Madonna’s failed tribute to Aretha Franklin at the 2018 MTV VMAs

Madonna dedicated last night in New York at the MTV Video Music Awards a heartfelt and at the same time controversial tribute to the queen of soul Aretha Frankin, who died four days ago at the age of 76. In a ten-minute speech, Madonna recalled her days as an aspiring singer and dancer and how she herself chose for a test that ended up being key in her career an a cappella version of (You make me feel Like) a Natural Woman. “None of this would have happened without the lady of soul. It took me to where I am now and I know it has influenced many people who are here today. Thank you for empowering us. RESPECT. Long live the queen,” Madonna assured Monday night In New York.

However, Madonna’s intervention has upset fans, artists and social leaders, who criticized on social networks that the queen of pop was more dedicated to talking about herself than about Franklin. “Whoever chose Madonna to pay this tribute or whatever to Aretha Franklin should be fired right now.” Alicia Garza tweeted, co-founder of the Black Lives Matter movement. Author Michael Arceneaux wondered if they were talking about Franklin or Maddona’s career and other users have directly accused him of cultural appropriation.

Last Thursday the world of music and politics – the world in general – immediately turned to show their admiration for the legacy left by the artist. From Paul McCartney to Elton John to Barbra Streisand, who said “it’s hard to conceive of a world without her. Not only was she an exceptionally brilliant singer, but her commitment to civil rights had an indelible impact on the world.” . Former President Barack Obama, a great admirer of the star, and his wife Michelle, wrote that “in her voice, we could feel our history, all of it and in every shadow: our power and our pain, our darkness and our light, our search for redemption and our hard-earned respect”

Politics and spectacle

All the great galas are transformed into political acts these days and MTV launched a new campaign to encourage young people to vote in the mid-term elections to be held in November in the United States. Childish Gambino and his video This Is Americaa political plea against weapons and racism that garnered more than 100 million views in its first week on YouTube, won the award for best video with message, choreography and direction.

Pop princess and former child star Ariana Grande, 25, sang God Is a Woman, his new song about the pleasures of sex. Rapper Logic and Ryan Tedder offered a very emotional moment with the interpretation of their new song one day. Tedder was onstage as Logic entered the venue with dozens of immigrant children carrying candles and wearing “We’re All Human” T-shirts.

Jennifer Lopez, who appeared at the awards for the first time since 2001, won best collaboration along with DJ Khaled and Cardi B for Money. The New York-born bilingual diva also received the Michael Jackson Award for her contribution to pop culture. Cardi B, who in just over a year has become one of the most prominent women in the masculine world of hip hop, also received the award for best new artist.

Unlike the Grammys, the industry’s biggest awards show, the VMAs pride themselves on generating outrageous made-for-TV moments and focus less on who wins the awards. As always, the most controversial stars walked the red carpet in extravagant outfits and masks.