Camila Cabello Wins Best Artist and Best Song Award at MTV EMAs

BILBAO, Spain (AP) – Cuban-American singer Camila Cabello was the big winner of the MTV EMA Gala Sunday in Spain, while Janet Jackson took advantage of her speech of thanks for a lifetime achievement award to defend the rights of women.

Jackson was honored with the Global Icon Award for her 11-decade career, which began when she was a child in the family. She has also produced her brother, Michael, legend of the music, and The Jackson Five.

Jackson, 52, showed that she still had her dance moves performing a mix of "Made for Now", "All for You" and "Rhythm Nation", accompanied by drummers and African torches. . She then stated that her prize was accompanied by a liability.

"Tonight, I am moved to speak on behalf of women whose voices have been stifled," she said. "I am one of those voices, women who have been gagged, literally and emotionally, women who have been abused, women who have been intimidated, women who have lived in fear, I am yours sides.

"Tonight I am hopeful that a new world is emerging." Women, our voices will be heard!

In addition to Jackson's call for gender equality, the show focused solely on dazzling costumes, choreography, and lights and videos on the huge circular stage.

The pop star Ariana Grande being excluded despite her five nominations, Cabello was the undisputed star of the evening.

Cabello, 21, defeated Grande, Drake, Dua Lipa and Post Malone for the best artist, while her sensational title "Havana" won the award for best song and video. She also dominated the category of Best Act.

Last year, Cabello won the Best Pop Artist Award at the edition held in London. Born in Havana before her family moved to Miami, Cabello was discovered on the American version of X-Factor and was part of Fifth Harmony.

The 25th edition of the awards, formerly known as the MTV Europe Music Awards, was as usual laden with catchy performances, as well as references to Bilbao's links with the art world, in the first place thanks to the Guggenheim Museum of the city.

Host Hailee Steinfeld opened the show with a video sketch showing it sneaking into an art gallery to "steal" one of MTV's trophies, and then emerge on stage in a small silver dress. Several costume changes later, she became a "work of art", in her words, when she donned a long white dress and was sprayed with blue and yellow paint.

After Nicki Minaj and Little Mix have started the music, the singer of Panic! At The Disco made an entry in an action movie. Singer Brendon Urie was featured in a video that climbed the Bilbao exhibition grounds before descending from the ceiling of the room as he sang the opening of "High Hopes".

When his group won the best alternative award, Urie announced that "it's happening in my bathroom".

Minaj won the award for best hip-hop artist and best look. 5 seconds of summer remaining with Best Rock Award, Marshmello was voted Best Electronic Artist and Best New Artist went to Cardi B.

Shawn Mendes won the award for best performer, while British singer-songwriter Dua Lipa was the best pop artist.

The audience went wild singing "Malamente" of the Spanish sensation Rosalia, but the most moving performance was that of Halsey. She delivered her heartless "Without Me" while chained to a large transparent cube. When the cube rose, the water ran over it like a rain.

The Jack & Jack Boys duo raised their spirits by singing "Rise" while being hoisted up, spinning and spinning on a whirlwind-like stage until a group of Friendly friends rush to cushion their landing.

Saturday night, Muse kicked off the weekend festivities with a guitar-led rock concert at San Mames Stadium, home of local Athletic Bilbao football club.

MTV's EMAs take place each year in a different European city, with winners being selected by the continent's fans. DC

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