Award shows seem inevitably to spark some kind of controversy. Just ask Chris Rock. And at the American Music Awards (AMA), Kelly Rowland found herself trying to manage the inevitable challenge.
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It came after Chris Brown’s win. And as the crowd booed, Rowland sought to calm the audience. Get all the details below.
Chris Brown Wins At American Music Awards, Crowd Boos!
The American Music Awards honors the best of the year’s vocal talents. But when Kelly Rowland announced Chris Brown’s win, the audience focused on his personal history rather than his music. And boos resulted, noted Page Six.
However, that put Kelly in an awkward position. Known as a former Destiny’s Child member, Rowland also revealed that Brown had not attended the event to accept his trophy. Chris won for Favorite Male R&B Artist category. But as Kelly tried to accept the honor on behalf of the 33-year-old, the boos rose.
“Excuse me,” stated Rowland, 41. And as the boos continued among the audience, she added, “Chill out.” In her acceptance speech on his behalf, Kelly referred to him as an “incredible performer.” And she added, “Chris, thank you so much for making great R&B music. I’ll take this award [and] bring it to you. I love you. Congratulations, and congratulations to all the nominees in this category.”
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Kelly Rowland Faces Backlash For Defending Chris Brown Win
However, Rowland’s defense of Brown sparked its own backlash on social media. For instance, one critic asked, “Why was Kelly Rowland going so hard for Chris brown on that stage?” And another questioned, “What the f–k is Chris brown doing still winning awards? And why is Kelly Rowland up there thanking his ass wtf truly.”
Brown also sparked questions by alleging that he had planned to stage a Michael Jackson tribute at the 50th annual awards show. But he claimed that he got cancelled. And he shared the situation on Instagram. “U SERIOUS? WOULDVE been the ama performance but they cancelled me for reasons unknown.” However, producers did not respond.
Brown’s history of violence against women began in 2009, when he allegedly assaulted Rihanna. He also got sued for allegedly drugging and rapping a woman in 2020. And Chris faced accusations of hitting a woman in 2021.
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But Brown denied allegations with various defenses. For instance, he wrote in 2020, “Whenever I’m releasing music or projects, ‘THEY’ try to pull some real bulls–t.” And he also allegedly hurt his ex-girlfriend Karreuche Tran. The couple dated between 2010 to 2015. However, Tran subsequently alleged that Brown hit her and shoved her down a staircase. She then got a five-year restraining order against him. But Brown denied the allegations, claiming she “doesn’t need a restraining order.”
Tell us what you think. Do you feel Kelly Rowland made the right decision to try to get the audience to stop booing Chris Brown after he won at the American Music Awards? And after you share your views, check back on our site for more celebrity news.
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