Madonna has come out in defence of her speech about Aretha Franklin at the MTV VMA Awards on Monday, August 20th. Franklin passed away last week following a battle with pancreatic cancer. Madonna was criticised for seemingly making the speech all about her.
The pop goddess came under fire after presenting ‘Video Of The Year’ to Cambila Cabello, during Madge’s introduction on the stage she opened up about how The Queen Of Soul helped to launch her own career. After receiving her award, Cabello then dedicated hers to Madonna.
In an Instagram post of her with Cabello, Madonna wrote, “And just to clarify: I was asked to present the video of the year by MTV! And then they asked me to share any anecdotes I had in my career connected to Aretha Franklin! I shared a part of my journey and thanked Aretha for inspiring me along the way. I did not intend to do a tribute to her!”
“That would be impossible in 2 minutes with all the noise and tinsel of an award show. I could never do her justice in this context or environment. Unfortunately most people have short attention spans, and are so quick to judge. I love Aretha! R.E.S.P.E.C.T. I Love Camilla! Congrats! I LOVE my dress! AND. I love-L O V E!! ♥ and there is nothing anyone can say or do that will change that.”
Im with the Winner!! The beautiful @camila_cabello ! So proud of her! 🌈💕🎉. And just to clarify: I was asked to present video of the year by MTV! And then they asked me to share any anecdotes I had in my career connected to Aretha Franklin! I shared a part of my journey and thanked Aretha for inspiring me along the way. I did not intend to do a tribute to her! That would be impossible in 2 minutes with all the noise and tinsel of an award show. I could never do her justice in this context or environment. Unfortunately most people have short attention spans, and are so quick to judge. I love Aretha! R.E.S.P.E.C.T. 🙏🏼. I Love Camilla! Congrats! I LOVE my dress! AND. I love-L O V E!! ♥️ and there is nothing anyone can say or do that will change that. #vmas #postivevibes
Madonna had told the audience at VMA’s that she couldn’t cut a break starting out and went to an audition as backing singer to a French Disco act. In the room she had to sing a prepared song accompanied by piano but our Madge hadn’t prepared anything.
“I had overlooked this important part of the audition process,” she said. “I had to think fast, my next meal was on the line. Fortunately one of my favorite albums was Lady Soul by Aretha Franklin. I blurted out ‘You Make Me Feel’… silence. ‘(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman.’ Two French guys nodded at me. I said, ‘You know, by Aretha Franklin’.”
“So you’re probably all wondering why I’m telling you this story. There’s a connection because none of this would’ve happened — could’ve happened — without our lady of soul. She led me to where I am today and I know she influenced so 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. Long live the queen.”
People yesterday had taken to Twitter to express their confusion and annoyance at Madonna’s anecdote.
An Aretha tribute about Madonna #VMAs pic.twitter.com/pfdUSdHeRG
— K (@lilmonster_92) August 21, 2018
does Madonna know Madonna didn’t die
— Katie Nolan (@katienolan) August 21, 2018
I just can’t believe Madonna took Aretha’s moment to do…..that??! Like, woooow. pic.twitter.com/jgW9rfTBO3
— Cee. (@ceedotcee) August 21, 2018
Madonna ruined the Prince Tribute on the Billboard Awards in 2016.
Madonna ruined the Aretha Tribute on the #VMAs in 2018.
I really never want to see her again. Ever. pic.twitter.com/rp6QCql3aR
— April (@ReignOfApril) August 21, 2018
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