The Latest: VMAs winners, presenters spotlight immigration

The Latest on the MTV Video Music Awards, being held Monday at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey (all times local):

8:30 p.m.

J Balvin and Rosalia have noted how important it was to perform on the MTV VMAs singing in Spanish as others during the ceremony commented on immigration in the United States.

The two won for best Latin music video for “Con Altura” and noted that they would later be performing on the broadcast in Spanish.

Presenters French Montana said that as an immigrant, he felt like immigrants “make this country.” Actress and presenter Alison Brie added that the way immigrants were treated in this country was “unconstitutional and frankly disgusting.”

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8:15 p.m.

Cardi B has picked up the first televised award of the MTV VMAs for best hip-hop video for “Money,” but the screams of fans were so loud, she said, “I can’t hear myself.”

The rapper thanked her music video director, Jora Frantzis, and her glam team for making her look good in the video, including smoothing out her cellulite.

She ended her speech by thanking Jesus repeatedly. Cardi B is nominated for four total awards, including artist of the year.

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8:05 p.m.

Taylor Swift has opened the VMAs with a performance of her LGBT anthem “You Need To Calm Down” flanked by colorful dancers, then brought it back to her roots by bringing out her guitar to sing the title track of her new album “Lover.”

Swift is tied with Ariana Grande as the most nominated act at Monday’s VMAs with 10 each, including video of the year.

The words “Equality Act” were shown over her performance, a reference to her support of the Equality Act legislation that would prevent discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

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10 a.m.

2019 is the year of Missy Elliott: The rap icon became the first female rapper inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame earlier this year and she will also earn the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award at Monday’s MTV Video Music Awards.

Elliott, who has released colorful, eccentric and groundbreaking music videos throughout her career, will also perform during the show which kicks off at 8 p.m. Eastern at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.

Others performers include Taylor Swift, Lizzo, Normani, Bad Bunny, Shawn Mendes, Camila Cabello, H.E.R., J Balvin, Lil Nas X, Rosalia, Big Sean, Ozuna, A$AP Ferg and Jonas Brothers. Megan Thee Stallion, Ava Max and CNCO will perform during the pre-show.

Swift and Ariana Grande are the top-nominated acts.

source: abcnews.go.com