Madonna At The Golden Globes - Source: Getty — La Isla Bonita’s influence on later hits like Luis Fonsi’s Despacito and Lady Gaga’s Alejandro is frequently cited in music analyses. (Image via Getty)

When did Madonna release ‘La Isla Bonita’? Song becomes the pop icon’s first video to surpass 1 billion views on YouTube

Modified Apr 19, 2025 16:17 GMT

La Isla Bonita, released on February 25, 1987, as the fifth single from Madonna’s True Blue album, has become her first music video to surpass one billion views on YouTube. The milestone, achieved in April 2025, underscores the enduring appeal of the Latin-inspired track. It blends flamenco guitar, maracas, and Spanish lyrics.

Originally, it was offered to Michael Jackson as an instrumental demo. Madonna and co-writer Patrick Leonard reworked the song into a tribute to Latin American culture. Its music video features Madonna in dual roles as a Catholic woman and a flamenco dancer. It sparked debates about cultural representation that persist today.

The video’s recent YouTube milestone reflects decades of global popularity. Upon release, La Isla Bonita was topping charts in over 15 countries, including the UK, France, and Canada. It also peaked at No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100. It became Madonna’s second No. 1 on the Adult Contemporary chart and earned gold certifications in multiple markets.

Critics were praising its “breezy charm” and Latin rhythms, though some questioned its portrayal of Hispanic imagery. It's been performed on eight of Madonna’s tours, including her 2023–2024 Celebration Tour. La Isla Bonita’s YouTube achievement coincides with its inclusion in Madonna’s Celebration (2009) and The Immaculate Collection (1990) compilations.

The filming of the video took place in Los Angeles with over 500 Hispanic extras, initially breaking records as MTV’s most-requested clip for 20 consecutive weeks. Its resurgence on digital platforms highlights renewed interest in Madonna’s 1980s work, particularly among younger audiences discovering her genre-blending catalog.

How La Isla Bonita became a streaming-era phenomenon

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La Isla Bonita’s path to one billion views spans nearly four decades. The song initially began to gain traction through heavy MTV rotation, with its vivid visuals of street dancers and candlelit altars leaving a lasting imprint. Madonna’s restrained “Catholic” persona with her fiery flamenco alter ego in the music video drew both praise and criticism, fueling discussions about cultural appropriation.

Despite mixed reviews, the theatrics of the video and Madonna’s embrace of Latin aesthetics helped it gain global popularity, particularly in Europe, where it dominated 1987 airwaves. YouTube’s algorithm has since amplified the track’s reach. Fan uploads, reaction videos, and covers by emerging artists have introduced La Isla Bonita to Gen Z audiences.

The song’s inclusion in TikTok trends, often paired with vintage fashion clips or travel montages, has further driven streams. Notably, the video’s 2019 HD remastering improved its visibility. Meanwhile, Madonna’s 2023 tour performances reignited interest. The track’s lyrical ambiguity, centered on the fictional island of San Pedro, has also fueled its longevity.

Debates over the island’s real-world counterpart (Belize’s San Pedro Town claims the title) and its blend of Spanish and English lyrics keep the song relevant in online forums. Additionally, La Isla Bonita’s influence on later hits like Luis Fonsi’s Despacito and Lady Gaga’s Alejandro is frequently cited in music analyses.

Madonna’s strategic use of YouTube, including archival uploads and behind-the-scenes content, has bolstered engagement. The platform’s global accessibility also aligns with the song’s cross-cultural themes, making La Isla Bonita a staple in playlists celebrating Latin pop’s evolution.

About the author

Covering all about Korean entertainment, food trends and pop culture at Sportskeeda, Anila Ghufran is an established writer with over 7+ years of experience in the field. Holding a Master’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communication, she discovered her passion for content creation during her studies.

Anila’s writing journey began at Elite Technologies, where she worked on a diverse range of content, including entertainment articles for IIFA, academic pieces for Unacademy, news contributions for the Economic Times, and medical content for Apollo Hospitals. She has also collaborated with brands like IKEA, and Tanishq, and served as an Editor at Pepper Content.

Specializing in K-Pop and K-Drama, Anila leverages her appreciation for these cultures to resonate with readers worldwide. Her admiration for artists like BTS, Agust D, and SEVENTEEN inspires her to bring similar authenticity into her own work. She believes reporting on K-culture feels like being part of a global fan club where one can cross borders without a passport.

Anila is committed to presenting meticulously researched topics by utilizing reliable sources and maintaining an objective stance through her work. When not crafting her next article, she can be found doodling, immersed in K-drama marathons, or doting on her beloved cats.

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