MTV held its 35th VMA event last night (August 21, 2019) at Radio City Music Hall in New York, where the award show continued with its second year of gender neutral categories with nominees no longer separated by sex. As part of the change, the name of the award has been changed from Moonman to a Moon Person. And while men and women were competing head to head, it was a big night for female artists, who took home most of the top awards.
The event delivered big for Cuban-American singer Camila Cabello, who took home both video of the year and artist of the year, an award she dedicated to Madonna.
Additional big awards were taken home by Post Malone who won for song of the year with “rockstar,” and Cardi B, who was awarded best new artist. Ariana Grande was awarded best pop video with “No Tears Left to Cry,” while her bestie, Nicki Minaj, took home the award for best hip hop video for “Chun Li.”
Announced prior to the event, the Video Vanguard award went to Jennifer Lopez, whose performance included an appearance by Jah Rule. The show also tapped Madonna to speak about the importance of Aretha Franklin, who passed way at age 76 on August 16th.
Check out the top awards along with red carpet looks below.
Video of the Year: Camila Cabello: “Havana” ft. Young Thug
The Carters: “APES**T”
Childish Gambino: “This Is America”
Drake: “God’s Plan”
Artist of the Year: Camila Cabello
Ariana Grande
Bruno Mars
Cardi B
Drake
Post Malone
Song of the Year: Post Malone: “rockstar” ft. 21 Savage
Bruno Mars: “Finesse (Remix)” ft. Cardi B
Camila Cabello: “Havana” ft. Young Thug
Drake: “God’s Plan”
Dua Lipa: “New Rules”
Ed Sheeran: “Perfect”
Best New Artist: Cardi B
Bazzi
Chloe x Halle
Hayley Kiyoko
Lil Pump
Lil Uzi Vert
Best Collaboration: Jennifer Lopez: “Dinero” ft. DJ Khaled & Cardi B
Bebe Rexha ft. Florida Georgia Line: “Meant to Be”
Bruno Mars: “Finesse (Remix)” ft. Cardi B
The Carters: “APES**T”
Logic: “1-800-273-8255” ft. Alessia Cara & Khalid
N.E.R.D: “Lemon” ft. Rihanna
Best Pop Video: Ariana Grande: “No Tears Left to Cry”
Camila Cabello: “Havana” ft. Young Thug
Demi Lovato: “Sorry Not Sorry”
Ed Sheeran: “Perfect”
P!nk: “What About Us”
Shawn Mendes: “In My Blood”
Best Hip Hop Video: Nicki Minaj: “Chun-Li”
Cardi B: “Bartier Cardi” ft. 21 Savage
The Carters: “APES**T”
Drake: “God’s Plan”
J. Cole: “ATM”
Migos: “Walk It Talk It” ft. Drake
Check out a round up of the red carpet looks below.
Camila Cabella is the belle of the ball in an Oscar de la Renta gown.
Honored with a VMA Video Vanguard award, Jennifer Lopez walked the red carpet in Versace and also wore the label for her performance.
Asian Doll pays tribute to the movie Clueless in her first VMA appearance
SZA is pretty in pink Rodarte.
Nicki Minaj wears an Off-White bodysuit accented by a Chanel bag and Yeezy heels.
Cardi B makes her return to public life in a custom Alexander Acosta dress with green bling provided by Lorraine Schwartz.
Kylie Jenner is grown and sexy in a Tom Ford double-breasted coat dress.
Teyana Taylor bodies a sporty look she describes as Lara Croft-inspired.
