#1: Express Yourself from The Girlie Show 1993

It’s here. It’s finally here—my favorite Madonna-concert performance! The stadium lights circle around, the first of many cues to whip the audience into an anticipatory frenzy. With Victor Bailey’s bouncy synth-bass lines and Paul Pesco’s guitar scratch, the musical style is set: ‘70s Disco. As the camera crane captures the sea of Aussies, a camera on the stadium floor captures the perfect moment when the huge red curtain rises to reveal the silvery Disco palace.

“G’day, Australia!” shouts Madonna—the frenzy has reached its peak. Donning a huge blond Afro, she straddles a gigantic mirror ball as it’s lowered from the rig down to the stage floor. This introductory section also finds Niki Haris and Donna De Lory, donning Afros/Afro-Puffs, singing the iconic ‘70s Disco chant. 

Madonna to audience: “Are you ready? I said, are you ready? Well, we’ll see about that!”

Madonna to Niki and Donna: “C’mon, girls!”

Niki to Madonna: “What, mama?!”

Madonna: “Do you believe in love?”

Niki to Madonna: “Oh, yes, we do!”
Madonna: “Cause I got somethin’ to say about it!”

Niki to Madonna: “Say it, girl!”

Madonna: “And it goes…”

All (in harmony): “Somethin’ like this!"

As Madonna slides off the mirror ball, Omar Hakim slams the drums. She sings the classic first lyric, almost an order: “Don’t go for second best, baby.” The trio then turns out some funky Soul Train-inspired dance moves. Madonna fist pumps her right arm in the air at: “What you need is a big strong hand to/lift you to your higher ground.” How can one not feel a shot of confidence and encouragement during this move?

The exchange between the trio sets the attitude for the performance, which is filled with soulful camaraderie between women, encouraging one another (and I would argue gay men as well) to not settle when it comes to partnering up, and to take the lead when it comes to finding love and happiness. "…if the time isn’t right, then move on (get a move on)… you’ll do much better, baby, on your own.” (Note Madonna and Niki's amazing two-part harmony here.)

The trio continues to move across the entire stage and down the runway, all while interjecting little bits of dialogue that further establish the bond. In the bridge: “And when you’re gone/he might regret it (‘cause you know they always do… every time).” Even as Madonna navigates her climb back up the stairs, you can see the thought and the timing that went into this performance. So, here it is: the best from the best female entertainer ever. BSo

Note: Give the clip about 45 seconds; the dancer interlude is just finishing up.