We can always count on Madonna to stir up controversy and sometimes screw up a good moment for one of our favorite fallen legends. That was the case for her so-called 2018 MTV Video Music Awards tribute to Aretha Franklin on Monday night. Well, let us rephrase that: that was the case for her tribute to HERSELF last night. See what we mean below.
Madonna’s Not-Quite-A-Tribute Tribute To Aretha
So, MTV thought it be a good idea to have a non-soul legend do the honors of paying the official tribute to the beloved Queen of Soul. Bad decision number #1…moving on. Anywho, Madonna had the audacity to stroll up to the mic and began delivering an Aretha tribute that in all actuality, turned out to be a Madonna tribute…with a slight shout-out to Aretha.
Madonna spent damn near the majority of the time that was supposed to be an Aretha tribute, speaking on the life story of Madonna, that lead to the greatness of Madonna. By the time her half a$$ tribute was up, VMA watchers learned all about Madonna’s struggle to build a dancing career back in the day, her tough life growing up in Detroit (without even mentioning Aretha’s from there too), getting doors shut in her face, and how she finally got her big break as a singer. Ummm…that’s about it…OH, and she did briefly mention one more thing: she likes Aretha. Laaaawd.
People are upset about Madonna's Aretha Franklin tribute at the VMA's 'cos it was basically all about her and not Aretha. Whatchu think? Here's a snippet
Video credit @TheRaroLae pic.twitter.com/9loUPGTG24
— Kenzy Mohapi (@KenzyMohapi) August 21, 2018
Madonna kicked off her tribute, by stating “Aretha Louise Franklin changed the course of my life.” Then she seemingly forgot that she was supposed to stay on the topic of Aretha, because it took about another full minute for the “Material Girl” to even mention Aretha’s name again. Instead, Madonna spent that time talking about how she once sang “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman” for an audition back in the day:
“I could see that they did not take me seriously and why should they?” Madonna felt the need to say. “Some skinny a$$ white girl is going to come up here and belt out a song by one of the greatest soul singers that ever lived.”
As you can see, Madonna pivoted that portion of her Aretha tribute right back around to her as well. The points she wanted us all to know was that she had the courage to sing an Aretha song, so we should all praise Madonna during this Aretha tribute, right? Hell to the NAW!
Madonna didn’t stop there with her self-indulged tribute though. She also wanted to make sure everyone understood how she was able to build up the courage to have such gull to sing Aretha’s song at that throwback audition: “B*tch, I’m Madonna!” she said.
Okay…somebody cue the ‘We don’t give a damn’ flashing neon sign, so Madonna can get the message.
VMA viewers wanted to pay homage to Aretha Franklin’s life and legacy, but Madonna was the last to get that memo.
At any rate, she eventually got around to saying SOMETHING about Aretha for a few seconds:
“So you’re probably all wondering why I’m telling you this story; there is a connection,” Madonna reassured to the audience. “Because none of this would have happened, could of happened, without our lady of soul. She lead me to where I am today and I know she influenced many people in this house tonight, in this room tonight, and I want to thank you, Aretha, for empowering all of us. R-E-S-P-E-C-T. Love live the queen.”
Whew…FINALLY!
Fans waisted no time obliterating Madonna for her narcissistic tribute online. Peep some of the reactions below…they’re priceless.
Fans React
https://twitter.com/chrisseyblue/status/1031746025856360448
https://twitter.com/TheNotoriousCDG/status/1031744702981320705
Madonna. This isn’t about you sis. #VMAs pic.twitter.com/Wj1F6Q4JQu
— Jem (@JustJem24) August 21, 2018
Okay so Madonna talked about herself for five minutes during an Aretha tribute then proceeded it with a story about one of her solo performances. Where's the R-E-S-P-E-C-T? #VMAs pic.twitter.com/n6NAJahToU
— Ryann (@ryann_warner) August 21, 2018
https://twitter.com/igzrap/status/1031744542482092033
Question: WHO keeps thinking it’s a good idea to make Madonna the official spokesperson whenever a soul R&B legend passes away?!! True, she’s an icon in her own right, but not necessarily the best fit for the soul genre. MTV should’ve learned that lesson by watching Madonna demolish her Billboard Awards Prince tribute in 2016…it was just treacherous indeed.
Guess we’ll have to wait n the next BET Awards Show to give Aretha her proper send-off. Rest on Queen, we gotchu.
