'I'm still standing!' Madonna says she's one of the only living musical legends left as she slams 'blatant sexism' in music industry 

By 'dailymail.com Reporter

Published: 13:23 EST, 10 December 2016 | Updated: 03:02 EST, 11 December 2016

She was awarded Woman of the Year at the Billboard music event on Friday.

And during her eye-opening acceptance speech, Madonna had a few choice words in regards to the 'blatant sexism,' 'misogyny,' and 'constant bullying' she has faced in the music industry during her three-decade-long career.

The 58-year-old superstar went on to remark that her career has persevered - while so many of the great pop icons, like Michael Jackson, have passed away.

Powerful: Madonna, 58, gave a fiery speech about her career and the 'blatant sexism' she has faced during her three-decade-long career

The international star began her powerful speech by recalling the beginning of her career, including a heartbreaking story that she first revealed in 2013. She was held at gunpoint, raped, and robbed.

'I stand before you as a doormat. Oh, I mean, as a female entertainer,' Madonna began the speech, according to .

'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.' 

'I think the most controversial thing I have ever done is to stick around,' continued the Like a Prayer songstress. 

Still standing: 'I think the most controversial thing I have ever done is to stick around' the star remarked on being a woman in a male-driven industry 

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Madonna looked sensational at the Billboard Women in Music Awards in New York this week, shunning typical red carpet gowns in favour of a dapper Gucci trouser suit.

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'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.'  

The mother of four went on to condemn the expectations of females in Hollywood: 'If you're a girl...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.

'Do not age. Because to age is a sin. You will be criticized and vilified and definitely not played on the radio.'

Speaking of the double standard in the industry and how she was treated after her Erotica album, Madonna compared her experience to that of pop legend Prince. 

The greats: Speaking of the double standard in the industry and how she was treated after her Erotica album, Madonna compared her experience to that of pop legend Prince

'One headline compared me to Satan. I said, "Wait a minute, isn't Prince running around with fishnets and high heels and lipstick with his butt hanging out?" Yes, he was. But he was a man.' 

Throwing convention to the wind for the feminist-driven event, Madonna looked sharp in a Gucci trouser suit featuring gold tigers across the matching set. 

She wore her blonde hair long and wavy down her shoulders, showing off her dark roots starting to emerge from her head.

The Like a Virgin singer opted to focus on her eyes with a sweep of dark eye shadow, eyeliner and mascara, but finished off the look with a neutral matted lip. 

Winner: Madonna won the 2016 Woman of the Year award - the main award given at the annual Women in Music event put on by Billboard magazine

Madonna won the 2016 Woman of the Year award - the main award given at the annual Women in Music event put on by Billboard magazine. 

It is awarded to 'women in the music industry who have made significant contributions to the business and who, through their work and continued success, inspire generations of women to take on increasing responsibilities within the field,' according to the magazine. 

Last year's winner was Lady Gaga, who joined a long list of leading ladies such as Taylor Swift (who won twice), Pink, Katy Perry, Beyonce and Fergie.  

It suits her: The singer looked sharp in a Gucci trouser suit featuring gold tigers across the matching set

 

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