Lady Gaga has praised Madonna for being the role model "us girls need".
The 'Perfect Illusion' hitmaker gushed about the 58-year-old singer as
she reflected on Madonna's Billboard Woman of the Year acceptance
speech, which was broadcast on television on Monday evening (12.12.16).
She wrote on the microblogging site: "@Madonna your speech at the
Billboard Music Awards was inspiring. You're so brave & strong.
Thanks for being that for us girls we need that. (sic)"
In the speech, Madonna spoke of the challenges she faced as a women in
the music industry and opened up about being a victim of abuse,
bullying, and sexism in her career.
She said: "I stand before you as a doormat. Oh, I mean, as a female
entertainer.
Thank you for acknowledging my ability to continue my
career for 34 years in the face of blatant sexism and misogyny and
constant bullying and relentless abuse.
"If you're a girl, you have to play the game. You're allowed to be
pretty and cute and sexy. But don't act too smart. Don't have an opinion
that's out of line with the status quo. You are allowed to be
objectified by men and dress like a slut, but don't own your sluttiness.
And do not, I repeat do not, share your own sexual fantasies with the
world. Be what men want you to be, but more importantly, be what women
feel comfortable with you being around other men. And finally, do not
age. Because to age is a sin.
"I think the most controversial thing I have ever done is to stick
around. Michael is gone. Tupac is gone. Prince is gone. Whitney is gone.
Amy Winehouse is gone. David Bowie is gone. But I'm still standing. I'm
one of the lucky ones and every day I count my blessings."