Power women rule at the MTV Awards
Camila Cabello and Cardi B were the big winners at the MTV Music Awards. But an old friend stole the show, and she was celebrated by the audience like a pioneer: J.Lo is back.
Camila Cabello
At last year's MTV Europe Music Awards, the exiled Cuban took the trophy in the Best Pop category. Now, at the MTV Video Music Awards, she won the two top honors: Artist of the Year and Video of the Year (for "Havana"). At one point, Cabello and her girl band placed third in a casting show. Since leaving the band in 2016, her career has known only one direction: up.
Jennifer Lopez
Anyone wondering what the once ever-present Latina has been up to has an answer: J.Lo is back! The 49-year-old won an honorary award. And in the Best Collaboration slot, she shared the honors with DJ Khaled & Cardi B for "Dinero." J.Lo graced the show with a 10-minute medley, with half-playback technology largely relieving her of the burden of singing.
Post Malone und Aerosmith
Post Malone (in the colorful smiley suit) and 21 Savage took the honors for Song of the Year ("Rockstar"). His live performance served up a surprise in the form of a familiar backup band: Aerosmith joined Malone onstage to play their hits "Dream On" and "Toys in the Attic." Sweet of someone to have thought of including the older generation.
Cardi B
Never heard of her? Not to worry. The 25-year-old has been named Best New Artist. The rapper's hit "I Like It" was named Song of Summer, and then she shared the award for Best Collaboration with J.Lo.
Madonna
In a strange costume, Madonna, who's just turned 60, paid tribute to Aretha Franklin, who died on August 16. But in her several-minutes-long speech, Madonna managed to talk about nothing but herself. She'd once sung Franklin's song "A Natural Woman" at a casting show — "and the rest is history."