Industry

Madonna Urges Fans: "Put Your F–king Phones Down and Connect" at "Confessions II" Premiere

During a Q&A after the "Confessions II – The Film" premiere at Manhattan's Beacon Theater, Madonna spoke out about technology detracting from the concert experience, asking fans to be present.

Variety Music·Jun 6, 2026·via Variety Music

Madonna Urges Fans: "Put Your F–king Phones Down and Connect" at "Confessions II" Premiere

- Home - Music - News

Jun 6, 2026 5:02am PT

Madonna On Technology Ruining the Concert Experience: ‘Put Your F–king Phones Down and Connect’

By Karla Cote

Plus Icon

Karla Cote

Latest

- The Beach Boys Celebrate ‘Pet Sounds’ 60th Anniversary With New Merch, Including Special-Edition Vinyl 4 days ago

- M&M Releases ‘Love Island’-Themed Candy, Printed With Lines ‘Bombshell Arrives,’ ‘Got a Text’ and More 1 week ago

- ‘Fourth Wing’ Author Rebecca Yarros Announces New Romance Novel ‘Peculiar Stars’ 2 weeks ago

See All

- - - - - -

- - - - - - -

On Friday night, Madonna and a dedicated legion of her fans descended upon the iconic Beacon Theater on Manhattan’s Upper West Side for the premiere of “Confessions II – The Film.” The screening was followed by a Q&A with the queen of pop herself, alongside directing duo TORSO, otherwise known as David Toro and Solomon Chase.

Moderated by Anderson Cooper (who stepped in to replace Jimmy Fallon at the last minute due to a scheduling conflict), the conversation between the quartet touched on everything from the film itself to the creative process on set, before landing on Madonna’s fame and how it — and she — have evolved. Cooper used the topic of time to segue into audience evolution, noting that every single phone in the crowd had been locked away in a Yondr pouch, not to be accessed until after the event had ended. Madonna explained that everyone has a newfound and “persistent need” to document everything, and that it’s changed the way we live. While she acknowledges that’s just the way things are now, her personal sentiment hasn’t changed: “I came to this earth to be a doer, not a watcher.”