Everyone’s giving out about Madonna’s “disrespectful” Aretha Franklin tribute.
The singer was presenting the award for best video at last night’s VMAs when she decided to say a few words about the Queen of Soul who passed away last week.
However, viewers were confused by Madonna’s tribute to Franklin, saying that it was mainly about herself and not about the iconic singer songwriter.
During her speech, Madonna said that Franklin’s music had “changed the course of my life” and that when she was younger, she was asked to sing a version of ‘You Make Me Feel (Like a Natural Woman)’.
Madonna didn’t have sheet music though so she decided to sing the song acapella because she knew it “off by heart” anyway – and even though she was “some skinny-ass white girl”, she was still able to sing the song no bother.
Great.
Viewers weren’t all that impressed with Madonna’s tribute to Franklin, but it wasn’t just what happened on the stage last night that got people talking about the pop star’s attitude towards soul musicians and black culture.
Madonna talking about guitar lessons, Paris baguettes and her ass hanging out while she looked for a stiletto with the image of Aretha Franklin behind her is everything I expected from the #VMAs
— Kingsley (@kingsleyyy) August 21, 2018
So all the black artist they could call to talk about the legacy of the Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin and MTV brought out Madonna to mention Aretha one time in her long ass story???? #VMAs D.I.S.R.E.S.P.E.C.T. pic.twitter.com/9wAmpxH74k
— Joy Henry (@joibella19) August 21, 2018
Madonna has been entitled + gentrifying [black] things for a LONG time.
She called her white son “Dis N*gga” and then SHE got offended.
She epitomized white feminism @ the Women’s March…
and let’s not forget her centering herself in The Carter’s historic moment. pic.twitter.com/3EyVMf0aBn
— Brittany Packnett (@MsPackyetti) August 21, 2018
The fact that you made a moment about OUR Queen about YOU is just another example to add to the list.
And MTV shoulda known better.
— Brittany Packnett (@MsPackyetti) August 21, 2018
me waiting for her to utter anything remotely relevant to Aretha’s life or accomplishments pic.twitter.com/EVviG5WuT5
— ✿ (@thatsrach) August 21, 2018
Is Madonna the one who passed away or…
— Patricia??? (@LoveLaughTW) August 21, 2018
Franklin passed away last week after a battle with pancreatic cancer.
She was 76-years-old.
The big winners of last night’s VMAs were Cardi B, Camila Cabello, and Post Malone.