This performance literally took my breath away when I saw it in Chicago. Soul encompassing. The lyric "remember, remember, never forget, all of your life has all been a test" has always resonated with me. Her versatility amazes me, and she always picks the most interesting people to work with. Yitzhak Sinwani's voice just soars. Simply beautiful. Sofia Boutella's solo performance is amazing too. She has gone on to become a big Hollywood actress.
"This performance literally took my breath away when I saw it in Chicago. Soul encompassing." What a great description! This one gave us such chills (just watching on video). So we can only imagine how it felt in person. That horn, those voices. "Sofia Boutella's solo performance is amazing too. She has gone on to become a big Hollywood actress." What an incredibly talented person she is - That performance was just gorgeous! Lots of love to you ❤️❤️
Madonna tackled some hard but relevant social-religious-geopolitical issues here in this powerful segment like no other pop music artist have done that still resonate today. In this number, she’s clearly raising awareness about the suppression of women’s rights and freedoms in authoritarian theocratic and patriarchal societies in places like Iran, Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia and the like. She feels a sisterhood and solidarity with their struggles to be liberated and free to realize their full potential in society. For Madonna, women empowerment has always been at the heart of her artistry and advocacy. Some fascinating background here is that the song that Yitzhak Sinwani performed in Yemenite Hebrew is called “Im Nin’ Alu” based on a beautiful poem for those oppressed written by Shalem Shabazi, a 17th century Yemenite Jewish rabbi and poet. The poem was first recorded as a song in 1988 that was popularized by the late Israeli singer Ofra Haza (died 2000 age 42) who during her career was known as the “Madonna of the East” and also as the “Israeli Madonna”. Madonna and Sinwani were known to admire her artistry and this number was said to be their way of paying homage to Haza. The talented dancer in the cage wearing a burka-like robe is Algerian-born Sofia Boutella who at age 10 fled to Paris, France in 1992 with her family during the Algerian Civil War where she later in her teens pursued her artistic interest in dance. She eventually moved to Boston, MA where she completed school. She eventually joined Madonna during this 2005 Confessions era and also for the 2008 Sticky&Sweet tour. She later became a model and film actress. Regarding the significance of the falcon in this number, during the Q&A segment of Madonna’s 2003 Music era appearance in MTV’s On Stage And On the Record in NYC, a fan from the audience asked her what kind of animal she’d like to be, and without hesitation she said: “I’d be a falcon..”. I think for Madonna, the falcon’s abilities to fly high, with speed, with its sharp vision, its fierceness and focus in pursuing its prey, is a metaphor for her character qualities and tenacity in pursuit of her artistic goals. In this number, the falcon symbolized freedom…a metaphor for Madonna who is the iconic image of a liberating free spirit. Really appreciate your deep insight and wonderful reactions to this tour. Thank you.❤😊
Aww, thank you so much! ❤️❤️ "Some fascinating background here is that the song that Yitzhak Sinwani performed in Yemenite Hebrew is called “Im Nin’ Alu” based on a beautiful poem for those oppressed written by Shalem Shabazi, a 17th century Yemenite Jewish rabbi and poet. The poem was first recorded as a song in 1988 that was popularized by the late Israeli singer Ofra Haza (died 2000 age 42) who during her career was known as the “Madonna of the East” and also as the “Israeli Madonna”. Madonna and Sinwani were known to admire her artistry and this number was said to be their way of paying homage to Haza. Incredible background info - Thank you so much for sharing it with us. We'll have to look up Ofra Haza and listen to her music (and what a shame that she passed away at such an early age). "The talented dancer in the cage wearing a burka-like robe is Algerian-born Sofia Boutella who at age 10 fled to Paris, France in 1992 with her family during the Algerian Civil War where she later in her teens pursued her artistic interest in dance. She eventually moved to Boston, MA where she completed school. She eventually joined Madonna during this 2005 Confessions era and also for the 2008 Sticky&Sweet tour. She later became a model and film actress." What an amazingly talented person! Her performance here is just mesmerizing. Thank you again for everything you share with us (and everything you bring to this community - We're eternally grateful for your insights and information). Much love to you! ❤️❤️
Wow Wow Wow. What an incredibly powerful and beautiful performance. It’s stuff like this that makes Madonna one of the most amazing and gifted artists of our time. Her work and messages are timeless and in light of current political events, still personally relevant right now. No matter how you are being oppressed, there is a freedom inside you that they can’t take from you and so important to hold onto. I got so emotional watching that and listening to your analysis. Left me feeling empowered. That’s why we love and need Madonna and you two of course ❤ P.S. we need to build that Time Machine.
I always loved this song on the album and the performance brought it to another level with such a strong message. Still so amazing to see this after all these years! Can't believe I was in there.
Wish I could’ve seen the first reaction of your first time watching this tour! Hopefully for the next tour we will be able to see the full tour reaction in one take! You guys are the best! ❤
Nobody puts on a show like Madonna! Period! She’s a true performer; her tours are a visual interpretation of her music and they take you on a journey! Powerful!
Her live performances and the way they are filmed are next level in both entertainment and beauty. I cannot wait to see The Celebration Tour filmed professionally.
This performance is a perfect example of what is the Madonna essence. Nothing new in my humble opinion, perfectly executed, because the “coming together “ “fighting for freedom “ , … is what she’s been serving since she began performing. Thank you ladies for your videos. Love from Barcelona! ❤️🙏
Seriously the sound of that horn live at this concert literally sent chills down my spine it was like something very spiritual and heavenly that drenched my every being ❤🔥
First 🎉 For the very first time! This was a spectacular performance. I remember when I saw this live, at first, there was a silence across the crowd. People weren’t sure what they were seeing. He has such a beautiful voice, and alongside Madonna was perfection. This is very consistent with Madonna’s messages of freedom and female empowerment. And the freed bird is also a consistent image. Really well done!! I am glad your one per day reactions are working out. I can’t imagine how busy you are replying to all these comments! I noticed how you are keeping up. Ty for all your efforts. Also, I hear Mr Kitty!!! Meow 🐈 See you tomorrow! Have a wonderful day! 🪩 💕
Yay first!! Congratulations! 🎉🎉 "I remember when I saw this live, at first, there was a silence across the crowd. People weren’t sure what they were seeing." Can't even imagine - Must've been such an experience to see this in person. "I am glad your one per day reactions are working out. I can’t imagine how busy you are replying to all these comments! I noticed how you are keeping up. Ty for all your efforts. Also, I hear Mr Kitty!!! Meow 🐈" Aww, thank you (and yes, a certain little kitty says hello! 🐈⬛)! Have a great day - Biggest hugs to you ❤️❤️
So, did you like it girls? The performance wasn't even about Madonna herself, but about art and sensitivity. CT is not an ordinary tour, for me it is an artistic act in the name of art. I REALLY wanted to see your faces in the first reaction, you must have had your mouths open the whole show, right? huge kisses from BRAZIL
"CT is not an ordinary tour, for me it is an artistic act in the name of art." What a great way to describe it! ❤️❤️ "I REALLY wanted to see your faces in the first reaction, you must have had your mouths open the whole show, right?" That's a very accurate description. 😂😂 Big hugs to you! ❤️😘
This is why I love her Tours so much ..always introducing different cultures and musical styles to the pop audience. I was 15 when Vogue came out and the blond ambition tour same year with the oriental rendition of like a virgin. And this performance was just one breathtaking experience live…. I love that even HER show is never only about her.And she kept doing this with all of her tours as u ladies also probably have realized by now ❤❤
"This is why I love her Tours so much ..always introducing different cultures and musical styles to the pop audience." Completely agree with you! You always feel like you're being taken to different places and times during her shows. Sending lots of love your way! ❤️❤️
Sadly, I couldn't go see this live. It was my final year in high school, and M has never performed in South Africa. To this day this is the tour I wished I saw live. I also had to sit out of Reinvention tour. It would be until 2019 that I would make enough money to fly out to see her (more on that when the time comes in your reactions). This really was her most artistic vision she ever manifested on a tour. I'm so glad you ladies love it ❤.
she was still heavy into Kaballah at this time and when the track list of Confessions On A Dancefloor was released many rabbais called for the album to be banned in israel because they thought the song they hadn't heard was either about Issac/Isarel the son of Abraham the father of thr Jewish people or the famous rabbai from the 1600s Isaac Luria. but she said she chose the name of the song for Yitzhak Sinwani one of the rabbais at the Kaballah Center and joined her on the tour. the shofar blowing live was overwhelming. this song is about how religon can be used to control and seperate us. while Reshma Gajjar is dancing in the burka she is trapped by religion or trapped by the misinterpertations of religion by clerics. when she throws of the burka she frees herself and can join the rest of us.
This was a beautiful performance. His voice is amazing they both sound perfect together. Love when he comes back for Paradise. Curious about your headphones. What kind are they and did you intentionally pick the color to match your hair? I think that’s cool. Also, thanks again for doing each performance! Really enjoying it.
Aww, thank you so much! ❤️❤️ "Curious about your headphones. What kind are they and did you intentionally pick the color to match your hair?" They're the Bose Quiet Comfort headphones (And we didn't actually think about hair color when we bought them - Guess it worked out though! 😂). Big hugs to you! ❤️
Bonsoir! Confessions tour is pure art, pure dance... and a masterpiece. I have nothing to say more than you did... you are completly in her world, i share all your words. Next we'll dance on sorry!!! By the way, where is ypur disco ball 😂😂😂 With all my hugs. Take care. With kindness.... Me the little frenchy boy
Background: A pulsating rhythm is present in the song "Isaac", which is regarded as the only song close to a ballad on the album. However, the song was criticised heavily by a group of Israeli rabbis who commented that Madonna was committing a blasphemy with their religion. They said that the song was about sixteenth century Kabbalah scholar Yitzhak Luria. In reality, the song was named after the featured vocalist Yitzhak Sinwani, who sang portions of the Yemenite Hebrew poem Im Nin'alu in the track. Initially Madonna toyed with the idea of calling the song as "Fear of Flying" since the idea behind the composition was to let go. However, at the end she decided to just call it "Isaac" after the English version of Sinwani's name.
Hi Perry. It is actually a Hebrew poem by a Yemenite 17th century Rabbi named Shalom Shabazi. If it sounds familiar, it is perhaps because the song was made famous in the 80s by Israeli singer Ofra Haza. The verse which Isaac sings translates to “even if the gates of the rich are closed, the gates of heaven will never be closed.”
@@khaledalomar3145 Thanks so much for the info, I appreciate it. That's right, I remember it being in the song, and the funny thing is I was talking about Ofra Haza yesterday, but I didn't connect the dots. Thanks again, Sir.
This performance literally took my breath away when I saw it in Chicago. Soul encompassing. The lyric "remember, remember, never forget, all of your life has all been a test" has always resonated with me. Her versatility amazes me, and she always picks the most interesting people to work with. Yitzhak Sinwani's voice just soars. Simply beautiful. Sofia Boutella's solo performance is amazing too. She has gone on to become a big Hollywood actress.
Saw it in Chicago as well. What a great time to be a fan.
"This performance literally took my breath away when I saw it in Chicago. Soul encompassing."
What a great description! This one gave us such chills (just watching on video). So we can only imagine how it felt in person. That horn, those voices.
"Sofia Boutella's solo performance is amazing too. She has gone on to become a big Hollywood actress."
What an incredibly talented person she is - That performance was just gorgeous!
Lots of love to you ❤️❤️
Madonna tackled some hard but relevant social-religious-geopolitical issues here in this powerful segment like no other pop music artist have done that still resonate today. In this number, she’s clearly raising awareness about the suppression of women’s rights and freedoms in authoritarian theocratic and patriarchal societies in places like Iran, Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia and the like. She feels a sisterhood and solidarity with their struggles to be liberated and free to realize their full potential in society. For Madonna, women empowerment has always been at the heart of her artistry and advocacy.
Some fascinating background here is that the song that Yitzhak Sinwani performed in Yemenite Hebrew is called “Im Nin’ Alu” based on a beautiful poem for those oppressed written by Shalem Shabazi, a 17th century Yemenite Jewish rabbi and poet. The poem was first recorded as a song in 1988 that was popularized by the late Israeli singer Ofra Haza (died 2000 age 42) who during her career was known as the “Madonna of the East” and also as the “Israeli Madonna”. Madonna and Sinwani were known to admire her artistry and this number was said to be their way of paying homage to Haza. The talented dancer in the cage wearing a burka-like robe is Algerian-born Sofia Boutella who at age 10 fled to Paris, France in 1992 with her family during the Algerian Civil War where she later in her teens pursued her artistic interest in dance. She eventually moved to Boston, MA where she completed school. She eventually joined Madonna during this 2005 Confessions era and also for the 2008 Sticky&Sweet tour. She later became a model and film actress. Regarding the significance of the falcon in this number, during the Q&A segment of Madonna’s 2003 Music era appearance in MTV’s On Stage And On the Record in NYC, a fan from the audience asked her what kind of animal she’d like to be, and without hesitation she said: “I’d be a falcon..”. I think for Madonna, the falcon’s abilities to fly high, with speed, with its sharp vision, its fierceness and focus in pursuing its prey, is a metaphor for her character qualities and tenacity in pursuit of her artistic goals. In this number, the falcon symbolized freedom…a metaphor for Madonna who is the iconic image of a liberating free spirit.
Really appreciate your deep insight and wonderful reactions to this tour. Thank you.❤😊
What an amazing background. Thanks for sharing.
Aww, thank you so much! ❤️❤️
"Some fascinating background here is that the song that Yitzhak Sinwani performed in Yemenite Hebrew is called “Im Nin’ Alu” based on a beautiful poem for those oppressed written by Shalem Shabazi, a 17th century Yemenite Jewish rabbi and poet. The poem was first recorded as a song in 1988 that was popularized by the late Israeli singer Ofra Haza (died 2000 age 42) who during her career was known as the “Madonna of the East” and also as the “Israeli Madonna”. Madonna and Sinwani were known to admire her artistry and this number was said to be their way of paying homage to Haza.
Incredible background info - Thank you so much for sharing it with us. We'll have to look up Ofra Haza and listen to her music (and what a shame that she passed away at such an early age).
"The talented dancer in the cage wearing a burka-like robe is Algerian-born Sofia Boutella who at age 10 fled to Paris, France in 1992 with her family during the Algerian Civil War where she later in her teens pursued her artistic interest in dance. She eventually moved to Boston, MA where she completed school. She eventually joined Madonna during this 2005 Confessions era and also for the 2008 Sticky&Sweet tour. She later became a model and film actress."
What an amazingly talented person! Her performance here is just mesmerizing.
Thank you again for everything you share with us (and everything you bring to this community - We're eternally grateful for your insights and information).
Much love to you! ❤️❤️
Wow Wow Wow. What an incredibly powerful and beautiful performance. It’s stuff like this that makes Madonna one of the most amazing and gifted artists of our time. Her work and messages are timeless and in light of current political events, still personally relevant right now. No matter how you are being oppressed, there is a freedom inside you that they can’t take from you and so important to hold onto. I got so emotional watching that and listening to your analysis. Left me feeling empowered. That’s why we love and need Madonna and you two of course ❤ P.S. we need to build that Time Machine.
I always loved this song on the album and the performance brought it to another level with such a strong message. Still so amazing to see this after all these years! Can't believe I was in there.
What a wonderful memory that must be! And yes, the live performance definitely brought this to a whole other level. Biggest hugs to you! ❤️❤️
Amazing performance. One of her best ❤❤❤ loved your reaction 🥰
Aww, thank you so much! ❤️❤️ Big hugs!
Sensational!!!!! The artistry….wow!!!! 🎉
❤️❤️
I agree that this performance and this song is a spiritual experience, very well said!
Aww, thank you so much! ❤️❤️
This is one of my favorite performances from this tour! Thanks for posting!
✌🏻🙂✌🏻
Thank you being here with us! ❤️❤️
Wish I could’ve seen the first reaction of your first time watching this tour!
Hopefully for the next tour we will be able to see the full tour reaction in one take!
You guys are the best! ❤
Aww thank you so much - you're very sweet! Big hugs to you! ❤️❤️
Nobody puts on a show like Madonna! Period! She’s a true performer; her tours are a visual interpretation of her music and they take you on a journey! Powerful!
Completely agree! Big hugs to you! ❤️❤️
Her live performances and the way they are filmed are next level in both entertainment and beauty. I cannot wait to see The Celebration Tour filmed professionally.
We can't wait either! ❤️❤️
This performance is a perfect example of what is the Madonna essence. Nothing new in my humble opinion, perfectly executed, because the “coming together “ “fighting for freedom “ , … is what she’s been serving since she began performing.
Thank you ladies for your videos.
Love from Barcelona!
❤️🙏
Aww thank you so much! Big hugs and lots of love to you in Barcelona! ❤️❤️
Seriously the sound of that horn live at this concert literally sent chills down my spine it was like something very spiritual and heavenly that drenched my every being ❤🔥
We feel exactly the same! What an experience! ❤️❤️
First 🎉
For the very first time!
This was a spectacular performance. I remember when I saw this live, at first, there was a silence across the crowd. People weren’t sure what they were seeing. He has such a beautiful voice, and alongside Madonna was perfection.
This is very consistent with Madonna’s messages of freedom and female empowerment. And the freed bird is also a consistent image. Really well done!!
I am glad your one per day reactions are working out. I can’t imagine how busy you are replying to all these comments! I noticed how you are keeping up. Ty for all your efforts. Also, I hear Mr Kitty!!! Meow 🐈
See you tomorrow!
Have a wonderful day!
🪩 💕
1st the worst, 2nd THE BEST hehehe I'm second.
@@PerryCJamesUK. 😆 😉
Yay first!! Congratulations! 🎉🎉
"I remember when I saw this live, at first, there was a silence across the crowd. People weren’t sure what they were seeing."
Can't even imagine - Must've been such an experience to see this in person.
"I am glad your one per day reactions are working out. I can’t imagine how busy you are replying to all these comments! I noticed how you are keeping up. Ty for all your efforts. Also, I hear Mr Kitty!!! Meow 🐈"
Aww, thank you (and yes, a certain little kitty says hello! 🐈⬛)! Have a great day - Biggest hugs to you ❤️❤️
@PerryCJamesUK 😂😂
So, did you like it girls? The performance wasn't even about Madonna herself, but about art and sensitivity. CT is not an ordinary tour, for me it is an artistic act in the name of art. I REALLY wanted to see your faces in the first reaction, you must have had your mouths open the whole show, right? huge kisses from BRAZIL
"CT is not an ordinary tour, for me it is an artistic act in the name of art."
What a great way to describe it! ❤️❤️
"I REALLY wanted to see your faces in the first reaction, you must have had your mouths open the whole show, right?"
That's a very accurate description. 😂😂
Big hugs to you! ❤️😘
This is why I love her Tours so much ..always introducing different cultures and musical styles to the pop audience. I was 15 when Vogue came out and the blond ambition tour same year with the oriental rendition of like a virgin. And this performance was just one breathtaking experience live…. I love that even HER show is never only about her.And she kept doing this with all of her tours as u ladies also probably have realized by now ❤❤
"This is why I love her Tours so much ..always introducing different cultures and musical styles to the pop audience."
Completely agree with you! You always feel like you're being taken to different places and times during her shows.
Sending lots of love your way! ❤️❤️
Sadly, I couldn't go see this live. It was my final year in high school, and M has never performed in South Africa. To this day this is the tour I wished I saw live. I also had to sit out of Reinvention tour. It would be until 2019 that I would make enough money to fly out to see her (more on that when the time comes in your reactions).
This really was her most artistic vision she ever manifested on a tour. I'm so glad you ladies love it ❤.
If we ever create that time machine, we'll all go together and see this one in person!
Sending lots of love and big hugs your way ❤️❤️
she was still heavy into Kaballah at this time and when the track list of Confessions On A Dancefloor was released many rabbais called for the album to be banned in israel because they thought the song they hadn't heard was either about Issac/Isarel the son of Abraham the father of thr Jewish people or the famous rabbai from the 1600s Isaac Luria. but she said she chose the name of the song for Yitzhak Sinwani one of the rabbais at the Kaballah Center and joined her on the tour. the shofar blowing live was overwhelming. this song is about how religon can be used to control and seperate us. while Reshma Gajjar is dancing in the burka she is trapped by religion or trapped by the misinterpertations of religion by clerics. when she throws of the burka she frees herself and can join the rest of us.
This was a beautiful performance. His voice is amazing they both sound perfect together. Love when he comes back for Paradise.
Curious about your headphones. What kind are they and did you intentionally pick the color to match your hair? I think that’s cool. Also, thanks again for doing each performance! Really enjoying it.
Aww, thank you so much! ❤️❤️
"Curious about your headphones. What kind are they and did you intentionally pick the color to match your hair?"
They're the Bose Quiet Comfort headphones (And we didn't actually think about hair color when we bought them - Guess it worked out though! 😂).
Big hugs to you! ❤️
This is art 🎭❤
❤️❤️
Kabalahdonna 😂
😂😂
Bonsoir!
Confessions tour is pure art, pure dance... and a masterpiece. I have nothing to say more than you did... you are completly in her world, i share all your words.
Next we'll dance on sorry!!! By the way, where is ypur disco ball 😂😂😂
With all my hugs. Take care. With kindness.... Me the little frenchy boy
Bonsoir!
Yes - Lots of dancing ahead! And you're right, we need to bring out the disco ball again. 😂😂🪩
Biggest hugs and lots of love to you! ❤️❤️
I love your interpretation of this performance. I had never thought of it his way but it makes perfect sense! It’s great to hear your pov on it 😊
Aww thank you so much! That's very kind of you to say. Lots of love to you! ❤️❤️
❤🤩❤🤩❤
❤️❤️
Background:
A pulsating rhythm is present in the song "Isaac", which is regarded as the only song close to a ballad on the album. However, the song was criticised heavily by a group of Israeli rabbis who commented that Madonna was committing a blasphemy with their religion. They said that the song was about sixteenth century Kabbalah scholar Yitzhak Luria. In reality, the song was named after the featured vocalist Yitzhak Sinwani, who sang portions of the Yemenite Hebrew poem Im Nin'alu in the track. Initially Madonna toyed with the idea of calling the song as "Fear of Flying" since the idea behind the composition was to let go. However, at the end she decided to just call it "Isaac" after the English version of Sinwani's name.
Isaac is also the name of one of the patriarchs of the Bible, more specifically of the Old Testament and the Jewish Torah.
Thank you so much for bringing that up - Great point! ❤️❤️
The Song Im Nin Alu is from Ofra Haza.....RIP Ofra....
Please listen to Ofra....her voice is amazing....
Thank you for sharing that with us - We'll definitely look up her music. ❤️❤️
One of my favorite songs from the album.
❤️❤️
HELLO, LITTLE CURIOSITY IN RECENT YEARS THE DANCER WHO WAS PRESENT IN THIS VIDEO HAS BECOME ONE OF THE MOST POPULAR ACTRESSES OF THE MOMENT
Yes! It's wild to see just how incredibly talented she is! Big hugs! ❤️❤️
next paradise? also with isaac
❤️❤️
My 7 or 8 year old self had no idea what Issac was saying and what was going on
It was a Hebrew poem.
Aren't the middle eastern "bits" taken from the ancient Easter prayers? I think I heard that before.
Hi Perry. It is actually a Hebrew poem by a Yemenite 17th century Rabbi named Shalom Shabazi. If it sounds familiar, it is perhaps because the song was made famous in the 80s by Israeli singer Ofra Haza. The verse which Isaac sings translates to “even if the gates of the rich are closed, the gates of heaven will never be closed.”
@@khaledalomar3145 Thanks so much for the info, I appreciate it. That's right, I remember it being in the song, and the funny thing is I was talking about Ofra Haza yesterday, but I didn't connect the dots. Thanks again, Sir.
@khaledalomar3145 Thank you for sharing that info with all of us! ❤️❤️ Such a beautiful verse (and a powerful message).