During the 65th Grammy Awards ceremony on February 5, 2023, audiences were quick to notice that Madonna’s appearance seemed altered. The “Like a Virgin” singer presented the award for best pop duo/group performance to singers Sam Smith and Kim Petra for “Unholy.”
Fans took to Twitter to express their opinions, with one user commenting, “Madonna doesn’t even look like Madonna. Who was that? So awkward.” Madonna took to Instagram to respond to these critics. She wished people would have focused on the award she was presenting instead of her looks.
Madonna’s post first acknowledged why she was at the Grammys in the first place. “It was an honor for me to Introduce Kim Petras and Sam Smith at the Grammys. I wanted to give the last award which was Album of the year, but I thought it was more important that I present the first trans- woman performing at the Grammys— a History making moment!! And on top of that she won a Grammy!! ♥️,” Madonna began.
“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 went on.
Madonna is not taking any bull from anyone. She believes the undo attention on her looks is sexism, plain and simple.
“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. I have never apologized for any of the creative choices I have made nor the way that I look or dress and I’m not going to start,” she stated.
Madonna promised to continue to trail-blaze. She signed off, quoting another famous diva: “In the words of Beyonce ‘You-won’t break my soul.’”
