Madonna achieves first video to reach 1 billion views, surprising fans

Madonna, known for her groundbreaking music videos, recently achieved a major milestone on YouTube with one of her iconic hits. Surprisingly, it’s not one of her most famous videos that has reached 1 billion views, but rather the visual for her 1987 single “La Isla Bonita” from the ‘True Blue’ album.

When we think of Madonna’s music videos, classics like “Like a Prayer,” “Vogue,” “Material Girl,” “Like a Virgin,” and “Papa Don’t Preach” come to mind. However, it’s the charming and captivating video for “La Isla Bonita” that has garnered the coveted billion-view mark. This song marked Madonna’s 11th top-five single on the Billboard Hot 100, showcasing her versatility.

In the video, Madonna takes on two distinct personas: a woman longing for the titular island while observing a street performer and a flirtatious flamenco dancer. Filmed in Los Angeles, the video even features a cameo from a young Benicio del Toro, who was paid a modest $150 for his role as a teenager sitting on a car hood.

What’s striking is that Madonna continues to perform “La Isla Bonita” on her tours, including her most recent Celebration Tour that concluded in 2024. Interestingly, the song’s instrumental track was originally intended for Michael Jackson, but after he and producer Quincy Jones declined it, Madonna seized the opportunity, adding her unique touch to the lyrics.

While Madonna has created numerous iconic videos, it’s the unexpected success of “La Isla Bonita” that showcases her enduring appeal and creativity. This achievement is a testament to Madonna’s ability to captivate audiences across generations with her timeless music and visuals.