Madonna Slams Critics At Black Entertainment Television Over Prince Tribute

The Material Girl singer began her performance to her former flame, who died last month, with a touching rendition of his Nothing Compares 2 U, which became a huge global hit for Sinead O'Connor. Madonna, wearing a lavender suit and ruffled shirt like the ones Prince often performed in, was then joined by Stevie Wonder for a take on the tragic star's Purple Rain anthem.

Critics were quick to take a swipe at the 57-year-old, including a spokesperson for the U.S. cable network, who posted a video on Twitter.com promoting the BET Awards in June and writing, 'Yeah we saw that. Don't worry. We got you.'

The remarks, which have since been deleted, were posted immediately after Madonna's performance at the Billboard Music Awards on 22 May.

Now the pop superstar has fired a sly shot at BET executives in an old photo posted to Instagram.com, in which she is pictured wearing a floral motorcycle jacket and matching hat, posing alongside singer Marilyn.

'Wearing the jacket Prince gave me back in the day without permission from BET lol! God Bless America.'

The singer previously defended herself the morning after she hit the Billboard stage, writing, '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.'

From: ww.contactmusic.com

Wearing the jacket Prince gave me back in the day without permission from BET. 😂. lol! God Bless America. 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/Ucb0peEfqJ

— Madonna (@Madonna) 29 May 2016

Madonna responds to critics of her Prince tribute

Madonna is dismissing critics of her tribute to Prince at the Billboard Music Awards with style.

A day after her performance of 'Nothing Compares 2 U' and duet with Stevie Wonder on 'Purple Rain,' the pop singer took to social media Monday and posted a picture of herself in a purple boa with a flower in her teeth.

She wrote that 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.' She later posed a video of her dancing with a caption that indicated the criticism didn't bother her.

The decision to have Madonna honor Prince sparked criticism online and sparked a Change.org petition in the days before the awards show, with some asking that other musicians more closely aligned to Prince be involved as well. Madonna and Prince collaborated on "Love Song" from Madonna's 1989 album, 'Like a Prayer.'

Madonna's performance on Sunday was met by a flurry of tweets complaining about her version of 'Nothing Compares 2 U.' Some were underwhelmed, others found it inappropriate.

BET responded to Madonna's performance on Twitter by advertising its upcoming Prince tribute during their awards show next month, adding the caption 'Yeah, we saw that. Don't worry. We got you.'

But Roots drummer Questlove, who introduced Madonna's performance, defended her on Twitter, pleading for fans to 'not get ugly' wondering what Prince would approve of.

From Associated Press Via Yahoo! News

Anyone who wants to do a tribute to Prince is welcome to. Whatever your age Gender or skin...https://t.co/1alm1YYtZM pic.twitter.com/0uhiOKopYW

— Madonna (@Madonna) 23 May 2016

Video: Full Madonna Billboard Awards Prince Tribute

Madonna's Instagram: #luckiestgirlintheworld

Madonna posted three pictures from her night paying tribute to Prince at the Billboard Music Awards on her Instagram account:

An Epic Moment for Me to sing in honor of Prince with Stevie Wonder☔️💜☔️💜🙏🏻. #luckiestgirlintheworld'

'Such an Amaaaaaaaaaazing Moment for Me! Thanks to all who made it happen!!! 💜☔️🙏🏻.'

'His Purple Heart was there in spirit. Long may He Reign! 💜☔️👑'

Madonna, Kesha, Dion rule the stage at emotional Billboard Awards

Madonna paid tribute to Prince, Kesha earned a standing ovation for her stirring rendition of 'It Ain't Me, Babe' honoring Bob Dylan, and Celine Dion dedicated her Icon award to her late husband at Sunday night's emotion-packed Billboard Music Awards.

The three-hour live telecast from Las Vegas stuck to its tradition of a performance-heavy annual show featuring top recording stars in spectacular production numbers.

Britney Spears kicked things off, dazzling in a daring red outfit for a medley of her hits.

Canadian singer The Weeknd dedicated the first award to Prince, the Grammy-winning pop superstar best known for such hits as 'Purple Rain' and 'Let's Go Crazy,' who died at his Minnesota home in April aged 57.

'I want to dedicate this award to the late great Prince,' The Weeknd (real name Abel Tesfaye), said in accepting the Top Hot 100 Artist award.

Madonna ended the show with a Prince tribute that included 'Nothing Compares 2 U,' before she was joined by Stevie Wonder for 'Purple Rain' as the audience rose to its feet, arms gently swaying above their heads and singing along.

From Reuters Via Yahoo! News

Video clip of Madonna and Stevie Wonder Prince tribute

Watch: Stevie Wonder and @Madonna pay tribute to Prince at the #BBMAs https://t.co/VIlBnzZkWp https://t.co/S1wHpqvmw9

— Hollywood Reporter (@THR) 23 May 2016

Madonna, Stevie Wonder pay homage to Prince at Billboard

Madonna paid homage to Prince by wearing his signature color and bringing another icon - Stevie Wonder - onstage to sing the classic 'Purple Rain' at Sunday's Billboard Music Awards.

Sitting atop a purple throne, Madonna kicked off the tribute with a version of 'Nothing Compares 2 U,' which Prince wrote and Sinead O'Connor recorded. She as teary-eyed as she sang the song, videos and photos of Prince projected behind her.

Wonder, in a purple scarf, later joined her for 'Purple Rain' as the audience at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas sang along.

'Most of all, thank you Prince Rogers Nelson for all that you've given us,' Madonna said after the performance.

Prince died on April 21 at age 57. The icons collaborated on 'Love Song' in 1989 and Madonna was met with criticism online when Billboard announced she would be the one to pay homage to The Purple One. Some felt she should not do the tribute alone, and others said a black artist should be involved.

'All of us live in the land of music and his departure was an earthquake,' Roots drummer Ahmir "Questlove" Thompson said before the performance. 'I just want to take a moment to remember the great Prince Rogers Nelson.'

From Associated Press Via Yahoo! News

In Loving Memory of .... 💘👑✝

In Loving Memory of ................💘👑✝ pic.twitter.com/RaMXOC9FBU

— Madonna (@Madonna) 22 May 2016

Madonna Asked Questlove to Write Prince Tribute

Madonna is set to perform in honor of Prince at the Billboard Music Awards tonight (May 22), and she has a little extra in store.

Billboard has learned that the Material Girl asked Questlove to share a few words about Prince.

And The Roots drummer has prepared a tribute to the late icon that will lead into Madonna's performance at the ceremony.

Prince unexpectedly passed away April 21 at the age of 57. Other details on Madonna's tribute remain a closely guarded secret.

The Billboard Music Awards air May 22 on ABC.

From Billboard.com

Billboard Music Awards Sneak Peek

Artists planning to wear eyeliner to the 24th annual Billboard Music Awards on May 22 are best advised to invest in a tear-proof brand. 'The show is going to be filled with a lot of emotion,' says Mark Bracco, an executive producer of the telecast, which, for the first time, will air live coast to coast from the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, beginning at 8 p.m. ET.

In addition to the choked sobs that often accompany an acceptance speech - award finalists are based on album and digital song sales, radio airplay, streaming, touring and social engagement measured by Billboard and its data partners - this year's BBMAs will include performances by Justin Bieber, Shawn Mendes, Fifth Harmony with Ty Dolla Sign, Troye Sivan, Meghan Trainor, Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani, Nick Jonas featuring Tove Lo, Rihanna and Demi Lovato, as well as the debut of Adele's music video for 'Send My Love (To Your New Lover)' and special showcases featuring Britney Spears, Pink, Celine Dion and Madonna, designed to evoke thrills, tears or both.

Madonna Celebrates Prince: After the death of Prince in April, the BBMA producers began discussing a tribute to the multitalented artist, which led to conversations with Madonna's team. Although the details of Madge's performance are under wraps, Bracco says it will be 'intimate.' 'She has been very involved in how it will be presented,' he says. 'It will be one of the emotional highlights of the show.'

From Billboard.com

Billboard producer defends choosing Madonna to honor Prince

The executive producer of Sunday's Billboard Music Awards is defending the decision to have Madonna pay homage to Prince, which has been met with some criticism online and sparked a Change.org petition.

'Listen, I think everybody is entitled to their opinion and everyone can have their own opinion, but I will say that we are honored and could not be more excited for Madonna to be on the show and to pay tribute to someone that was her friend and her peer and her colleague,' Mark Bracco said in an interview with The Associated Press on Tuesday. 'I think it's going to be fantastic.'

Madonna and Prince collaborated on 'Love Song' from Madonna's 1989 album, 'Like a Prayer.' Bracco didn't say what song Madonna would perform, but said her tribute would be 'really beautiful.'

'It's going to be very, very intimate and very respectful, and I think it's something that is really going to pay tribute to Prince as the incredible, groundbreaking artist that he was and the influence that he had on music,' he said.

After the initial announcement earlier this month, a Change.org petition was launched. Bracco said that after Prince died on April 21, the show's producers brainstormed ways to honor his legacy. And then Madonna's folks called.

'Honestly her team gave a call and inquired about what we might be thinking about and it led to many conversations about what would she want to do and how would we want to shape it creatively,' he said. 'And after everyone (got) comfortable with exactly what the direction was, we all collectively wanted to go into Madonna, that she would do this and she has been very, very involved in how this will all unfold creatively.'

The Billboard Awards will air live at 8 p.m. EDT on ABC from the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

From Associated Press Via Yahoo! News

Madonna to pay tribute to Prince at awards

Madonna will pay tribute to Prince with a live performance at the 2016 Billboard Music Awards later this month.

Specific details about the Material Girl's performance have not been disclosed.

However, the 57-year-old's homage promises to be one of the highlights of the May 22 event.

Prince died suddenly on April 21 at the age of 57.

The Kiss star performed at the 2013 Billboard Music Awards where he was also presented with the ICON Award.

One of the premier events in the US music calendar, the Billboard Music Awards already boasts a line-up that includes Britney Spears and Justin Bieber.

Alongside them, Fifth Harmony, The Go-Go's, Demi Lovato, Shawn Mendes and Pink are among the artists taking to the stage at the TMobile Arena in Las Vegas.

From Press Association Via Yahoo! News

Madonna's Instagram: Mother's Day with Madonna

Madonna celebrated Mother's Day in the US on her Instagram page today, sharing a picture of her Mother and one of herself:

'Respect and Honor to this Amazing Creature....Happy Mother's Day! 💘💘💘💘 Bitch She's Madonna'

'So Much to Deal With When You're A Mother!! 🏃🏃🏃🏃🏃🏃🏃🏃💘'

UK Press: Madonna's Political Met Ball Dress

UK newspapers the Evening Standard and Metro both reported on Madonna's statement about her choice of dress for the Met Ball Gala:

When A drunk person accidentally steps on your thumb!

When A drunk person accidentally steps on your thumb! 🍾😁🔫 pic.twitter.com/1GWULjrGuP

— Madonna (@Madonna) 5 May 2016

Arianne Phillips: 'I cannot stand by and be silent'

Madonna's stylist and longtime collaborator Arianne Phillips has added her thoughts to the critics of Madonna's Met Ball outfit:

ON MY SOAPBOX....@madonna and @riccardotisci17 together created her met look. I wasn't part of it, however I cannot stand by and be silent. Regardless of what people's opinions are of her choice it is offensive and disturbing that women are chastised for being what society considers 'age appropriate', you don't see the kind of negative and horrible 'age appropriate' comments about the way men dress! It is unheard of we hold women to a different standard.

I support @Madonna in her choices to express herself in her art and who she is. She is a fierce leader, she has made a career based on making fearless bold choices. Young artists today owe a great debt to her trailblazing on many fronts.

I hardly ever comment on posts however I cannot stand by without voicing my support and appreciation for who Madonna is as a woman and artist. 👊🏼

Nothing compares to Prince in Madonna's latest tribute

Its been 7 hours and 13 days since you took your love away...all the flowers you planted died when you went away...👑 pic.twitter.com/AP4JELupfc

— Madonna (@Madonna) 4 May 2016

Madonna hits back at Met Ball critics

Madonna hit back at all the negativity in the media about her Met Ball outfit in this Instagram post:

'We have fought and continue to fight for civil rights and gay rights around the world. When it comes to Women's rights we are still in the dark ages. My dress at the Met Ball was a political statement as well as a fashion statement. The fact that people actually believe a woman is not allowed to express her sexuality and be adventurous past a certain age is proof that we still live in an age-ist and sexist society. I have never thought in a limited way and I'm not going to start. We cannot effect change unless we are willing to take risks By being fearless and By taking the road less travelled by. That's how we change history. If you have a problem with the way I dress it is simply a reflection of your prejudice. I'm not afraid to pave the way for all the girls behind me‼️ As Nina Simone once said, the definition of freedom is being fearless. I remain Unapologetic and a Rebel ❤️ in this life and all the others. Join my fight for Gender. Equality! 🙏'

UK Press: Metro on Madonna at the Met Ball

Madonna (champagne bottle in hand) and Riccardo Tisci are pictured in the Metro newspaper at the Met Ball Gala earlier this week.

Unapologetic fun💃at the Met Ball

Madonna took advantage of the video booth at the Met Gala in New York City, filming this clip and sharing it online later.

Strike A Pose There's Nothing to it...VOGUE! let your body move to the music. Met Ball Gala.2016. Unapologetic fun💃🏻https://t.co/jjji4Z3Mkk

— Madonna (@Madonna) 3 May 2016

Madonna Admits It's 'Hard to Pee' In Her Met Gala Outfit

Madonna is going to do the 2016 Met Gala her way! As soon as the red carpet veteran arrived to tonight's star-studded event, fans couldn't help but admire the singer's outfit from the front.

From the knee-high boots, matching nail polish and jewelry headpiece, there were plenty of elements to oooh and ahhh over.

But as soon as she turned around, that's when people really started talking.

While wearing a black ensemble by Riccardo Tisci, Madonna couldn't help but show off her backside while posing for the camera.

If you thought the Grammy winner was afraid to walk in her revealing outfit, you don't know Madonna.

'No, I wasn't nervous,' the singer shared on Live! From the Red Carpet when looking back on her first Met Gala back in 1997. She did admit, however, that this year's look has made it 'hard to pee.'

With this year marking her sixth time at the fashionable event, what could the veteran be looking forward to this time around? 'The bread sticks,' she shared with E! News' Zuri Hall.

We warned you, Madonna does it her way!

From E! Online

Madonna at the 2016 #MetBall

Madonna attended the Met Ball Gala in New York City on Monday night, and she shared these pictures on her Instagram account from the event.

'Lol..............Met Ball

'3 Queens! 👑👑👑. Met Ball 2016!'

'Hey lets all wear black! 😎 Met Ball 2016!'

'Technology one step at a time!....Met Ball! 🎉🎉🎉🎉🏃🏃🏃🏃😁'

'About last night....follow the light!'

About last night............,follow the light! 💙 pic.twitter.com/A6tVuz9CTK

— Madonna (@Madonna) 30 April 2016