MTV VMAs 2018: Camila wins top honours, Madonna pays tribute to Franklin

“Havana” hitmaker Camila Cabello won the Moon Man trophies for artist of the year and video of the year for the song here at the MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs), where Jennifer Lopez won the coveted Michael Jackson Vanguard Award for lifetime achievement.

Cabello was contending with rapper Drake and singer Childish Gambino.

During her speech, the former Fifth Harmony singer gave a “shoutout to all the amazing female artists this year”, reported theguardian.com.

The gala was kicked off by rapper Cardi B appearing onstage announcing herself to be “the empress” before introducing a performance by singer Shawn Mendes.

It was a muted start for the VMAs following on from last year’s politically charged opener from rapper Kendrick Lamar.

Cardi B picked up awards for best collaboration with Jennifer Lopez and DJ Khaled, and best new artist.

“A couple of months ago people were saying you were gambling your career by having a baby,” she said.

Singer Madonna, who was wearing traditional African clothing, paid a tribute to the “Queen of Soul” Aretha Franklin, who died on August 16. The ceremony did not include a much-expected musical homage, but instead Madonna came onstage to share a story about how singing “You Make Me Feel (Like a Natural Woman)” at an audition changed her life.

But her tribute to the late star proved unpopular with many.

The full list of 2018 MTV VMA winners are:

• Video of the Year: Camila Cabello – ‘Havana’
• Artist of the Year: Camila Cabello
• Best Hip Hop Video: Nicki Minaj – ‘Chun Li’
• Best Pop Video: Ariana Grande – ‘No Tears Left To Cry’
• Song of the Year: Post Malone ft. 21 Savage – ‘Rockstar’
• Best Latin Video: J Balvin ft. Willy William – ‘Mi Gente’
• Video Vanguard Award: Jennifer Lopez
• Best New Artist: Cardi B
• Best Collaboration: Jennifer Lopez, DJ Khalid, and Cardi B – ‘Dinero’
• Video with a Message: Childish Gambino – ‘This Is America’
• Best Rock Video: Imagine Dragons – ‘Whatever It Takes’
• Best Cinematography: The Carters – ‘APES**T’
• Best Direction: Childish Gambino – ‘This Is America’
• Best Visual Effects: Kendrick Lamar and SZA – ‘All The Stars’
• Best Choreography: Childish Gambino – ‘This Is America’
• Best Editing:E.R.D ft. Rihanna – ‘Lemon’
• Push Artist of the Year: Hayley Kiyoko
• Song of Summer: Cardi B, Bad Bunny & J Balvin – ‘I Like It’