Madonna at MTV awards.
Madonna at Monday night's show.
At the MTV awards on Monday night in New York, Madonna said: "Aretha Louise Franklin changed the course of my life."
Madonna then recalled a time decades ago when she auditioned for a "French disco sensation" who was looking for backup singers and dancers for his world tour. The remarks bring social media rebukes.
Is this about Madonna or Aretha?
— Nakea Simon (@NakeaSimon) August 21, 2018
She had no formal training, she said, and prepared no song and decided to sing Franklin's "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman" for two French men at the audition, according to Adam Graham of The Detroit News.
"I could see that they did not take me seriously. And why should they?" she asked. "Some skinny-ass white girl is gonna come up here and belt out a song by one of the greatest soul singers that ever lived?"
She failed to get the job, but weeks later they called back, saying they had other plans.
The audition led to her getting her shot in the music industry, and it was all due to Franklin, Madonna said.
"None of this would have happened, could have happened, without our lady of soul. She led me to where I am today," Madonna said. "And I know she influenced so many people in this house tonight, in this room tonight. And I want to thank you Aretha for empowering all of us."
Afterward, Twitter lit up.
The Aretha Franklin tribute is Madonna talking about herself at great length?
— Michael Arceneaux (@youngsinick) August 21, 2018
