Madonna’s Aretha Franklin tribute at the 2018 VMAs is getting a ton of backlash
Madonna gave an Aretha Franklin tribute at the 2018 VMAs Monday night, August 20th, and it didn’t exactly sit well with fans of the late Queen of Soul. Many viewers took issue—both with the content of Madonna’s speech and with MTV’s decision to let a white woman deliver it.
Instead of chronicling Franklin’s career and her influence on the world, Madonna dove into a story about how the singer inspired her own personal journey—and humble-bragged about her own talent in the process.
Madonna told the audience that she once sang Franklin’s “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman” when she was unprepared for an audition and ended up wowing the judges, recalling that they didn’t believe some “skinny-ass white girl” could pull it off. She credited Franklin (kind of?) with helping her find success.
"She led me to where I am today, and I know she influenced so many people in this room tonight," she concluded, "I want to thank you for empowering all of us. R-E-S-P-E-C-T."
The Twitterverse was quick to point out the self-involved nature of the pop star’s words.
Aretha watching Madonna’s tribute to her from heaven …. pic.twitter.com/fuMkCCf1AT
— Jemele Hill (@jemelehill) August 21, 2018
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To be fair, my tribute to Madonna will mostly be about me.
— Louis Peitzman (@LouisPeitzman) August 21, 2018
Many pointed out that a person of color would have been better suited to pay tribute to the legendary singer.
Madonna did the tribute speech for Aretha Franklin. Madonna did the tribute performance for Prince. Madonna did the tribute speech for Michael Jackson…why? Who keeps thinking its a good idea to hire Madonna to eulogize Black artists who have passed away?
— L E F T, PhD ⚫️ (@LeftSentThis) August 21, 2018
Y’all gon get enough of having Madonna give the tributes for the Black artists… #VMAS
— Loni Love (@LoniLove) August 21, 2018
Are you fucking kidding me?!?! WHOEVER LET THAT WHITE WOMAN WITH A GRILL GET UP THERE AND TALK ABOUT HERSELF LIKE A FOOL SHOULD BE SMACKED IN THE FACE WITH A FROZEN STEAK!! THAT WAS A COMPLETE DISGRACE TO ARETHA!!! Ugh. Whyyy Madonna?! WHY?!?!
— Eryn Allen Kane (@ErynAllenKane) August 21, 2018
Valid points all around.
Of course, the VMAs weren’t all about controversy. Ariana Grande brought her mother and grandmother onstage for an empowering performance of “God Is A Woman.”
There was also Kylie Jenner’s sweet little sway while Travis Scott performed. (And yes, the internet is currently obsessed with this moment.)
Stormi's parents are so cute 😍 @trvisXX & @KylieJenner #VMAs pic.twitter.com/MAPm8rtjGH
— iHeartRadio (@iHeartRadio) August 21, 2018
Cardi B created (hilarious) drama by making the audience believe she was holding baby Kulture on stage.
Cardi B faked out #VMAs viewers by teasing a possible reveal of Kulture https://t.co/FFT1BXPFwH pic.twitter.com/5OhTwbxbTa
— Rolling Stone (@RollingStone) August 21, 2018
Even husband Offset was tricked.
Why Set said i was sooo mad, when i saw you on stage with that blanket 😩I thought you was going to show Kulture 😩😩😂😂😂😩
— Cardi B (@iamcardib) August 21, 2018
It was definitely an evening to remember…
