The 2018 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) were held at the New York’s Radio City Music Hall on Monday. Camila Cabello took home two big prizes — video of the year for ‘Havana’ and artist of the year — while Childish Gambino nabbed three prizes for ‘This Is America,’ including best video with a message, accepted by the video’s choreographer Sherrie Silver. Madonna paid tribute to Aretha Franklin at the VMAs – but her long speech didn’t go down well with some viewers who thought she was self-indulgent. The Queen of Pop was asked to speak about the late Queen of Soul at Monday’s award ceremony in New York. She delivered a five-minute speech ending with her giving thanks to Franklin for “empowering all of us”. But she faced criticism on social media for the fact most of the speech was an anecdote about her own career. Madonna went on to describe how the producers didn’t call her for weeks but said they wanted to take her to Paris to make her a star. And the rest is history. “So you’re probably all wondering why I’m telling you this story,” she went on. “There is a connection. Because none of this would have happened, could have happened, without our Lady of Soul. She led me to where I am today, and I know she influenced so many people in this house tonight, and I want to thank you Aretha for empowering all of us. R-E-S-P-E-C-T. Long live the queen.” One Twitter user spoke for many when he wrote: “This ain’t about Aretha at all.” MTV Video Music Awards key winners: Best hip-hop – Nicki Minaj (Chun-Li) Song of the year – Post Malone (Rockstar) Best Latin – J Balvin/Willy William (Mi Gente) Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award – Jennifer Lopez Artist of the year – Camila Cabello Best new artist – Cardi B Best collaboration – Jennifer Lopez, DJ Khaled and Cardi B (Dinero) Video with a message – Childish Gambino (This Is America) Video of the year – Camila Cabello (Havana) Published in Daily Times, August 22nd 2018.