While last night’s MTV Video Music Awards has been met with mixed reviews, Madonna’s “tribute” to Aretha Franklin by telling the story of singing “Natural Woman” at one of her early auditions is being considered a complete miss in honoring the Queen of Soul.
Before introducing the nominees for Video of the Year, the 80s icon took several minutes to share her story to the chagrin of Franklin fans who were expecting more from the music-centric network.
Me: It’s weird that #Madonna is doing a tribute to Aretha Franklin, but what’s the worst that could happen?
Madonna: pic.twitter.com/DvfueYKgCu
— Brittany Stephanis (@bmstephanis) August 21, 2018
Check out some reactions to Madonna’s “tribute” below.
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
Sooo playing Aretha’s songs during the ending credits and having Madonna dressed as a witch doctor while talking about herself was the tribute ? #VMAs pic.twitter.com/kYtKOl52Y8
— They Call Me Ari (@Kissma_Ars) August 21, 2018
Madonna gave herself a tribute featuring Aretha.
— LoveYourself (@ScottieBeam) August 21, 2018
The Aretha Franklin tribute is Madonna talking about herself at great length?
— Michael Arceneaux (@youngsinick) August 21, 2018
Aretha watching Madonna’s tribute to her from heaven …. pic.twitter.com/fuMkCCf1AT
— Jemele Hill (@jemelehill) August 21, 2018
Whoever thought Madonna should do this Aretha Franklin tribute should be fired.
This is disrespectful beyond #VMAs— Sowmya Krishnamurthy (@SowmyaK) August 21, 2018
Madonna ruined the Prince Tribute on the Billboard Awards in 2016.
Madonna ruined the Aretha Tribute on the #VMAs in 2018.
I really never want to see her again. Ever. pic.twitter.com/rp6QCql3aR
— April (@ReignOfApril) August 21, 2018
They ended the show on the most disrespectful note by having Madonna spend 10 minutes talking about herself while “honoring” Aretha and then giving the award to a racist lmao
— ✨born again lesbian✨ (@Jauredramatic) August 21, 2018
Prince is up there telling Aretha she effed my tribute up too!! #Aretha or Madonna pic.twitter.com/AUdiDpOMBN
— Michele DeMino (@CheleDeMino) August 21, 2018
Aretha Franklin’s Tribute at the #VMAs:
1. Madonna talks about herself, at length, with Aretha as a footnote.
2. “Respect” is played at the very end.
3. A photo of Aretha with “1942-2018.”Bro, what? Disrespectful.
— Nia Langley✨ (@theNiaLangley) August 21, 2018