, and representation IN THE MEDIA for so many lgbtq people during this time period, it was groundbreaking in so many ways. So much culture, talent, artistry & influence doing what it does best when all the pieces connect ...Magic. Love & light, thank you ladies, Niki & Donna. 🙏❤
Beautiful! I’m there with you, that period was bleak and Madonna, Donna & Niki were there for us!
This was fun! Thanks ladies for being beautiful spirits, talented singers and fabulous dancers for us! Madonna was well served by you!
Awww wow!! This interview was amazing!!❤❤❤ OMG!! STEVE BLAME… he was a big part of my childhood too! Loved all of the Madonna Weekends on MTV growing up❤ Steve hasn’t changed a bit 😮
Obviously your eyesight has deteriorated but I’ll take the compliments 😘
Ok xx
No@@popthehistorymakers
Niki gave a moving sermon and Donna is so so sweet! Best interview with them. Very moving and inspiring and I wish Madonna would extend the olive branch to especially Niki.. what a loss for Madonna and her black children not too have “aunt Niki “ in their life.. but again Madonna and Niki are both still very young (regardless) of what society says
I agree. I think Madonna should have invited all the relevant people in her past to be, not on the whole tour, but guests. Would have been a clever and kind move
@@popthehistorymakers
I agree, wholeheartedly.
Madonna chose referencing the many people (men) who influenced and guided her, from her humble beginnings, as well as honouring her Mom. But it is disappointing at the intentional, (how else to define), the deliberate omittance of these two women, forever memorialized in video and records
Steve, this is a great interview! I have been doing a deep dive lately on Madonna (as a almost 49 yr old man) and enjoyed this interview. I remember your interviews back in the day and at THAT time, I was an aspiring drummer in Nashville TN. Hearing the Glen Campbell story from Donna, and hearing so many stories about my friends at that time, it really hits home for me. So many people involved with amazing recordings that got shafted because they weren't the "chosen ones" in Nashville, is unfortunately a story that continues today.
Nonetheless, my deep dive into Madonna and her tours has brought me to a place of reflection about my life then and now. Music is in such a weird place. Pop music at that time was so much fun and really inspiring. The danceability (if such a word exists) of Madonna's music in those days far exceeds what is currently on the charts now. The exuberance and fun that comes through on those records shows us that from 1955 to 1993, Pop music was a wonderful genre to enjoy. It's unfortunate that the digital age has deprived us of originality and true art. Donna and Niki were such an integral part of the sound of that time and their contributions to popular music should never be forgotten. It's important to catalogue these interviews and forever archive these important words.
I remember Truth or Dare when it came out. I remember Prince being the musical genius of his time. But Madonna had such an incredible impact on performance for women and recording great music of the day, that she got overlooked and often chastised for her sexuality (albeit Prince was just an androgynous Madonna) because she was a woman. And in the 80's, a woman was still not supposed to explore her sexuality.
Obviously those times have changed, but the importance of Madonna's contributions should never be diminished due to newer artists becoming stars. Just as the Ella Fitzgerald's, Diana Ross's, Chaka Khan's, Karyn White's of her time, the Britney Spears', Christina Aguilera's, Taylor Swift's, Lady Gaga's of the world will be a template and future success of women in pop music. Madonna rose up and took the crown for queens everywhere.
And a big part of that reason why Madonna was able to do that was because of the two women you have in this interview. Niki and Donna deserve so much credit in shaping the sound that became pop royalty. Their harmonies and dance moves were instrumental in providing us with a "sound" that was unmistakable and sonically as important as Prince's guitar sound, or Michael Jackson's "hee hee"!
Let's give these ladies a round of applause for what they've contributed to popular music. Not that they haven't heard those applause for many, many years!!
@@popblender thx for that!
wow! thank you all for this interview ❤️🥰
Thx for listening and commenting. Means a lot!
I'm so glad they're doing all these interviews, because I love their insights and learning more about them. I wish Niki and Donna would do an album produced by Patrick Leonard.
Good point
They have to be the most famous back up singers, I couldn't name any other performers back up singers but I always knew Niki and Donna's names.
What a rich interview! Loved the reflections and hearing their perspectives on what was happening behind the scenes externally and internally. I loved the part on Nikki speaking up about the hair being cut off...the lack of respect and decency to talk with them given their history...good for her. I imagine they got bolder as the years went by. They still retain the gratitude for it all. I love their rapport and that they have this shared history of such a rare moment in time that few people experienced or can relate to that made such an impact on pop culture. Always loved them, wish them the best!
I was really pleased how open they were. And what talent!
Truth! Niki really hits the nail on the head! Madonna needed that flava hunni!! Niki and Donna contributed so much to the sound of M and she has not recaptured the essence of that sound since their collaboration! Awesome interview learning about Niki and Donna more outside of M! Love Niki and Donna! Love Madonna! 💓🤎
Good point and yes, we all love M
Oh! Love Niki. Such a delightful lady, and funny as hell.
omg i remember so well the interview u did to Madonna for Erotica album!! i watched so many times when i was 17!:) thank u
Still online on TH-cam I believe
truly amazing interview; and there is so much more that i want to know about the behind the scenes
Thx. I know. I would too!
This is the best interview of Donna and Niki I have seen! Why? Because Mr. Blame allowed them to talk about themselves. I have seen a number of interviews where the interviewer used them to learn about Madonna rather than to learn about Donna and Niki. I am a recent Madonna fan who is also interested in Donna and Niki's music and talents. Could you both perform a show in the Bay Area, CA, say Yoshi's Jazz Club or in Las Vegas?
Thx for the compliment - my interview technique is to listen - simple really. Best to follow @nikianddonna on Instagram for any tour stuff, and maybe check out the interview with Jonas Åkerlund for his experience of working with Madonna.
steve is a great interviewer cos he doesnt interrupt his guests and let them tell their stories ❤
Thx. I like listening!
The Girlie Show was one hell of a concert. I seen this live Oct. 12 1993. One of the beat I have ever seen. Still remember it like it was yesterday.
OMG! Sarah Vaughn! Flip Wilson! Such wonderful work ladies
thanks for this interview Steve
Thx for watching!
Lovely, Niki and Donna are amazing! Steve is MTV-royalty
I’m blushing❤
Niki and Donna I loved every second of this learning about your families and beginnings. Love both of you. And Niki I am living for you telling the shaved head story. LOVED seeing your defiance come out and the "You sit down" attitude. You go girl, you knew your power. 😊
I know, her passion is second to none!
What an amazing interview and insight into their world, what absolute queens they are
all 3 (lol)? They were always amazing and of course with Madonna at the best time. i loved talking to them again!
Absolutely lol
Did they say anything about what appears to be their vocals on nothing really matters at the start of the celebration tour?
@@CoastersandPop I didn’t ask those sort of specifics, but that would have been an interesting point.
Love, love love these two. Thank you for such a great interview. Wish I could see the 3 of them reunited, but probably will never happen.
😢
thank your for this wonderful interview-i enjoyed every moment of it. I love Nikis energy!
Thx for watching and commenting. I love them both, and yes Niki has got amazing energy
This was a fantastic interview Steve! And I loved that you also let them talk when they had something to say. You let them get it out and say it all. It was brilliant. And I loved the questions you asked including could they disagree with Madonna on something and it’s honored. As we discover with the hair situation. Niki did a great job at telling that story and going to bat for the both of them. I know what that’s like with fellow colleagues having to go to bat with the boss on something. Sometimes we won and sometimes we didn’t, but at least we spoke up.
Also I feel Madonna greatest years were with Niki and Donna. And that’s about 1986-87 all the way up to 2005-2007, the confessions stuff. Donna’s last reported gig with Madonna was 2007, the second Live Aid. There was a noticeable shift with Madonna’s brand and music after that, which while still entertaining, I feel lacks the magic she once had while with Niki and Donna. That’s why Madonna kept them for so long.
Thx for the compliment!
Can’t say I’m surprised hearing about Madonna being ” harsh , its well known she was hard on her dancers.
To me Nikki and Donna are very important to M’s career. They made Madonnas Voice sound amazing. It was a certain magic I think. 💕
M a perfectionist, wants what she wants and is the boss. It’s a difficult position to work with someone like that but Madonna probably wouldn’t have been so successful without that type of uncompromising drive. Love Niki, Donna and Madonna!
Hard to keep up with her kind of energy but they did really well
@@popthehistorymakers
With all due respect to your opinion, Michael Jackson had that same drive of Perfection, even moreso, and did not need resort to offensive and loathsome treatment of any of his supporting players
Steve, this is a fabulous interview! It was insightful and inspiring to hear these lovely talented women talk about their experiences performing with Madonna. And you have a rare gift as an interviewer: you listen. I enjoyed hearing Niki and Donna’s full, organic answers to your questions with no interruption on your behalf. Well done, and thank you! 🙏🏻
Thanks for the compliment. If it’s interesting no need for me to talk. I loved he fact that they just run with it at some point!
@@popthehistorymakers You are a great interviewer!
@@lisabkirchner 😘
Thank you Nicki, thank you Donna. Thank you so much, thank you both, thanks for everything. Thank you, thank you for all, I thank you again and again and again, thank you, you are both our lucky stars. Thank you. I love you both.
What a fantastic interview. Thank you so much for doing this, Steve!
Thanks for watching!
Aw I did Niki and Donna’s hair for Top of the Pops with Madonna and a Brixton Academy concert in 2000, they were so lovely, we had a real laugh! 🥰
@@alyson5682 they are lovely!
Nicki and Donna are so lovely
The ladies are looking AMAZING! Always thought they were great singers and performers. Hope the gigs go well... come to Scotland, Edinburgh fringe Festival... 🎉
Yes, they should travel with their show. Their voices blend so well!
So enjoying seeing this interview Steve ❤.my sister was always into Madonna from day one,I was a fan around late eighties and especially the Erotica era. It spoke to me as I was an isolated 17 year old teen. I still remember fondly your interview with M promoting the album. Always loved M although also never really wanting to have met her so as not to be disappointed if she wasn't nice lol. Nice to see you online.
I get that, sometimes meeting your heroes can be disappointing. Madonna was never an easy interview partner but I was never disappointed as I found her challenging and fascinating at the same time! I still love and appreciate her for all she’s done and for all she’s achieved!
Really fantastic interview. Love Donna and Niki.
'I sing because I'm free.' Thank ya'll!!!
Exactly! And thx for the compliment!
Listening to them talking about how they loved singing with eachother on stage and how they taught Madonna to love singing with them all i could hear in my mind was the three of them singing Rain on the Girly show (which to this day is the best Madonna ever sounded)
@@thoukisth yes I had in my head during the interview!
Such an insightful interview. Thank you so much. The highlight is definitely the shaving incident from DWT/ I Was stunned
Patrick Leonard, JPG, Madonna, Donna and Nikki changed pop culture forever. Good times... we need you back Pat :)❤
Yes. Dear Jessie was written about his daughter I remember.
Niki and Donna were hired to do a job. They didn't change anything. That doesn't mean they weren't great back up singers though and get I get the nostalgia thing...but the reactions here are so gullible...people going as far as saying that she needs Niki in her life because she has black children. Niki has been shady for years...she needs to have several seats. The real legend here is STEVE BLAME. MTVEUROPE was something else.
@@MO-ir7bt I’m on the floor with that compliment xx
You are a TV pioneer. Those of us who grew up with MTVEUROPE know. And that has little to do with the MTV-phenomenon but more with the Pan-European concept. That in itself was inherently political and I remember your many great reports and how it opened up my view on the world as a gay kid growing up in some shitty village in Belgium. xxx @@popthehistorymakers
@@MO-ir7bt Donna and Niki had an immense influence on Madonna. (So did her brother.) To refer to them as "backup singers" is what Madonna might call "reductive". And, tbh, Madonna making Donna cry through a toadie _alone_ earned her more "shade" than Niki could ever possibly throw at her.
Steve, without you knowing it, you are connected with my college years in Thessaloniki Greece 30+ years ago. I used to watch MTV Europe almost all day. So dear memories you bring back when I see you! I love you very much wonderful man! Kisses from Athens!
How I loved and still love Greece. My 29th time was at the end of November- and number 30 will be soon. I’ve been all around, Thessaloniki obviously too. But mostly Athens, as I love that city. Love to you too!
Great Interview 🙏Thank you
Thx for watching and commenting
Such a great interview with 2 pop legends!
If anybody ever pisses me off, I'm going to send Niki Haris round to sort them out. Brilliant! 💕 😊
@@CastellanSpandex hahahaha best comment ever!
She is a tough lady
Steven great interview and thank you so much for letting these two amazing woman speak ! this was a amazing interview !
Thx. Was pleased!!
Love you guys... thanks for sharing
They are just great
Thank You for a great interview. Wonderful and Wise Women.
Nikki, you are the spitting image of your beautiful Mom. We all knew you would be great ❤. B.H. produced much talent. Cheers.
Thank you for this interview, Vogue! 🙆🏼♂️💛💛💙
Thank you. It was a pleasure to talk to both of them again
I love how steve just lets people talk ..... he has great timing and definitely read the room
Thx. Not always in real life but often in interviews!
These legends made Madge sound great for more than a decade! Respect is due 🙌🙌
Love them, love Madonna and loveeeeeeeee them together ❤ they should be in this tour
She left the band out as well. Must be all recorded tracks
@@Lillipod1
It was 💔.
Might as well just stay home and spin records 😢
Niki and Donna: thank you for your candor and insight. I too have been in the business over 35 years and have been part of 'machines gone wrong' as Niki put it. But, I'm still toiling away but my way! BTW: I would pay top dollar to see/hear you two sing with Madonna on a tour with top live musicians. I just won't pay for this current Karaoke 'Celebration' tour, sorry.
I really enjoyed this!
Great! Thx
Thank you so much for this deep and very interesting conversation with two incredible women who are so important to me.
My pleasure and thanks so much for the compliment x
Thank you two for being so honest and true.
Yes they are!
Preach!! That pulling the hair off and cutting it was intense and damn right Bold and insulting....glad you all didn't. Love this interview. Look forward to seeing you and Dona in your next adventure..... I remember seeing you at AGAPE in LA
Great to see this. And mr Blame, I haven't seen you since my teens
Thx. That ages both of us!
love their candidness AND their mature self expression.
Everyone wondering why they aren't back for the Celebration tour..M had a big falling out with Nikki over stupid drama ages ago. Donna doesn't seem to have issues with anyone but she's so close with NH..loyalty. On this new tour, M has so many dancers and it pales in comparison to when these three took the stage. Just those three was pure magic.
I think D and N are really done with the Madonna years, and as grateful as they are for the past... it's the past. I still think Madonna could have reached out to both of them and said there's no Celebration tour without you two. Imagine the possibilities.
That’s the point!
They were magic behind her
Niki your body back then gave me a good feeling about myself. Nowadays it’s true, everything is bigger, we missed out on that but I’m so thankful girls don’t have to beat themselves up as much.
This is so informative. I prefer this interview by far because I think it’s important to hear them share positive things about Madonna. At the end of the day that’s why they’re interviewed. There’s another recent interview where the interviewer lures them into negative territory.
As you know it’s easy to be negative about life and people. Sometimes even when we have a good experience we can focus on the negative and phrasing of questions is important. I think because I’ve also had experience of interviewing, and met Madonna a few times, I know a bit about the way she works and operates, and know how focussed and how much she expects from herself - the same as she expects from others. That’s perfectionism - nothing wrong with that. I’m also a believer that my role is not to judge, or dig for dirt, but just to get the artist(s) to open up as much as I can and in that way get new information. I’ve interviewed over many many years, do extensive research for each interview, and have botched a few when I was younger, eventually learning that it’s all about guiding the interviewee, about trust (reputation is important, and interest - I like artists, their foibles, and what they have given us. Life is ultimately dull without art. Who should judge when they themselves have not had their own output judged? Thanks for your comment!
@@popthehistorymakers And thank you very much for you reply. Your passion shows in the way you let your guests speak while guiding the conversation into constructive directions.
I would love to see the three of you perform again. But most importantly I wanna see you repair your relationship her. I wonder if Donna and Niki have reached out? Or if she has reached out to them. I love all three of these women! Madonna Niki and Donna helped shape me for who I am today.
Great interview and so lovely to see Steve. I remember watching him on MTV News when it used to be good. Wow, nostalgia ❤
How sweet! Thank you!
Great interview. Loved it
Thx
Thank you for the questions on their background
Thanks. Important in my opinion!
You girls are amazing magnificent talented and your voices. Like Angel's I love you since the 80s you are madonna miss your voices so much together and your vision of rain is georgous thank you for your decades with madonna you girls are so loved godbless❤❤❤
Seeing Madonna at Madison Square Garden tomorrow. Gonna be epic but also bittersweet because these lovely ladies aren't on stage. Soo much of Madonna's musical herstory include these woman especially Bedtime Stories and Ray Of Light. The harmonies i Rain C'mon Madonna work with Niki and Donna again!
lucky you! have fun!
Great interview
I love the honesty and especially during hair bs. Totally stayed true to themselves, and yes- how you're treated and spoken to at 22 and 42 are very different. Love you two!!!❤
Fun interview 😊
thanks, they were great
Such a honest and meaningful interview
Both look great!
Keep it going, ladies.
This was amazing - Thank you :) Steve, please could interview you? I always loved watching you on MTV - Merry Christmas x
Yes!
@@popthehistorymakers Thank you so much. What is the best wat to arrange this, please?
@@Beneaththeglitterball connect on Instagram and pm me - Steve.blame
Madonna owes them so much more respect
Nope
Steve Blame ❤ Donna, Niki and Steve Blame were all a huge part of my childhood 🤗 Huge Madonna fan then and now, huge music fan and back then MTV was full of the great stuff 💃🏻🥰
Good to know - thx
You 2 guys are totally the real true best and I totally love you both forever.❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Love this. From Express Yourself …to the beautiful RAIN performance
Great interview! Two really interesting women. Subscribed!😊
Thx!
What history with or without Ms.World...They're great!! Love them....Love to hear that Madonna use to have to order Nikki's Mic off when Her voice was "clearly overthrowing Her majesty voice." Amazing pipes....Love both Nikki&Donna
wow im surprised the background talk from the Drowned World Tour, which is my favorite...
This is incredibly interesting!! Answers a lot of things I've wondered about since I was a teenager. I wonder if it was Jamie King telling them to cut their hair off for The Drowned World Tour?
Don’t know but of course he was in charge
@popthehistorymakers them having to endure the change of guard "at Court" explains an awful lot in how Madonna's shows changed in nature and how the backing singers - Nicki, Donna and their replacements were largely sidelined in the vision of her post 2004 tours - to the point now where the Celebration Tour has no other vocalists on stage!