Women in Music Demand Respect and Self-Love

From Madonna's 'Express Yourself' to Olivia Dean's 'Man I Need,' female artists have long used music to proclaim their self-worth.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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This article explores how female musicians have used their music as a medium to demand respect and proclaim self-worth, from Madonna's 1989 anthem 'Express Yourself' to modern releases by artists like Olivia Dean. The article traces the evolution of this movement through the lens of different waves of feminism, highlighting how female artists have disrupted the music industry's objectification of women and encouraged collective empowerment.

Why it matters

This story is significant because it showcases how female musicians have been at the forefront of the self-love movement, using their platforms to challenge societal norms and empower women to expect more from their partners, society, and themselves. The article highlights the enduring relevance of this message, which has only grown stronger across different generations of female artists.

The details

The article examines several landmark self-love anthems, including Madonna's 'Express Yourself,' Lizzo's 'Good as Hell,' and Miley Cyrus's 'Flowers.' It also delves into the historical context, noting how these songs emerged alongside the third wave of feminism and the Riot Grrrl movement, which disrupted the male-dominated punk scene. The article emphasizes how female artists have consistently used their music to insist on a woman's exploration of self-love in a culture that profits from their insecurities.

  • In 1989, Madonna released her self-love anthem 'Express Yourself'.
  • In 2019, Lizzo released the body-positivity anthem 'Good as Hell'.
  • In 2023, Miley Cyrus released the empowerment song 'Flowers'.
  • In 2025, Olivia Dean released the single 'Man I Need'.
  • In 2026, Olivia Dean was named the Grammy Awards' Best New Artist.

The players

Madonna

A legendary pop icon who released the self-love anthem 'Express Yourself' in 1989, which served as a manifesto for women to demand respect and set high standards in their relationships.

Olivia Dean

The Grammy Awards' Best New Artist of 2026, who released the single 'Man I Need' in 2025, in which she sings about the challenges of dating culture and declares she wants a partner who can live up to her standards.

Lizzo

A contemporary artist who released the body-positivity anthem 'Good as Hell' in 2019, empowering women to not lower their standards in relationships.

Miley Cyrus

A pop star who released the empowerment song 'Flowers' in 2023, which pleads for female empowerment after the end of a bad relationship.

Aretha Franklin

The Queen of Soul, who released the self-love anthem 'Respect' in 1967, demanding her partner to respect her.

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What they’re saying

“Just come be the man I need”

— Olivia Dean (Lyrics from 'Man I Need' (2025)

“Express yourself / Respect yourself”

— Madonna (Lyrics from 'Express Yourself' (1989)

“R-E-S-P-E-C-T / Find out what it means to me ... start when you come home / or you might walk in / and find out I'm gone”

— Aretha Franklin (Lyrics from 'Respect' (1967)

What’s next

The article does not mention any specific future newsworthy moments related to the story.

The takeaway

This story highlights how female musicians have consistently used their music as a powerful tool to demand respect, proclaim self-worth, and encourage collective empowerment among women. From Madonna's groundbreaking 'Express Yourself' to contemporary anthems like Lizzo's 'Good as Hell,' these artists have disrupted the objectification of women and inspired generations to embrace self-love and never settle for less than they deserve.