Madonna responds to VMAs uproar: ' I did not intend to do a tribute' to Aretha Franklin

Sara M Moniuszko | USA TODAY

Show Caption Hide Caption What you missed from the 2018 VMAs From Kevin Hart calling out Donald Trump to J-Lo being recognized for her career, here are some of the most notable moments from the 2018 MTV Video Music Awards.

Twitter was not having Madonna's tribute to Aretha Franklin at the MTV Video Music Awards Monday.

Before presenting the award for video of the year, the singer shared a story about how Franklin "changed the course" of her life – and social media users dragged her for how much it focused on herself as opposed to the Queen of Soul.

After talking about her early career struggles, Madonna revealed she sang Franklin's "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman" at a breakthrough audition.

"None of this would have happened without our lady of soul," she said. "She led me where I am today... I want to thank you Aretha for empowering all of us... Long live the queen."

Madonna gave more details about her speech on Tuesday in an Instagram post. "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," she wrote.

"I shared a part of my journey and thanked Aretha for inspiring me along the way," Madonna continued. "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," she wrote. "I love Aretha! R.E.S.P.E.C.T."

Many criticized Madonna for what was described as a tone-deaf tribute, some saying she was trying to steal back the spotlight after Franklin died Aug. 16, the same day as the pop icon's 60th birthday.

Here are the best reactions:

Of course Madonna manages to make this Aretha Franklin tribute about her #VMAs pic.twitter.com/8SvHRU544z — Brandon Watson (@TheWatsonBrand) August 21, 2018

"Of course Madonna manages to make this Aretha Franklin tribute about her," one Twitter user said.

"Is this about Aretha or Madonna," another wrote.

This does not sound like a tribute to me #VMAs — iStay (@won_hndrd) August 21, 2018

"This does not sound like a tribute to me," another said.

does Madonna know Madonna didn’t die — Katie Nolan (@katienolan) August 21, 2018

"does Madonna know Madonna didn’t die," another tweeted.

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I see Madonna is still upset Aretha overshadowed her birthday by dying on it, so she’s going to talk about herself as the Aretha tribute. — Michelle Bhasin (@michellebhasin) August 21, 2018

"I see Madonna is still upset Aretha overshadowed her birthday by dying on it, so she’s going to talk about herself as the Aretha tribute," one user said.

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I WOULD HAVE ALMOST RATHER HAD MADONNA BUTCHER AN ARETHA SONG INSTEAD OF TALKING ABOUT HERSELF FOR ALMOST TEN MINUTES LMFAO. #VMAs — Blue Ivy's Au Pair (@MikeyTBH) August 21, 2018

"I WOULD HAVE ALMOST RATHER HAD MADONNA BUTCHER AN ARETHA SONG INSTEAD OF TALKING ABOUT HERSELF FOR ALMOST TEN MINUTES LMFAO," one wrote.

Girl, can you please talk about Aretha and not yourself. Lord — K. Michelle (@kmichelle) August 21, 2018

"Girl, can you please talk about Aretha and not yourself. Lord," singer K. Michelle tweeted.

Some thought about Franklin.

I would pay to see Aretha’s face right now. #VMAs — deray (@deray) August 21, 2018

"I would pay to see Aretha’s face right now," one user wrote.

this is so offensive to aretha — deaux (@dstfelix) August 21, 2018

"this is so offensive to aretha,' another wrote.

Others questioned why Madonna was chosen to do the tribute in the first place.

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

"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?" one user wrote.

"Madonna led...the Aretha tribute...because.....?" another questioned.

So disappointed that the @vmas allowed @Madonna to turn aretha franklins tribute into a self praising speech about herself where was the RESPECT??? Shame on you — Ginger Redwine (@ginger_redwine) August 21, 2018

"So disappointed that the @vmas allowed @Madonna to turn aretha franklins tribute into a self praising speech about herself where was the RESPECT??? Shame on you," another tweeted.

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