In a mushy moment worthy of the next Best Man sequel, Drake presented Rihanna with MTV’s Video Vanguard Award to close out this year’s VMAs. In a speech that was equal parts charming and awkward, Drake dutifully showered Rihanna with praise as she stood there, admiring both his luscious beard and his unavoidable geekiness, like watching the prom king bow down to his queen right before they ditch this old joint to go and actually smoke one.
Drake, wearing a tux in true zaddy fashion, recalled his first time meeting Rihanna in 2005 while she was shooting a video at a Toronto restaurant where he worked. “Eleven years later, they still all know Rihanna as the one and only Rihanna,” he gushed. And later, “Some artists need to play a character to achieve success,” he said. “She succeeds by doing something that no one in this music industry does, which is being herself.” Who among us didn’t cringe and aw at Drake when he said, “She’s someone I’ve been in love with since I was 22 years old.” It sure looked like he was about to propose. Pictured above: Rihanna and a fan.