Entertainment

Madonna Doesn't Make Pop Music A Competition

by Rachel Semigran

Madonna has been lighting up social media in anticipation of her upcoming video for "Bitch I'm Madonna." The song features Nicki Minaj, and the video promises to be a truly royal affair. On Tuesday, Our Lady Madonna posted a "Bitch I'm Madonna" teaser poster that features Minaj, Beyoncé, Katy Perry, Rita Ora, and Miley Cyrus. Madonna recently made history by having her 45th No. 1 single on the Billboard charts with "Ghosttown," and she now has more No. 1 singles than any other artist. She surpassed George Strait, a country legend, to reach the top. That feat solidified her stance as the one and only Queen of Pop. Seriously, y'all, bow down.

Not only does Madge have more No. 1 singles than anyone else in the history of music, she has more than Bey and Rihanna combined. However, she's not here to take down her fellow performers; rather, she's joining forces with some of the biggest hit-makers in the world for her upcoming single.

What's more intriguing about it, is in a way, Madonna is sort of turning her own name into an adjective — a way of describing these women who look directly at you from the poster. By saying, "Bitch I'm Madonna," they're all saying, "I'm on top." And it's not in a competitive way, either; it's more of a call to arms. Madonna has had one of the longest and most successful careers in pop history. Calling yourself Madonna is a sign that you're here to stay and to make history.

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The guest stars in "Bitch I'm Madonna," are all trailblazers in their own right and they all speak openly and strongly about gender issues in the music industry and in society at large. Madonna has formed quite the collective just in this poster alone. Together, they are changing the way women are represented in music, the media, fashion, film, and almost every corner of the pop culture stratosphere. They're creating art that pushes people's notions about what it means to be a woman in the world.

Though it's nothing new for Madonna (or Minaj, Bey, Perry, Ora, or Cyrus) to assert herself at the top, it's always refreshing to have an artist like Madonna remind everyone that women reign supreme. Just look at the poster and try not to feel like a mighty feminist warrior. It's impossible.

Image: Getty Images