Fans were not happy with Madonna’s tribute to Aretha Franklin at the MTV VMAs last night.
The singer was presenting the award for Video of the Year and took time on stage to pay tribute to The Queen of Soul.
Fans and celebrities were not happy with the 60-year-old’s speech, saying that she was making the tribute about herself instead of Aretha.
The Aretha Franklin tribute is Madonna talking about herself at great length?
— Michael Arceneaux (@youngsinick) 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
Madonna is asked to give a tribute to Aretha Franklin and spends the entire time talking about herself.
— Jamie Glazov (@JamieGlazov) August 21, 2018
Madonna began her speech by telling the audience how she sang Aretha’s song, (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman, during an audition.
She went on to say that the producers didn’t take her seriously: “And why should they? Some skinny ass white girl is going to come up here and belt out a song by one of the greatest soul singers that ever lived, a capella?”
The singer finished her speech by telling fans:Â “So you’re probably all wondering why I’m telling you this story. There is a connection. Because none of this would have happened, could have 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, and I want to thank you Aretha for empowering all of us. R-E-S-P-E-C-T. Long live the queen.”
Viewers slammed Madonna on social media, describing her tribute as ‘self-indulgent’ with some fans calling on MTV to make a public apology for allowing the singer to make Aretha’s tribute about herself.