Many viewers felt the pop star made the speech all about herself.
With the MTV VMAs taking place only a few days after the passing of beloved Queen Of Soul Aretha Franklin, there was much speculation over how the late icon would be honored during the show. Rather than a musical tribute, Aretha’s legacy was entrusted in the hands of one of pop music’s biggest stars, Madonna, who shared some words about the singer’s impact on her life. Unfortunately, as many fans have pointed out, her speech didn’t really have much to do with Aretha at all.
People are upset about Madonna's Aretha Franklin tribute at the VMA's 'cos it was basically all about her and not Aretha. Whatchu think? Here's a snippet
Video credit @TheRaroLae pic.twitter.com/9loUPGTG24
— Kenzy Vinco (@KenzyVinco) August 21, 2018
It started out fine. “Aretha Louise Franklin changed the course of my life,” she said, but quickly the focus turned to a story of an audition in which Madonna sang an Aretha song. While it seemed the intention was to show how Franklin had inspired her to push forward as a woman in the music industry, the lack of focus on Aretha was somewhere between bizarre and disrespectful for many viewers. As one Twitter user Darlene26811165 so eloquently put it: “Aretha in heaven sitting on her throne looking down at Madonna like Bitch did You die or me?” On top of that, her outfit was criticized as culturally appropriative.
Eventually, Madonna got to the point, but it didn’t seem to win anyone over. “You’re probably all wondering why I’m telling you this story,” she said. “None of [my success] would’ve happened, could’ve happened, without our Lady of Soul. She led me to where I am today. And I know she influenced so many people in this house tonight, in this room tonight. I want to thank you, Aretha, for empowering all of us: R-e-s-p-e-c-t. Long live the Queen.”
The speech came just before Madonna announced the award for Video Of The Year, which went to Camila Cabello’s “Havana.” In the closing credits, Aretha’s “Respect” was played.
View some reactions from Twitter users below, and watch Madonna’s tribute above.
Aretha in heaven sitting on her throne looking down at Madonna like Bitch did You die or me?
Aretha or Madonna #VMAS pic.twitter.com/L7Ibsu86Xj
— D.T. (@Darlene26811165) August 21, 2018
Aretha watching Madonna’s tribute to her from heaven …. pic.twitter.com/fuMkCCf1AT
— Jemele Hill (@jemelehill) August 21, 2018
I’m so lost. I thought Madonna was supposed to be paying homage to Aretha but I all heard was her paying homage to herself. HEAVY on the Mayonnaise……
— Charlamagne Tha God (@cthagod) August 21, 2018
Madonna did the tribute speech for Aretha Franklin. Madonna did the tribute performance for Prince. Madonna did the tribute speech for Michael Jackson…why? Who keeps thinking its a good idea to hire Madonna to eulogize Black artists who have passed away?
— LEFT⚫️ (@LeftSentThis) August 21, 2018
Did Madonna make her Aretha Tribute about Madonna with a sprinkle of Aretha's name in it??
— Jamal Crawford (@JCrossover) August 21, 2018
