It's been a busy few days for Madonna; not only did she turn 60 last week - on the same day that soul legend Aretha Franklin passed away, no less - but she presumably spent the weekend cobbling together a speech for last night's MTV VMAs.
On second thoughts, it seemed like she may made it up as she went along, as the pop icon's tribute to Franklin during the ceremony at Radio City Music Hall last night didn't go down too well at all.
MTV had asked her to say a few words while introducing the 'Video of the Year' award, but her rambling speech was more about her own career, briefly mentioning the fact that she once sang '(You Make Me Feel Like A) Natural Woman' at an audition before briefly adding: “I want to thank you, Aretha, for empowering all of us. R-E-S-P-E-C-T. Long live the queen.”
See it in full and see the head-scratching reaction below:
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
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 presents an Aretha Franklin tribute by Madonna featuring Madonna with Madonna and Madonna as “Madonna”
— Marc (@MarcSnetiker) August 21, 2018
does Madonna know Madonna didn’t die
— Katie Nolan (@katienolan) August 21, 2018
Travis Scott gave a better Aretha Franklin Tribute than Madonna and All he said was RIP Aretha Franklin. #VMAs
— Trey Lawrence (@_TreyLawrence) August 21, 2018
Madonna instead being called queen of pop....YOUR ARE NOW CALLED THE QUEEN OF RUINING TRIBUTES!! #VMAs
— Fanofsocialstars (@Fanofsocialsta1) August 21, 2018
Camila Cabello got on her knees and praised Madonna and dedicated her undeserved Video of the Year award to her......after Madonna just gave a self-indulgent "tribute" to Aretha Franklin.
And that describes how #VMAs treated Black artists the entire night...
— Ernest Owens (@MrErnestOwens) August 21, 2018
When Madonna is supposed to be honoring Aretha Franklin but goes on about her self for 10 mins straight #VMAs pic.twitter.com/Br6I8dknxb
— Rachel Magnabosco (@rachel_mag) August 21, 2018
Madonna gave herself a tribute featuring Aretha.
— LoveYourself (@ScottieBeam) August 21, 2018
Did Madonna just make Aretha’s death about her?!
WHERE is Kanye when you need him?! #VMAs pic.twitter.com/3DcDrtPHIb
— The Root (@TheRoot) August 21, 2018
