Madonna Claps Back at Critics With a Strong Message: ‘You Won’t Break My Soul’

The singer introduced Sam Smith and Kim Petras before their performance of ‘Unholy’ at the 2023 Grammy Awards.

Madonna onstage during the 65th Grammy Awards.Kevin Mazur/Getty Images

After a close-up shot of Madonna introducing the performance of Sam Smith and Kim Petras at the Grammy Awards went viral, the “Material Girl” singer had to clap back against a plethora of rude comments.

In a fiery Instagram post, she said what an honor it was to introduce Smith and Petras—the latter of whom who made history on Feb. 5 as the first transgender woman to win a Grammy Award for Best Pop Group/Duo Performance—to the stage for their performance of “Unholy.”

“Instead of focusing on what I said in my speech which was about giving thanks for the fearlessness of artists like Sam and Kim- Many people chose to only talk about Close-up photos of me Taken with a long lens camera By a press photographer that Would distort anyone’s face,” she explained, calling out internet trolls. “Once again I am caught in the glare of ageism and misogyny that permeates the world we live in. A world that refuses to celebrate women past the age of 45 And feels the need to punish her if she continues to be strong willed, hard-working and adventurous.”

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Immediately after her introductory remarks, both Instagram and Twitter were flooded with comments calling Madonna “scary,” “unrecognizable” and “obsessed” with plastic surgery.

The 64-year-old added that she will never be someone to apologize for creative choices and will stay true to herself and the way she expresses herself. Most importantly, she will not let some photos and critics dim her light.

“You wont break my soul,” she wrote, quoting Beyoncé’s 2022 hit from her award-winning album, Renaissance.

“I have been degraded by the media since the beginning of my career but I understand that this is all a test and I am happy to do the trailblazing so that all the women behind me can have an easier time in the years to come,” Madonna continued in her caption.

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At the event, Madonna wore a black blazer dress and maxi skirt complete with a white collared shirt and tie underneath. Her hair was in braids that were folded and pinned up and two extra thin braids were left out at the front.

“I look forward to many more years of subversive behavior," she finished. "Pushing boundaries-Standing up to the patriarchy -and Most of all enjoying my life. Bow down b------! 💃🏼🪩🎤💄🎼👠.”

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