United Kingdom, Sept. 5 -- Sam Smith says Madonna reminds them of their mum.

The 34-year-old singer/songwriter is close pals with the 68-year-old icon and Sam admitted they feel extremely protective of Madonna and hate to see people saying nasty things about her online.

Sam told The Sun newspaper's Bizarre column: "We text. We don't WhatsApp; we text.

"M is an amazing artist. She just came to my aid so beautifully around the Unholy time, and I just have so many beautiful memories of when we're in the studio together.

"And because of her support and years prior to that, I'd just been such a huge lover and just so inspired by her music, her art, but also her staying power.

"She goes through so much s***.

"You just look into the commen...