Chime For Change’s Sound Of Change concert was meant to be the event that put women’s rights firmly in the spotlight.
But the overall message of Saturday night’s star-studded concert at Twickenham Stadium in London seemed to be lost on some of the performers, according to many critics.
Twitter brimmed with harsh but fair questions, including why modern day feminism requires wearing a pair of ‘spiked heels’ and underwear, and if the sexy performances were entirely appropriate.
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Hell for leather: Beyonce Knowles performed in a leather leotard, which some fans thought not very appropriate
Headliner Beyonce, 31, drew plenty of negative feedback for her skimpy outfit, a tiny leather bodice which covered her arms but left her legs on full show.
‘I am all about female empowerment in every form. I am. But why does it have to be celebrated in spike heels and knickers every time? #Beyonce,’ tweeted on bemused fan.
‘Beyonce is singing At Last in leather knickers while quotes from Rosa Parks and Princess Diana blare on the screen behind her #empowerment,’ sneered another.
‘Huge concert promoting female empowerment… and Beyonce’s backing dancers are all wearing thongs,’ noted one.
Strong woman: Beyonce flexes her muscles for the applauding crowd
However, the Houston born singer did seem to have the show’s ethos at the forefront of her mind.
She told the crowd: ‘This is such an incredible night for all of us. Because of you all, we have raised more than $4 million.’
‘Women’s rights, it’s something that has always been something close to my heart. I know now being a mother it is really important that I can do what I can and use my voice.
‘There are women around the world that don’t have a voice so we have to use our voices and raise awareness and be part of something where we can leave a legacy and help improve this world.’
Strange: Some fans questioned why the artists dressed so provocatively
The star-studded Sound of Change concert – which benefits education, health and justice for women around the world, particularly in underprivileged countries – also featured performances from Florence + the Machine, Ellie Goulding, Mary J Blige, Jessie J and Rita Ora.
The concert was part of Gucci’s new global campaign for girls’ and women’s empowerment, and is being broadcast across six continents to over 150 countries, with more than one billion people expected to see it in total.
The charity has put on the concert in conjunction with the Chime For Change initiative, which aims to raise awareness of education, health and justice for women everywhere.
Really? Jennifer Lopez wore thigh high boots and fishnet tights to promote feminism
But it wasn’t only the Single Ladies singer who was mocked for dressing revealingly.
Jennifer Lopez, 43, already found herself caught up in furore over what many deemed inappropriate attire for an appearance on Britain’s Got Talent, and she reignited the storm when she took to the stage in Twickenham.
Flanked by male backing dancers half her age, the sultry singer thrusted her body vigorously, leaving little to the imagination in her fishnet tights, leotard and leather boots.
She was joined on stage by Mary J Blige to perform a cover of The Beatles’ song Come Together, which fans also found fault with.
‘J-Lo and Mary J Blige are dressed like a couple of WWE wrestlers!! Never mind Chime for Change its time they got changed!!’ said one concert goer.
Smackdown: Mary J Blige and Jennifer Lopez were described as looking ‘like a pair of wrestlers’
Appropriate? Many people were left wondering if JLo’s performance was suitable for a feminism themed event
During her show-stopping performance, On the Floor hitmaker Jennifer Lopez also chimed for change, adding: ‘I believe my girls out there deserve the best education.
‘They deserve the best in health. And I believe in justice for my girls everywhere.’
She looked confident in her Falguni and Shane bodysuit with custom made leather boots.
Other stars who appeared on stage to support the cause included Hollywood stars Blake Lively, Ryan Reynolds, James Franco, Zoe Saldana and Jessica Chastain.
Too much? Jennifer Lopez shows no signs of covering up any time soon, and loves her skimpy clothes
Horrified: Lots of women tweeted their dismay that Jennifer Lopez opted for a revealing outfit
There was also speeches from Nobel Peace Laureate and Liberian peace activist Leymah Gbowee, and Madonna spoke to the crowd for ten minutes.
The original Queen of Pop said: ‘I keep telling people I want to start a revolution, but my revolution doesn’t involve bloodshed and violence. My revolution starts with education.
‘My revolution is about achieving a higher level of consciousness, but this cannot start without education.
Smooth operator: Madonna looked taut as she gave her passionate ten minute speech
An actual feminist: Madonna was joined on stage by Humaira Bachal, an education activist from Pakistan
‘We cannot change this world, nor begin to treat each other with human dignity, without an education. Let tonight be the beginning of this revolution because education is not a luxury, it is a basic human right.
‘I invite you all to join my revolution of love. Join me tonight. The revolution of love starts here.’
Madonna was joined on stage by Humaira Bachal, an education activist from Karachi, Pakistan, who told the 50,000 strong crowdΒ about how education had changed her life.
Bum note: Iggy Azalea made sure she showed off plenty of flesh as she also took the stage in nude coloured fishnet tights
Red and pink: Iggy Azaela wore a clashing mini dress for her raunchy performance
Australian rapper Iggy Azalea made sure she got noticed in a pink and red mini-dress that showed off her famous derriere.
She also opted for a pair of knee high boots, and took to the stage in a pair of tan coloured boots which laced up at the sides.
Hot Right Now singer Rita Ora, 22, opted for a sequined suit and bralet, but despite wearing one of the most conservative outfits, was still criticised.
‘Rita Whora sl*t dropping is kinda contradictory of the whole point of chime for change,’ tweeted one viewer.
Who wears the trousers: Rita Ora might have been dressed more conservatively than the other performers, but her dancing was criticised
The irony: People at home were not convinced by the stars’ outfits, nor those of their backing dancers
