Madonna used a special screening of Confessions II – The Film in New York to voice her frustration over how smartphones have changed live performance culture.

On Friday night, June 5, the Queen of Pop appeared for a Q&A session alongside directing duo TORSO (David Toro and Solomon Chase) at the Beacon Theatre on Manhattan’s Upper West Side, followed by the event.

The conversation was moderated by Anderson Cooper, who stepped in for Jimmy Fallon due to a scheduling conflict.

While discussing the project and her creative process, the conversation shifted toward audience behaviour in the digital age. Cooper noted that all phones in the theatre had been secured in Yondr pouches, preventing recording during the event. 

Madonna reflected on how modern audiences feel compelled to document everything they experience.

“I came to this earth to be a doer, not a watcher,” she said, adding that constant recording has changed how people engage with real-life moments.

She also pointed to her recent Coachella performance with Sabrina Carpenter as an example, describing how performing to a crowd holding up phones instead of faces felt “jarring,” despite enjoying the show itself. 

Madonna said she views dancing and live music as a “deep tribal experience” meant to create connection between people.

However, she added that this connection is often lost in the presence of screens, with audiences more focused on capturing the moment than living it.

When asked if she had a final message for fans, Madonna delivered a direct appeal: “Put your f***ing phones down and connect.”