Belinda Carlisle discusses ageism in the music industry and says fellow pop star Madonna is ‘brave’

Belinda Carlisle started her successful career in the music industry since the late 1970s.

And like most female pop stars, she’s had to deal with the age-impact and sexism that come with a lifetime of performing in front of an audience.

The 64-year-old talks in this week’s issue Stellar magazine that she has nothing but respect for fellow singer Madonna, who has continued to thrive despite criticism of her changing looks.

“I respect what she does. She’s brave for putting herself out there like that. I don’t think I could ever do it,” Belinda said.

‘There are elements of ageism and sexism; I get that… not as bad as her. They’ll either say, “Oh, she’s a witch” or “Oh my God, look at all the work she’s done.”

“No one says that about boys, you know,” concluded the Heaven Is a Place on Earth singer.

Belinda rose to fame in the hugely popular girl group The Go-Go’s in the 1980s before embarking on a successful solo career.

In March, she returned to the spotlight when she won ddebuted her new single, Big Big Love.

This song was written by Cher’s Oscar-winning songwriter Diane Warren, who is responsible for Turn Back Time.

Warren has worked with everyone from Lady Gaga to Celine Dion, and more recently Sofia Carson, with whom she took the stage at this year’s Academy Awards.

It is Carlisle’s first new English-language studio recording since 1997 and a reunion with Warren.

Meanwhile, Madonna will soon embark on her 81-day The Celebration Tour, which will be her biggest production to date in celebration of her four-decade career.

The Like A Virgin hitmaker is scheduled to kick off The Celebration Tour on July 15 at Vancouver’s Rogers Arena.