During the 2016 Billboard Music Awards, the show's creators decided to save arguably the biggest moment for last: Madonna's tribute to Prince. As a fellow musician and his friend, she was selected to remember the 57-year-old's life. Not only did she dress the part, but Madonna performed "Purple Rain" with Stevie Wonder, another longtime friend of Prince. Despite the emotional moment, not everyone was pleased. Across the Internet, commentary rolled in and it was far from positive. But on Instagram on Monday, Madonna responded to BBMAs backlash and shut down the haters in the best possible way. She wrote,
Anyone who wants to do a tribute to Prince is welcome to. Whatever your age Gender or skin Color. If you loved him and he inspired you then show it!!!! I love Prince 4 ever
As she points out, it doesn't matter who you are — if Prince's music touched your life, you're allowed to remember him however you see fit. For Madonna, this meant her performance at the BBMAs, which it sure seemed like she poured her heart into. Sure, it may not have measured up to every single person's expectations, but isn't that an impossible goal anyway? Obviously no one can perform Prince's music as well as the legend himself, and I don't think she was trying to. As the song she performed says, "Nothing Compares 2 U;" in other words, no one compares to Prince. Madonna's comments above are the perfect reminder of the whole point of her tribute: to celebrate Prince's life and how much he inspired her.
The "Vogue" singer also seemingly responded to criticism that she didn't incorporate dance moves into the BBMAs performance. Madonna posted the following video on Instagram, using lyrics from her song "Human Nature" in the caption. She wrote, "This is my 'I'm not your b*tch don't hang your sh*t on me' Dance."
I love that Madonna spoke out and stood up for herself. She shouldn't have to defend a performance that likely meant a lot to her, yet that's the way the Internet seems to work. In responding, she helped remind people that music and art come from the heart. Not everyone will understand, but she's staying true to herself. And isn't that what Prince's legacy is all about?
