Madonna Reacts to Prince Tribute Critics: 'Deal With It!'

Nothing compares! Madonna is on cloud nine following her heartfelt Prince tribute at the 2016 Billboard Music Awards in Las Vegas on Sunday, May 22 (which you can watch in the video above). She took to Instagram to post several photos from her performance and to give a shout-out (with several lyrical references) to the late icon, peer and friend.

“Dearly Beloved we are gathered here today to get through. This thing called LIFE Nothing Compares 2U ✝,” Madonna, 57, captioned one photo. She added in a second: “His Purple Heart was there in spirit. Long may He Reign!”

The Queen of Pop belted out “Nothing Compares 2 U” before being joined by Stevie Wonder for a moving rendition of Prince’s 1984 hit “Purple Rain” on Sunday night. The crowd rose to their feet and stars such as Rihanna and Rebecca Romijn were spotted singing along.

“An Epic Moment for Me to sing in honor of Prince with Stevie Wonder. #luckiestgirlintheworld,” Madonna captioned an Instagram photo of herself and Wonder, 66. “Such an AmaaaaaaaaaaIng Moment for Me! Thanks to all who made it happen!!!”

Madonna’s powerful performance was received well by many — except for BET. The network shared a teaser of their upcoming Prince tribute following the show, and tweeted: “Yeah, we saw that. Don’t worry. We Got You.” Some fans also started an online petition at Change.org claiming that Prince was “more than worthy of a better choice as a main performer.”

Madonna isn’t letting the critics get her down, however. She appeared to react to the negativity in another Instagram post on Monday. “Deal with It!” 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.”

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