The will-they-won’t-they, on-again-off-again relationship between Drake and Rihanna may have reached a critical climax. As the 2016 MTV Video Music Awards were finishing up today, Drake stepped up to present Rihanna with the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award. This was no ordinary award presentation though, as Drake dug deep and bared his soul for all the world to see.
“We love the music, which can change styles from album to album. We love the videos which change their artistic vision from year to year. But most of all, we love the woman who hasn’t changed from day one,” he declared.
“She’s someone I’ve been in love with since I was 22-years-old. She’s one of my best friends in the world. All my adult life, I’ve looked up to her, even though she’s younger than me. She’s a living, breathing legend in our industry. Ladies and gentleman, the recipient of the 2016 Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award, Rihanna!”
After accepting the award Rihanna said, “This is such an amazing night, it’s such an amazing moment in my career.
“When I think about the Vanguard Award and receiving this tonight, all I could think about was my country. They’re gonna be so proud. This is the first Vanguard to land anywhere close to my country. My success, it started as my dream; but now my success is not my own. It’s my family’s, my fan’s. It’s my country’s; it’s the Caribbean as a whole. It’s women’s; it’s black women … so many people feel like their little piece is such a major part of this puzzle, and I have to thank you guys for supporting me over and over.”
Watch clips of Drake presenting the Vanguard Award, and of Rihanna’s acceptance speech below, and a list of all the winners from this year’s VMAs right here.
Watch: Drake Presents Rihanna With Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award
Watch: Rihanna Accepts Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award
