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Madonna Speaks Out After She’s Dragged For Filth Over Aretha Franklin Tribute
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Aug. 21 2018, Updated 5:32 p.m. ET
Madonna graced the 2018 MTV Video Music Awards stage at the Radio City Music Hall last night where she made an impassioned speech about the late great Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin while presenting Video of The Year. But some are hating on her for making the speech all about herself. Keep reading to see how it all went down.
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The 60-year-old presented singer Camila Cabello with the prestigious award for her summer smash single "Havana" ft. Young Thug.
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Aretha, who died at the age of 76 on Thursday, August 16 from pancreatic cancer, was supposedly honored at the award show by Madonna but many critics didn't see it that way.
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The "Holiday" singer made the speech about herself rather than about Aretha and said things like "Aretha Louise Franklin changed the course of my life." She then goes into a story about wanting to become a dance. Madge went into another story abouthow she chose to sing Aretha’s "Natural Woman" at a musical theatre audition. "There is a connection!” she exclaimed. “Because none of this would have happened, could have 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."
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After fans slammed her for making the homage about herself rather than the deceased musical legend, Madonna took to Instagram to explain the real story. She wrote, "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."
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"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," she continued.
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Do you think Madonna meant to make the speech about herself? Let us know your fave VMAs moments int he comments below!