Future (song)
{{About|the Madonna and Quavo song|other songs of the same name|Future (disambiguation)}}
{{good article}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=May 2025}}
{{Infobox song
| name = Future
| cover = Madonna & Quavo - Future.png
| alt = Red colored close-up of a woman's face; she's wearing an eyepatch with the letter X. The words FUTURE and MADONNA + QUAVO are written in capital letters in the lower part of the image.
| type = promo
| album = Madame X
| released = {{Start date|2019|05|17}}
| recorded =
| genre =
| length = {{Duration|m=3|s=53}}
| label = Interscope
| writer = * Madonna
| producer = * Madonna
- Diplo
}}
"Future" is a song by American singer-songwriter Madonna and American rapper Quavo, from her fourteenth studio album Madame X (2019). The track was written by Madonna, Diplo, Quavo and Starrah, and was produced by the former two. "Future" was released as the second promotional single from the album on May 17, 2019, by Interscope Records. Musically it was described as a roots reggae and hip hop song, while lyrically it deals about looking to what is ahead, celebrating the present and also contemplating the past.
"Future" received positive to mixed reviews from music critics; some deemed it catchy while others felt it was not memorable enough. The track also had a moderate commercial reception, reaching the top 30 in Hungary and peaking at number 50 in Scotland. Madonna performed the song during the 2019 Eurovision Song Contest finale, causing controversy as it featured two dancers with Palestinian and Israeli flags on their costumes; this was seen as a political statement for the Israeli–Palestinian conflict. Later, the singer included "Future" on her 2019−20 Madame X Tour.
Background and composition
In 2017, Madonna relocated to Lisbon, Portugal seeking a top football academy for her son David, who wanted to become a professional association football player.{{cite magazine |last1=Smirke |first1=Richard |title=Madonna Talks Giving 'Zero You-Know-Whats' on New 'Madame X' Album at London 'Medellin' Video Premiere |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/8508668/madonna-medellin-video-premiere-london-inside-interview-madame-x |magazine=Billboard |access-date=May 22, 2020 |date=April 24, 2019 |archive-date=April 25, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190425060614/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/8508668/madonna-medellin-video-premiere-london-inside-interview-madame-x |url-status=live }} While living in the city, she began meeting artists, painters and musicians, who would invite her to "living room sessions". In these sessions, they would bring food, sit around the table and musicians would start playing instruments, singing fado and samba music. Finding herself "connected through music", the singer decided to create an album; "I found my tribe [in Lisbon] and a magical world of incredible musicians that reinforced my belief that music across the world is truly all connected and is the soul of the universe".{{cite web |last1=D'Zurilla |first1=Christie |title='Medellín' introduces Madame X, Madonna's new global pop persona |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/la-et-ms-madonna-medellin-new-song-madame-x-20190417-story.html |work=Chicago Tribune |access-date=May 22, 2020 |date=April 17, 2019 |archive-date=June 14, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200614221828/https://www.chicagotribune.com/la-et-ms-madonna-medellin-new-song-madame-x-20190417-story.html |url-status=live }} On April 15, 2019, Madonna revealed Madame X as the album's title. For the album, she worked with longtime collaborator Mirwais, who had previously worked on her albums Music (2000), American Life (2003) and Confessions on a Dance Floor (2005), as well as Mike Dean, who was a producer on Rebel Heart (2015), and Diplo.{{cite web |last1=Polk |first1=Milan |title=Everything We Know About Madonna's New Album Madame X |url=https://www.vulture.com/2019/04/everything-we-know-about-madonnas-new-album-madame-x.html |work=New York |access-date=May 22, 2020 |date=April 22, 2019 |archive-date=April 22, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190422231216/https://www.vulture.com/2019/04/everything-we-know-about-madonnas-new-album-madame-x.html |url-status=live }}
"Future" was written by Madonna alongside Diplo, Quavo and Starrah, and was produced by the former two.{{cite AV media notes|others=Madonna|title=Madame X|year=2019|type=Liner notes|publisher=Interscope Records|id=B0030140-42}} It has been described as a roots reggae,{{cite web|last1=Beaumont-Thomas|first1=Ben|title=Madonna: Madame X review – her most bizarre album ever|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2019/jun/04/madonna-madame-x-review-her-most-bizarre-album-ever|work=The Guardian|date=June 4, 2019|access-date=July 21, 2019|archive-date=June 4, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190604114234/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2019/jun/04/madonna-madame-x-review-her-most-bizarre-album-ever|url-status=live}} hip hop,{{cite web|last1=Juzwiak|first1=Rich|title=Madonna: Madame X Album Review|url=https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/madonna-madame-x/|website=Pitchfork|date=June 18, 2019|access-date=July 22, 2019|archive-date=June 18, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190618080747/https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/madonna-madame-x/|url-status=live}} and electro-ragga{{cite web |last1=Cinquemani |first1=Sal |title=Review: Madonna's Madame X Is a Fearless, Eccentric Musical Memoir |url=https://www.slantmagazine.com/music/review-madonna-madame-x-is-a-fearless-eccentric-musical-memoir/ |website=Slant Magazine |access-date=July 21, 2020 |date=June 12, 2019 |archive-date=May 13, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200513210310/https://www.slantmagazine.com/music/review-madonna-madame-x-is-a-fearless-eccentric-musical-memoir/ |url-status=live }} song, heavily influenced by dancehall.{{cite web|last1=Wass|first1=Mike|url=https://www.idolator.com/7777017/madonna-future-quavo-review?chrome=1|title=Madonna Taps Quavo For Dancehall-Tinged "Future"|publisher=Idolator|date=May 17, 2019|access-date=July 22, 2019|archive-date=September 23, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220923070253/https://www.idolator.com/7777017/madonna-future-quavo-review?chrome=1|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last=Hunter-Tiley|first=Ludovic|url=https://www.ft.com/content/7ebeddda-8c51-11e9-a1c1-51bf8f989972|title=Madonna turns 'secret agent' with a Latin accent on 'Madame X'|date=June 12, 2019|access-date=May 22, 2020|work=Financial Times|archive-date=June 21, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200621105939/https://www.ft.com/content/7ebeddda-8c51-11e9-a1c1-51bf8f989972|url-status=live}}{{cite magazine|last=Greenblatt|first=Leah|url=https://ew.com/music/2019/06/06/madonna-madame-x-review/|title=Madonna has a lot to say on the Latin pop-influenced Madame X: EW review|date=June 6, 2019|access-date=May 22, 2020|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|archive-date=June 5, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200605110806/https://ew.com/music/2019/06/06/madonna-madame-x-review/|url-status=live}} Lyrically, according to the singer, it is about "the world that we live in today and the future of our civilization".{{cite web|url=https://www.madonna.com/news/title/madonna--quavo--future|title=Madonna + Quavo = "Future"|date=May 17, 2019|access-date=May 22, 2020|publisher=Madonna|archive-date=May 22, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200522014655/https://www.madonna.com/news/title/madonna--quavo--future|url-status=live}} It begins with Madonna singing "You ain't woke" with vocals heavily worked by Auto-Tune, and a "slight, perhaps unconscious but audible white-person" Jamaican accent. During the chorus, she sings: "Not everyone can come into the future/Not everyone that’s here is gonna last", in a "hopeful" tone about shedding any recent negativity. Then, Quavo raps while reflecting on his current status and looking forward to what is to come: "My life is gold/I drip in ice/I see the signs/Just free your mind/Welcome to the future, it's a culture ride".{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/madonna-quavo-future-song-listen-836542/|title=Madonna and Quavo Welcome the 'Future' in New Song|magazine=Rolling Stone|date=May 18, 2019|access-date=May 18, 2019|last=Legaspi|first=Althea|archive-date=June 7, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190607121112/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/madonna-quavo-future-song-listen-836542/|url-status=live}} The song includes a lyrical nod to Madonna's 2000 single "Don't Tell Me", with the line "Don't tell me to stop/'cause you said so".{{cite web |last1=Tabberer |first1=Jaime |title=Madonna, Madame X track-by-track review: 'Intriguing Gaga-esque weirdness' |url=https://www.gaystarnews.com/article/madonna-madame-x-track-by-track-review-intriguing-gaga-esque-weirdness/ |work=Gay Star News |access-date=May 22, 2020 |date=June 13, 2019 |archive-date=July 30, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190730064712/https://www.gaystarnews.com/article/madonna-madame-x-track-by-track-review-intriguing-gaga-esque-weirdness/ |url-status=live }} "Future" was released as the second promotional single from Madame X on May 17, 2019.
Reception
"Future" received positive to mixed reviews from music critics. Asian News International noted that Madonna and Quavo's voices "blend together perfectly", while also commented that "with its catchy lyrics and upbeat tune, ["Future"] is sure to make way into playlists".{{cite web|url=https://www.aninews.in/news/entertainment/music/madonna-drops-new-song-future20190517214238/|title=Madonna drops new song 'Future'|date=May 17, 2019|access-date=May 22, 2020|publisher=Asian News International|archive-date=September 19, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200919093125/https://www.aninews.in/news/entertainment/music/madonna-drops-new-song-future20190517214238/|url-status=live}} The Irish Times{{'}} Louise Bruton called "Future" a "sun-kissed call for progress".{{cite news|last1=Bruton|first1=Louise|title=Madonna: Madame X review – Big, ballsy and more than a bit bizarre|url=https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/music/madonna-madame-x-review-big-ballsy-and-more-than-a-bit-bizarre-1.3920630|newspaper=The Irish Times|access-date=May 22, 2020|date=June 10, 2019|archive-date=June 10, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190610113512/https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/music/madonna-madame-x-review-big-ballsy-and-more-than-a-bit-bizarre-1.3920630|url-status=live}} Trey Alston from MTV was positive, calling it a "surprising, ecstatic new record", and praised the "surprisingly funky" collaboration between Madonna and Quavo.{{cite web|last=Alston|first=Trey|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/3124618/madonna-quavo-future-song/|title=Madonna And Quavo Sing About An Unpromised Existence On 'Future'|date=May 17, 2020|access-date=May 23, 2020|publisher=MTV|archive-date=May 21, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200521232815/http://www.mtv.com/news/3124618/madonna-quavo-future-song/|url-status=dead}} Nick Smith from MusicOMH complimented the song as being "dark and trippy", also pointing out "Diplo's fingerprints all over it".{{cite web|url=https://www.musicomh.com/reviews/albums/madonna-madame-x|title=Madonna – Madame X|first=Nick|last=Smith|publisher=MusicOMH|date=June 12, 2019|access-date=May 22, 2019|archive-date=June 13, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190613022140/https://www.musicomh.com/reviews/albums/madonna-madame-x|url-status=live}} Paul Nolan from Hot Press was also positive, deeming it an album standout.{{cite web|last=Nolan|first=Paul|title=Album Review: Madonna, Madame X|url=https://www.hotpress.com/music/album-review-madonna-madame-x-22781060|work=Hot Press|access-date=May 22, 2020|date=June 9, 2019|archive-date=June 14, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200614222304/https://www.hotpress.com/music/album-review-madonna-madame-x-22781060|url-status=live}} Ben Beaumont-Thomas from The Guardian commented that the track was "her go at pop's next big trend, roots reggae", calling it "catchy and full-bodied". However, he criticized Diplo for "shamelessly ripping off" the brass from Outkast's "SpottieOttieDopaliscious" (1998). Another positive review came from Gay Times{{'}}s Daniel Megarry, who said he had "grown to love it", and commented that its "reggae-tinged beats and optimistic lyrics" would help sell the track.{{cite web|last1=Megarry|first1=Daniel|title=We ranked every song on Madonna's new album Madame X|url=https://www.gaytimes.co.uk/culture/123810/we-ranked-every-song-on-madonnas-new-album-madame-x/|work=Gay Times|date=June 25, 2019|access-date=May 22, 2020|archive-date=February 20, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200220161100/https://www.gaytimes.co.uk/culture/123810/we-ranked-every-song-on-madonnas-new-album-madame-x/|url-status=live}}
Michael Arceneaux of NBC News considered Quavo's appearance as "surprising".{{cite web|last=Arceneaux|first=Michael|title=Madonna's new album, 'Madame X,' makes me wish she'd just focus on being her iconic self|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/think/opinion/madonna-s-new-album-madame-x-makes-me-wish-she-ncna1017796|work=NBC News|access-date=May 22, 2020|date=June 15, 2019|archive-date=September 17, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190917130514/https://www.nbcnews.com/think/opinion/madonna-s-new-album-madame-x-makes-me-wish-she-ncna1017796|url-status=live}} Alfred Soto from City Pages wrote that the track "unfurls as listeners might expect", and selected it as one of the "OK to pretty good songs" on Madame X.{{cite web|last=Soto|first=Alfred|title=Madonna's weird, well-traveled 'Madame X' is her bid to become the world's biggest cult artist|url=http://www.citypages.com/music/madonnas-weird-well-traveled-madame-x-is-her-bid-to-become-the-worlds-biggest-cult-artist/511376631|work=City Pages|access-date=May 22, 2020|date=June 17, 2019|archive-date=May 17, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200517074403/http://www.citypages.com/music/madonnas-weird-well-traveled-madame-x-is-her-bid-to-become-the-worlds-biggest-cult-artist/511376631|url-status=live}} Mike Wass from Idolator felt it was a deviation from Madonna's usual dance pop. Nonetheless, he praised its "important message". In a further review, Wass called it a "dancehall-lite collaboration [...] no less subtle in its messaging or execution", but criticized the singer's heavy use of autotune.{{cite web|last1=Wass|first1=Mike|title=Album Review: Madonna's 'Madame X' Pushes The Boundaries Of Pop|url=https://www.idolator.com/7803119/album-review-madonna-madame-x?chrome=1|publisher=Idolator|access-date=May 22, 2020|date=June 17, 2019|archive-date=October 1, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221001190326/https://www.idolator.com/7803119/album-review-madonna-madame-x?chrome=1|url-status=live}} Variety{{'}}s Jeremy Helligar criticized its lyrics for being "cliché" and said that they "go low when [Madonna] should be aiming higher".{{cite web |last1=Helligar |first1=Jeremy |title=Album Review: Madonna's 'Madame X' |url=https://variety.com/2019/music/news/madonna-madame-x-album-review-1203242374/ |work=Variety |access-date=May 22, 2020 |date=June 13, 2019 |archive-date=June 13, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190613191122/https://variety.com/2019/music/news/madonna-madame-x-album-review-1203242374/ |url-status=live }} Kitty Empire of The Observer criticized the lack of chemistry between Madonna and Quavo, an opinion that was shared by New York{{'}}s Craig Jenkins.{{cite web|last=Empire|first=Kitty|title=Madonna: Madame X review – a splendidly bizarre return to form|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2019/jun/08/madonna-madame-x-review-splendidly-bizarre-return-to-form|work=The Observer|access-date=May 22, 2020|date=June 8, 2019|archive-date=June 17, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190617164026/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2019/jun/08/madonna-madame-x-review-splendidly-bizarre-return-to-form|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last=Jenkins|first=Craig|title=Madonna Remains Our Most Unpredictable Pop Star|url=https://www.vulture.com/2019/06/madonna-madame-x-album-review.html|work=New York|access-date=May 22, 2020|date=June 19, 2019|archive-date=May 13, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200513135025/https://www.vulture.com/2019/06/madonna-madame-x-album-review.html|url-status=live}} On a more negative review, Rich Juzwiak from Pitchfork said that "[Madonna] warbles through Auto-Tune and adopts a contemporary hip-hop posture that ends up just sounding like a flat sort of honking out of her nose. It’s not so much that she’s riffing on hip-hop that’s the problem [...] it’s that she’s being smarmy as she does it". Nicholas Hautman from Us Weekly, dismissed "Future" as "forgettable" and one of Madame X{{'}}s "filler" tracks.{{cite web|last=Hautman|first=Nicholas|title=Madonna's New Album 'Madame X' Is 'Wonderfully Weird': Review|url=https://www.usmagazine.com/entertainment/news/madonna-madame-x-review-album-is-wonderfully-weird/|work=Us Weekly|access-date=May 22, 2020|date=June 14, 2019|archive-date=June 15, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190615125451/https://www.usmagazine.com/entertainment/news/madonna-madame-x-review-album-is-wonderfully-weird/|url-status=live}} On a similar note, Jonny Coleman from The Hollywood Reporter also deemed it forgettable and said it sounded like a "Rihanna leftover".{{cite web |last1=Coleman |first1=Johnny |title=Critic's Notebook: Madonna's Cringe-Worthy 'Madame X' |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/madonna-madame-x-album-review-1218535 |work=The Hollywood Reporter |access-date=11 May 2020 |date=June 14, 2019 |archive-date=7 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200207062556/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/madonna-madame-x-album-review-1218535 |url-status=live }}
"Future" debuted at number 40 on the foreign language songs chart in China,{{cite web|url=http://www.billboardchina.cn/top/radiocharts/2019-06-17.html|title=China Airplay Chart - 17/06/2019|work=Billboard China|language=zh|access-date=May 22, 2020|archive-date=2021-02-15|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210215190603/http://www.billboardchina.cn/top/radiocharts/2019-06-17.html|url-status=live}} later reaching its peak at number 20. On 24 May 2019, the track debuted at its peak of number 50 Scotland. Also in Hungary, "Future" peaked at number 30. The track peaked at numbers 16 and 33, on the French Digital and UK Download charts, respectively. It also reached number 20 on the Euro Digital Songs chart, compiled by Billboard.
Live performances
File:Madonna playing piano and singing on Madame X Tour (cropped).png (2019–2020)]]
On April 9, 2019, it was announced by local promoters Live Nation Israel that Madonna would perform at the Eurovision Song Contest 2019 finale, stating she would "perform two songs, including a new song from her upcoming album".{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-47864171|title=Madonna 'to play two songs' at Eurovision|last=Savage|first=Mark|date=April 9, 2019|access-date=November 5, 2019|work=BBC News|archive-date=May 18, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190518211252/https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-47864171|url-status=live}} However, on May 14, Eurovision's executive supervisor Jon Ola said they hadn't confirmed the singer's appearance as there was no "signed contract".{{cite web|last=Savage|first=Mark|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-48265290|title=Madonna Eurovision performance in doubt|date=May 14, 2019|access-date=May 22, 2020|work=BBC News|archive-date=November 8, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108000901/https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-48265290|url-status=live}} The appearance was officially confirmed two days before the finale.{{Cite web|url=https://eurovision.tv/story/madonna-performs-new-single-future-with-quavo-eurovision-2019|title=Madonna to perform new single 'Future' with Quavo at Eurovision 2019|date=May 16, 2019|access-date=May 22, 2020|publisher=Eurovision|archive-date=May 16, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190516181333/https://eurovision.tv/story/madonna-performs-new-single-future-with-quavo-eurovision-2019|url-status=live}} Madonna performed "Future", along with her 1989 single "Like a Prayer", during the event, held on Tel Aviv on May 18.{{cite magazine |title=Madonna's Eurovision Performance of 'Like a Prayer' & 'Future' Ended With a Call for Israel-Palestine Peace |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/8512092/madonna-eurovision-performance-like-a-prayer-future-israel-palestine |magazine=Billboard |access-date=23 May 2020 |date=May 18, 2019 |archive-date=16 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190616052414/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/8512092/madonna-eurovision-performance-like-a-prayer-future-israel-palestine |url-status=live }} For the performance, Madonna was joined by Quavo and wore a black cape and eyepatch with the letter X while several dancers, who wore gas masks, fell to the ground.{{cite magazine |last1=Nolfi |first1=Joey |title=Madonna shocks Eurovision with Israeli, Palestinian flags during performance |url=https://ew.com/music/2019/05/18/madonna-eurovision-performance-israeli-palestinian-flag/ |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |access-date=23 May 2020 |date=May 18, 2019 |archive-date=5 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200605111115/https://ew.com/music/2019/05/18/madonna-eurovision-performance-israeli-palestinian-flag/ |url-status=live }} Halfway through, Madonna sang a fragment of her song "Dark Ballet". Also featured on the performance, were two dancers with Palestinian and Israeli flags on their backs holding each other.{{cite magazine|last=Kaplan|first=Ilana|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/madonna-quavo-future-eurovision-controversy-837263/|title=Watch Madonna and Quavo Perform 'Future' in Controversial Eurovision Set|date=May 19, 2019|access-date=May 22, 2020|magazine=Rolling Stone|archive-date=June 21, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190621200637/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/madonna-quavo-future-eurovision-controversy-837263/|url-status=live}} It ended with the phrase "Wake Up" being projected on a black screen, before Madonna fell backwards off the stage, hand-in-hand with Quavo.{{cite web |last1=Freedman Chaviva |first1=Adriana |title=Madonna Displays Palestinian And Israeli Flags At Eurovision, Sparking Controversy |url=https://forward.com/schmooze/424611/madonna-eurovision-controversy-palestinian-israeli-flags-performance/ |website=The Forward |access-date=23 May 2020 |date=May 20, 2019 |archive-date=12 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200812160812/https://forward.com/schmooze/424611/madonna-eurovision-controversy-palestinian-israeli-flags-performance/ |url-status=live }}
The performance caused controversy, as it was seen as a political statement for the Israeli–Palestinian conflict.{{cite web |last1=Beaumont-Thomas |first1=Ben |title=Madonna makes call for Israel-Palestine unity at Eurovision |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2019/may/18/madonna-makes-call-for-israel-palestine-unity-at-eurovision |website=The Guardian |access-date=23 May 2020 |date=May 18, 2019 |archive-date=19 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190519005957/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2019/may/18/madonna-makes-call-for-israel-palestine-unity-at-eurovision |url-status=live }} Eurovision organizers said that part of the performance was not an approved part of the act; the European Broadcasting Union released a statement saying Eurovision was a non-political event and that Madonna had been made aware.{{cite web |title=Madonna sparks flag controversy at 'non-political' Eurovision |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/05/madonna-sparks-flag-controversy-political-eurovision-190519073236872.html |publisher=Al Jazeera |access-date=23 May 2020 |date=May 19, 2019 |archive-date=12 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200812011349/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/05/madonna-sparks-flag-controversy-political-eurovision-190519073236872.html |url-status=live }} The Palestinian Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel (PACBI), along with other artists such as Roger Waters and Brian Eno, had previously called for a boycott of the Eurovision Song Contest in support of Palestine, and even urged Madonna not to perform.{{cite web |last1=Eno |first1=Brian |author-link1=Brian Eno |title=Israel must not be allowed to use Eurovision as a propaganda tool |url=https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2019/feb/18/israel-eurovision-propaganda-oppression-palestinians |work=The Guardian |access-date=23 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200102203638/https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2019/feb/18/israel-eurovision-propaganda-oppression-palestinians |archive-date=January 2, 2020 |date=February 18, 2019}}{{cite web |last1=Waters |first1=Roger |author-link1=Roger Waters |title=If you believe in human rights, Madonna, don't play Tel Aviv |url=https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2019/apr/17/madonna-human-rights-tel-aviv-israel-palestine |work=The Guardian |date=17 April 2019 |access-date=7 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190417222105/https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2019/apr/17/madonna-human-rights-tel-aviv-israel-palestine |archive-date=April 17, 2019}} Madonna said that she was never going to "stop playing music to suit someone’s political agenda", to which the PACBI responded; "artwashing Israel’s brutal oppression of Palestinians for a million dollars must be among the most immoral political agendas".{{cite web |last1=Sarjeant |first1=Jill |title=Madonna, on Eurovision, says she won't bow 'to suit someone's political agenda' |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-music-eurovision-madonna/madonna-on-eurovision-says-she-wont-bow-to-suit-someones-political-agenda-idUSKCN1SK0NS |publisher=Reuters |access-date=23 May 2020 |date=May 14, 2019 |archive-date=21 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200321035532/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-music-eurovision-madonna/madonna-on-eurovision-says-she-wont-bow-to-suit-someones-political-agenda-idUSKCN1SK0NS |url-status=live }}{{Cite web|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/music/2019/05/19/madonna-sparks-eurovision-controversy-flag-display/3732772002/|title=Madonna sparks controversy at 'non-political' Eurovision with her flag display|last=Henderson|first=Cydney|website=USA Today|date=May 19, 2019|access-date=November 5, 2019|archive-date=July 2, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190702193108/https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/music/2019/05/19/madonna-sparks-eurovision-controversy-flag-display/3732772002/|url-status=live}} Later, the Kan Israel Broadcasting Corporation sued Live Nation over the performance, claiming the singer's representatives had violated the terms of their agreement and "reneged on financial promises".{{Cite web|url=https://variety.com/2019/music/news/madonna-sued-live-nation-eurovision-song-contest-tel-aviv-1203334838/|title=Live Nation Sued Over Madonna's Performance at Eurovision Song Contest|last=Spiro|first=Amy|date=September 13, 2019|website=Variety|access-date=November 5, 2019|archive-date=November 5, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191105044515/https://variety.com/2019/music/news/madonna-sued-live-nation-eurovision-song-contest-tel-aviv-1203334838/|url-status=live}} CNN's Holly Thomas expressed that Madonna "didn't do or say much besides create an obtuse spectacle against the backdrop of a frankly terrible song" and "offered her audience no meaningful education of the conflict she alluded to".{{cite web |last1=Thomas |first1=Holly |title=Madonna's controversial Eurovision performance missed the mark |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2019/05/20/opinions/madonna-eurovision-performance-thomas/index.html |publisher=CNN |access-date=23 May 2020 |date=May 20, 2019 |archive-date=4 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210304115908/https://edition.cnn.com/2019/05/20/opinions/madonna-eurovision-performance-thomas/index.html |url-status=live }} In addition to the controversy, the singer was criticized for her vocal performance; Netherlands announcer Emma Wortelboer quipped she was “thankful for Madonna’s autotune” during the results segment of the competition.{{cite web |last1=O'Connor |first1=Roisin |title=Madonna uploads Eurovision video performance with 'edited' vocals |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/news/madonna-eurovision-performance-2019-video-watch-edited-fans-a8923181.html |work=The Independent |access-date=22 May 2019 |date=May 21, 2019 |archive-date=14 June 2022 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220614/https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/news/madonna-eurovision-performance-2019-video-watch-edited-fans-a8923181.html |url-status=live }} One day later, a video of the performance was uploaded to the singer's official YouTube account, this time her vocals were edited.
Madonna included "Future" in the setlist for her 2019−20 Madame X Tour.{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-live-reviews/madonna-madame-x-tour-sheffield-887601/|title=Why Madonna's Madame X Tour Is the Gloriously Insane Mess of Your Dreams|last=Sheffield|first=Rob|date=September 20, 2019|magazine=Rolling Stone|access-date=November 5, 2019|archive-date=January 15, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210115080021/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-live-reviews/madonna-madame-x-tour-sheffield-887601/|url-status=live}} She played the piano, flanked by a pair of "robotic but sinuous" dancers with red lights on their eyes, while images of "urban and environmental destruction" and the word "warning" were projected on the video screen.{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/09/18/arts/music/madame-x-madonna.html|title=Madonna Is Still Taking Chances|first=Jon|last=Pareles|author-link=Jon Pareles|work=The New York Times|date=September 18, 2019|access-date=May 22, 2020|archive-date=September 23, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190923131632/https://www.nytimes.com/2019/09/18/arts/music/madame-x-madonna.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|first=Kate|last=Hutchinson|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/reviews/madonna-madame-x-tour-london-palladium-review-injury-a9309416.html|title=Madonna review, London Palladium: An eyeball-twisting audiovisual assault with more action than a Marvel movie|date=January 30, 2020|access-date=May 22, 2020|work=The Independent|archive-date=March 1, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200301114334/https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/reviews/madonna-madame-x-tour-london-palladium-review-injury-a9309416.html|url-status=live}} Paper{{'}}s Bradley Stern described the performance as "a more muted piano piece", compared to the "medieval-meets-post-apocalyptic moment on Eurovision".{{cite web|first=Bradley|last=Stern|url=https://www.papermag.com/madonna-madame-x-tour-2640455216.html|title=Madonna X-periments With 'The Madame X Tour'|date=September 20, 2019|access-date=May 22, 2020|work=Paper|archive-date=December 6, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191206190509/https://www.papermag.com/madonna-madame-x-tour-2640455216.html|url-status=live}} The performance was included on the live album Madame X: Music from the Theater Xperience.
Credits and personnel
Charts
Release history
| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" |
| scope="col"|Country
! scope="col"|Date ! scope="col"|Format(s) ! scope="col"|Label ! scope="col" class="unsortable"| {{Abbr|Ref.|References}} |
|---|
| scope="row"| Various
| {{start date|2019|5|18}} | {{hlist|Digital download|streaming}} |
| scope="row"| Russia
| {{Start date|2019|5|21}} | style="text-align:center;"|{{Cite web|url=https://tophit.ru/en/tracks/95870/|title=Madonna feat. Quavo - Future(listen to the song, watch the music video)|publisher=Tophit|access-date=May 9, 2021|archive-date=October 1, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221001190324/https://tophit.ru/en/tracks/95870/|url-status=live}} |
References
{{reflist}}
External links
- {{YouTube|VhY9J6yYSgU| "Madonna, Quavo - Future" (Audio)}}
{{Madonna songs}}
{{Quavo}}
{{authority control}}
Category:American reggae songs
Category:Songs written by Madonna
Category:Songs written by Diplo
Category:Songs written by Starrah
Category:Songs written by Quavo
Category:Song recordings produced by Diplo