InstagramMadonna and her son David took to the streets of Paris on Wednesday to deliver an impromptu performance, which included a cover of John Lennon's "Imagine," to honor the victims of the Nov. 13 terrorist attacks in the city.
ISIS gunmen and suicide bombers had killed 130 people in the assaults, which took place in several locations, including a concert hall, across the French capital. At a concert in Sweden that took place just after the attacks, Madonna broke down crying as she honored the victims and their families with a passionate speech about violence and world peace.
The 57-year-old Queen of Pop and her son, 10, one of her four children, both sported furry hooded jackets as they performed in Paris' Place de la République in the chilly cold with guitarist Monte Pittman. They were accompanied by several passersby who sang along. In addition to "Imagine," the group sang the singer's 1989 hit "Like a Prayer" and "Ghosttown," from her new album Rebel Heart. Madonna was seen wiping away tears and hugging her son during the gig.
Several videos of Madonna's impromptu performance were posted on Instagram by fans as well as by her manager, Guy Oseary.
"Everybody knows why we're here. We just want to sing a few songs about peace, just to spread love and joy and to pay our honor and respect to the people who died almost four weeks ago," she told the crowd, according to The Guardian. "And to spread light...we all need it."
Madonna is on a world tour promoting her Rebel Heart album and had also performed a scheduled concert at the AccorHotels Arena earlier on Wednesday. Madonna will take the stage for a second show on Thursday.
"Im singing some songs in place de la republique. Meet me there now #Paris . #rightnow #aftershow #rebelheartour," she had said on Instagram.
"Tonight was magic!! Thank You Paris," Madonna later wrote.