I admire so much about Madonna and one of those things is the way she graciously supports and encourages other female singers. Even praises the ones who have criticised her such as Joni Mitchell, Debbie Harry, and Alison Goldfrapp to name a few. Before people bring up Gaga and Mariah Carey, remember she called Born this Way reductive, not Gaga herself and the quote often reported about Mariah was misquoted. She was answering a question in a magazine about artist control and it was twisted. I feel other female singers who constantly put down other women, should take a leaf out of her book.
Madonna has always been open and honest about her opinion on another artist's work, male or female. However, that doesn't mean she doesn't support other female artists. It's a shame how the media, fans, and even other artists buy into the sensationalism the media perpetuates. It's something i appreciate from her, she doesn't feel threatened by anybody.
I also love how Madonna admires and respects her dancers more. I mean not only does she pick amazing dancers, but she picks dancers that by and large can do these acrobatic crazy ass moves that Madonna could never do, and she lets them shine in doing so. She doesn't try to dim their light to make her look brighter.
I think Madonna by and large just respects strong independent performers in general.