Madonna slammed for Aretha Franklin tribute at the MTV VMAs 2018

 Madonna's tribute was slammed by viewers Photo: Getty

MTV Video Music Awards viewers have slammed Madonna's Aretha Franklin tribute.

The tribute started with a short clip of the Queen of Soul, who passed away last week aged 76 after a battle with pancreatic cancer, singing.

Madonna then appeared on stage where she recalled in detail how her career in the music industry began, telling the audience how it was a performance of one of the superstar's songs that launched her career.

"None of this could have happened without our lady of soul," the Like A Virgin singer said. "She led me to where I am today. And I know she influenced so many people in this house tonight.

"I want to thank you Aretha for empowering us all. Our R-E-S-P-E-C-T. Long live the queen."

She then announced singer Camila Cabello had won the Video Of The Year award for her single Havana.

However, some viewers at home who were expecting Madonna to speak at length about Aretha were left stunned by her 'self-indulgent' speech and quickly flocked to twitter to call out the singer.

"Madonna spoke about herself during that entire Aretha Franklin speech," one remarked.

"I turned on the VMAS for the first time in years & Madonna just rambled about herself for like 10 mins during an Aretha Franklin tribute & then announced that Havana is the video of the year," a second said.

And: "Madonna really got up on that stage, with a backdrop of Aretha Franklin behind her, and spent the entire segment talking about herself and how she proved everyone wrong. The disrespect. "

I had no clue Madonna was doing a tribute to Aretha Franklin. All she was talking about was... #VMAS pic.twitter.com/DDc7Y672i4

— Jazz (@JAZZSTRATUS_) August 21, 2018

Now I know why I don’t watch the VMAs or Grammys. No one from MTV bothered to check what Madonna was going to say? I think this was so disrespectful to Aretha Franklin...ughh

— Shaunte (@JustShauny) August 21, 2018

Madonna really got up on that stage, with a backdrop of Aretha Franklin behind her, and spent the entire segment talking about herself and how she proved everyone wrong. The disrespect ???????????? #VMAs pic.twitter.com/6OiduE80oo

— ciaran (@gagsheaux) August 21, 2018