Madonna tributes Aretha Franklin at VMAs

Madonna gave a tribute to the late Aretha Franklin at the VMA's last night.

The singer took to the stage and shared a story about how Franklin helped change her life. She paid homage to the soul diva, thanking her for inspiring her journey into stardom.

"I want to thank you, Aretha, for empowering all of us. R-E-S-P-E-C-T. Long live the queen."

Madonna shared a story about how she used a Franklin song for an audition, after forgetting her own sheet-music. Whilst Madonna didn't land the audition, she said Franklin still played a huge part in making her who she is today.

She said, "you are probably all wondering why I am telling you this story. There is a connection. Because none of this would have happened, could have happened, without our lady of soul. She led me to where I am today".

Some viewers felt the tribute was more about Madonna's career then Aretha herself.

*Aretha Franklin dies*

MTV: “You know what would be really good? If Madonna talked about herself for 10 minutes and mentioned Aretha once”

— Hannah (@HannnSandwich) August 21, 2018

So instead of an actual tribute to Aretha you let Madonna talk about herself for 30 minutes?! @MTV our beautiful black queen deserves better

— Rebekah Genice (@rebekah_genice) August 21, 2018

Some fans made the point that it may have been more appropriate if they had had a black artist give a tribute.

This Aretha “tribute” is fucking disgraceful. Madonna? MTV COULDN’T FIND ANY BLACK WOMEN TO TALK ABOUT ARETHA?!?!?!?? WTF. And she’s just up there TALKING ABOUT HERSELF. This is some wildly disrespectful shit.

— Rachelle Jean-Louis (@Rachelle_JL) August 21, 2018

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?

— LEFT⚫️ (@LeftSentThis) August 21, 2018

Fans also criticised Madonna's outfit choice which was made up of tribal clothes and braids.

So Madonna wore some type of tribal outfit and braids to pay pay tribute to Aretha Franklin by talking about herself instead.

pic.twitter.com/OFYpQf9DBg

— Frederick Joseph (@FredTJoseph) August 21, 2018

Madonna then went onto present the award for Video of the Year to Camila Cabello.