Cardi B Reacts to Historic VMAs Win With Kehlani After Missing 2026 Ceremony

Cardi B is celebrating her VMAs win with Kehlani after their single “Save” became the first all-women collaboration to win best hip-hop at the Sunday, Sept. 27, ceremony.

The rapper discussed the win in a video filmed at home and posted to her Instagram Story one day after the show. “By the way, y’all, me and Bae-lani just won a VMA last night for ‘Save!’” she said.

“As I deserve, b—h,” Cardi continued as she recalled the music video shoot for “Save.” “I was seven months pregnant, slamming myself on the f–king floor, acting like I’m getting robbed and s–t. I don’t know if y’all appreciated the music video, because it’s a music video I don’t usually do with a storyline and everything.”

Released in September 2025 alongside Cardi’s Billboard 200-topping sophomore album, Am I the Drama?, “Safe” reached No. 26 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 3 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. The music video showed the Bronx native and Kehlani performing the song in silky pajamas alongside a narrative about a pregnant Cardi, who was expecting her now 10-month-old son with Stefon Diggs in real life, experiencing relationship trouble with a partner involved in criminal activity. The plot features a rival arriving at their home and wrestling Cardi to the ground in a dark conclusion.

“Next year, I’m going to the VMAs. I promise. I promise,” Cardi added in the clip, writing in a follow-up post, “Thank you @mtv …Send in the moon man.”

Cardi B was among several winners at the 2026 VMAs. Madonna won the most Moon People, including artist of the year, while Taylor Swift received the first-ever artist director award and video of the year for “The Fate of Ophelia.” The event also featured performances by RAYE, Sienna Spiro, LISA, and Shaboozey.

Cardi also mentioned in her Instagram Story that she recently returned home from Milan, where she walked in the Vogue World fashion show alongside Jennifer Lopez and mgk.