MADONNA said she wasn’t asked and didn’t intend to do a tribute to Aretha Franklin at the MTV Video Music Awards.
The pop star was scorched online for telling a lengthy story about Franklin on Monday’s show that had more to do with herself than the Queen of Soul, who died last week.
But in an Instagram post on Tuesday, Madonna said she was asked to present the video of the year award and share any anecdotes she had in her career that were connected to Franklin. Madonna’s story was about singing a song popularized by Franklin during an audition but included much more about her own career.
“I shared a part of my journey and thanked Aretha for inspiring me along the way,” the 60-year-old singer said on Instagram. “I did not intend to do a tribute to her! That would be impossible in two minutes with all the noise and tinsel of an award show. I could never do her justice in this context or environment.”
She concluded: “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 (Cabello)! 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 #positivevibes.” AP