Watch Madonna’s Sultry Cover of Britney Spears’ ‘Toxic’ at Art Basel
Madonna covered Britney Spears‘ “Toxic,” taunted Donald Trump, twerked with Ariana Grande and reunited with ex-husband Sean Penn during an event Friday at Miami’s Art Basel that raised $7.5 million for the singer’s Raising Malawi charity.
Billed as a “Night of Art, Mischief & Music,” the Tears of a Clown event, which streamed live on Facebook, featured a unique Madonna performance as well as an auction of personal items to help raise funds for Malawi’s first Pediatric Surgery & Intensive Care Unit.
Among the items receiving the biggest bids were three Herb Ritts-shot photos from Madonna and Penn’s 1985 wedding, which drew a top bid of $230,000. Other items included a costume from a Madonna tour (modeled Friday night by Grande) and artwork from Madonna’s personal collection, including a print by artist Tracey Emin that sold for $550,000.
During Madonna’s seductive, slowed-down rendition of “Toxic,” she mocked Donald Trump, singing the lyrics “You know that you’re toxic” with an image of the President-elect projected behind her.
At one point, Madonna revealed that she once had a photo session in Trump’s bed – the mogul was not there at the time – and that his sheets were substandard. “They won’t be Egyptian cotton because we all know how he feels about Muslims don’t we,” Madonna joked, the Hollywood Reporter writes.
In addition to “Toxic,” Madonna also performed her own hits including “Beautiful Stranger” for the first time in 15 years, as well as rarities like American Life’s “Easy Ride,” “American Life” and “I’m So Stupid” and Confessions on a Dance Floor’s “Like It or Not.”
Madonna also danced to “Music” alongside Grande.
Other notable auction items included a private David Blaine performance and a weeklong stay at Palm Springs, California home, which drew a top bid of $140,000. Both Blaine and DiCaprio were in attendance for Madonna’s show, as well as Dave Chappelle, Courtney Love, Chris Rock and James Corden, who emceed the performance.
Last Night. Was an overwhelming and resounding success!! Im am so grateful to so many people! ????@RaisingMalawi pic.twitter.com/ik45ZJaALm
— Madonna (@Madonna) December 3, 2016