NEWARK: Missy Elliott, the rapper-singer-songwriter-producer-dancer, was honored at the 2019 MTV Video Music Awards. Likewise, Taylor Swift also took center stage with her gay pride anthem, “You Need to Calm Down.”

Elliott earned the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award and brought her colorful, eccentric and groundbreaking music videos to life, from “Work It” to “Lose Control,” on Monday at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.

“I’ve worked diligently for over two decades and I never thought I would be standing up here receiving this award,” Elliott said.
She dedicated her award to the dance community and said her music video inspirations included Janet Jackson, Madonna, Peter Gabriel and Busta Rhymes.

She also honored the late R&B icon Aaliyah, whom she was close to and collaborated with, during her acceptance speech. The 18th anniversary of Aaliyah’s death was Sunday.

Other winners included Cardi B, who took home best hip-hop for “Money”; Jonas Brothers’ “Sucker” won best pop; “Senorita,” which Shawn Mendes and Camila Cabello performed during the show, won best collaboration; and the Chainsmokers and Bebe Rexha’s “Call You Mine” won best dance.

Billie Eilish, who said she was on tour in Russia in a video aired during the show, won best new artist, push artist of the year and best editing.

Lil Nas X and Billy Ray Cyrus’ “Old Town Road,” the longest-running No. 1 song in the history of the Billboard Hot 100 chart, won song of the year.

“This is my first award ever,” the 20-year-old newcomer said.

(Agencies)