The 67-year-old icon opened up about channeling Bowie's zero-fucks energy during her teenage years. She tied it directly to her 2005 album Confessions on a Dance Floor.
Madonna told Interview magazine she constantly asked herself "what would David Bowie do" back in high school. The star described going to dances alone, scaring off boys, and playing whatever character she wanted while blasting his music.
She praised Bowie for channeling femininity, style, art, and spirituality without pandering. Quotes included his advice like "Don't pander to the peanut gallery" and staying in deep water even when it feels like drowning.
The influence shows up strongest on Confessions on a Dance Floor, with tracks like Hung Up reflecting that liberated mindset. Madonna added she still feels completely free on the dancefloor, even if she never understands why people like her.
Bowie died in January 2016 at age 69.
