Viewers accused Madonna of making a tribute to Aretha Franklin ‘all about herself’ at the MTV VMAs. The 60-year-old was chosen to give the official tribute to the Respect singer at the awards, following her tragic death last week. However, the Like A Vrigin star, who was also on stage to present the Video Of The Year Award, was blasted by viewers as she recited a story about an audition she had as an up-and-coming singer, in which she sang the icon’s hit, Natural Woman.
Many flocked to Twitter to hit out at her speech, asking why MTV had asked her to present the tribute. ‘Can Madonna sit tf down now #VMAs,’ one begged. While another wrote: ‘How did this Aretha tribute turn into a Madonna monologue. MTV YA’LL FOUL FOR THIS. #VMAs And a third added: ‘I did not know this was a tribute to Madonna by Madonna #VMAs.’ Madonna told the crowd how singing Aretha’s hit song resulted in her own career being kick-started in France.
‘There is a connection because none of this would have happened without our lady of soul,’ she explained. ‘She led me to where I am today. And I know she influenced so many people in this room tonight and I want to thank you Aretha for empowering all of us. R E S P E C T. ‘Long live the Queen.’ Aretha died on 16 August, aged 76, following a long battle with pancreatic cancer.