YOUR FAVORITE LOGO TV SHOWS ARE ON PARAMOUNT+

Madonna Rang In 2019 With a Surprise Gig at New York’s Stonewall Inn

"I stand here proudly at the place where Pride began..."

Some people ring in New Year's on the couch, some in Times Square—but last night a lucky few welcomed 2019 in with the Queen of Pop.

Madonna made a surprise appearance at New York's iconic Stonewall Inn where she gave a rousing speech about the LGBTQ movement that was birthed 50 years ago at the West Village bar.

"I stand here proudly at the place where Pride began, the legendary Stonewall Inn, on the birth of a new year. We come together tonight to celebrate 50 years of revolution, 50 years of freedom fighting, 50 years of blood, sweat, and tears, can I get an amen," she told the crowd at Stonewall's intimate upstairs bar. "50 years of sacrifice, 50 years of standing up to discrimination, hatred, and worst of all indifference. And it all started here, at Stonewall. Let us never forget the Stonewall riots and those who bravely stood up and said: 'Enough!' Enough brutality, enough violence inflicted of this community. Enough stigmatism, enough oppression, enough pain and suffering."

As if her heartfelt speech wasn't enough, Madonna performed acoustic versions of "Can't Help Falling in Love" by Elvis Presley, and her classic, "Like A Prayer," with her son, David, joining her onstage to play guitar.

According to Boy Culture's Matthew Rettenmund—who was at last night's event—"In-between songs, Madonna was teasing the audience about not singing along or emoting, so everyone lost their shit and howled for her, which she appreciated." Then after her two songs, Madonna left Stonewall to continue her New Year's festivities.

This appearance, and recently being named a Stonewall ambassador, adds fuel to the rumors that the "Hung Up" singer will be playing a major role in this summer's World Pride, which is being held in New York to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall riots.

Latest News