Madonna.Photo: Kevin Winter/Getty

Madonna speaks onstage during the 65th GRAMMY Awards at Crypto.com Arena on February 05, 2023 in Los Angeles, California.

Madonnamade quite the statement at the 65thGrammy Awards.

The seven-time Grammy winner, 64, surprised fans when she appeared onstage at Sunday’s show to introduce Sam Smith and Kim Petras' performance of “Unholy,” which won for best pop duo/group performance earlier in the evening.

“Are you ready for a little controversy? Come on people, let’s make some noise. Y’all are going to sleep over here,” the Queen of Pop told the crowd. “So, here’s what I’ve learned after four decades in music — if they call you shocking, scandalous, troublesome, problematic, provocative or dangerous, you’re definitely on to something.”

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She continued, “I’m here to give thanks to all the rebels out there forging a new path and taking the heat for all of it. You guys need to know — all you troublemakers out there — you need to know that your fearlessness doesn’t go unnoticed. You are seen, you are heard; and most of all, you are appreciated.”

Before Smith and Petras took the stage, Madonna concluded her speech: “So now, speaking of controversy, it gives me great pleasure to introduce two incredibly talented artists who have risen above the noise, the doubt, the critics; into something beautifully unholy. Here are two Grammy Award winners, Sam Smith and Kim Petras.”

Kim Petras and Sam Smith.Frazer Harrison/Getty

Kim Petras and Sam Smith accept the Best Pop Duo/Group Performance award for “Unholy” onstage during the 65th GRAMMY Awards at Crypto.com Arena on February 05, 2023 in Los Angeles, California.

The pop icon won her first Grammy in 1992, nabbing the best long form music video award for herBlond Ambition World Tour Live. She’s since received a total of seven awards, in addition to 21 nominations.

Madonna.Kevin Winter/Getty

Madonna speaks onstage during the 65th GRAMMY Awards at Crypto.com Arena on February 05, 2023 in Los Angeles, California.

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The 65thGrammy Awardsair live at 8 p.m. ET on CBS, during which the show will also be available to stream on Paramount+.

source: people.com