Beyonce, on Sunday, dominated the MTV Video Music Awards as she took home top prizes and awed the audience in a fiery dance medley with a subtle political touch. The singer won Video of the Year for Formation, the most outspoken work of her career, as well as Best Female Video for Hold Up. The two tracks appeared on Lemonade, Beyonce's latest album which she released in a surprise tie-in with a film of the same name that paid tribute to African American women. Beyonce stole the spotlight at the gala party in New York's Madison Square Garden by performing a Lemonade medley of more than 16 minutes, managing even to change outfits in a set that culminated in the stage erupting in fire. In one of the most striking moments, the sound of a single gun-shot rang out as her circle of angelic-clad dancers each collapsed in a fog of red. Formation, directed by Melina Matsoukas, offered solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement against police brutality with officers depicted raising their hands as if under arrest. "I dedicate this award to the people of New Orleans. God bless you guys," Beyonce said as she accepted the award for Formation, which was musically inspired by the southern city's bounce hip-hop scene. Singer Alicia Keys offered another of the night's powerful moments as she recited a poem she said was inspired by civil rights hero Martin Luther King Jr. who delivered his landmark "I Have a Dream" speech in Washington 53 years ago Sunday.
Kanye Talks Kanye
The Video Music Awards, broadcast to more than 120 countries, have long been known more for their on-stage antics than the winners, and this year MTV decided to let the artists loose. In one of the night's most anticipated moments, rap superstar Kanye West - who last year used the occasion to declare his intention to run for president in 2020 - delivered a nearly stream-of-consciousness speech about empowerment. As the audience chanted his stage-name 'Yeezy,' Kanye said that unnamed wealthy white people warned him against comparing himself to Apple founder Steve Jobs and entertainment pioneer Walt Disney. But Kanye said that the pair were among fewer than 10 true artistic heroes, and that the slim list also includes himself. "Three keys to keeping people impoverished are taking away their esteem, taking away their resources and taking away their role models," said Kanye, who started his speech by deploring street killings in his native Chicago.Rihanna Honoured
MTV presented its Video Vanguard Award - named after late King of Pop Michael Jackson - to Rihanna, in recognition to her contributions to pop culture. In an acceptance speech, Rihanna pledged never to forget her native Barbados.Full list of winners -
Video of the Year: Beyonce - Formation Best Female Video: Beyonce - Hold Up Best Male Video: Calvin Harris ft. Rihanna - This Is What You Came For Best Collaboration: Fifth Harmony ft. Ty Dolla $ign - Work From Home Best Hip Hop Video: Drake - Hotline Bling Best Pop Video: Beyonce - Formation Best Rock Video: twenty one pilots - Heathens Best Electronic Video: Calvin Harris & Disciples - How Deep Is Your Love Breakthrough Long Form Video: Beyonce - Lemonade Best New Artist: DNCE Song of Summer Presented by Verizon: Fifth Harmony featuring Fetty Wap - All In My Head (Flex) Best Art Direction: David Bowie - Blackstar Best Choreography: Beyonce - Formation Best Direction: Beyonce - Formation Best Cinematography: Beyonce - Formation Best Editing: Beyonce - Formation Best Visual Effects: Coldplay - Up&Up Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award: RihannaSource: AFP
