R&B singers Kelly Rowland and Chris Brown have been no strangers to publicly expressing their admiration for each other over the years, so it should have come as no surprise that the diva kept the trend going at Sunday night’s American Music Awards (November 20) when she accepted the award for Favorite Soul/R&B Male Artist on his behalf.
The knowledge of their relationship didn’t stop some audience members from booing, however, when she announced he had defeated Brent Faiyaz, Giveon, Lucky Daye, and The Weeknd for this year’s honor.
After quickly correcting the naysayers, Rowland went into a praise session for the ‘Loyal‘ superstar.
“I want to tell Chris thank you so much for making great R&B music and being an incredible performer,” she shared in a quick acceptance speech.
While some cheered Kelly for her adulation, it appears there were some viewers booing at home just like those in the audience.
As has made headlines all weekend, Brown was reportedly scheduled to perform a tribute to the 40th anniversary of Michael Jackson‘s legendary 1982 album, ‘Thriller,’ but found out at the last minute it had been canceled for ‘unknown reasons.’
The news prompted many of his fans to call for a boycott of the awards show while many of his peers like Boosie Badazz, Jermaine Dupri, and others went on record slamming the AMAs for the move.
For many, Rowland’s show of support on the award show’s stage was a subtle clap back on Brown’s behalf. Others didn’t quite see it that way.
Look below to see the mixed response.
At writing, Brown nor Kelly has responded to the hoopla.
Check out the full list of 2022 AMA winners here.
Just stfu, Beyoncé’s long time back up dancer 💅🏾 Being irreverent for more than two decades and she still is today. How sad!
You are saddest. Chris and Kelly have everything you don’t and won’t
Kelly is strong and classy. There are some really dumb and immature people who don’t want to see Chris move on and have success more than 10 years after the assault. They hate that he is an incredible performer with potential to become even bigger. Sad that they have that much hate in their hearts. It’s childish.
Didn’t she open up for Chris and The Dream years ago? Washed bítch still opening for folks after being 20 years in the game. Lmao, this bítch praises Fist Brown while being a victim of domestic violence.
If it wasn’t for Beyoncè nobody would give a damn about her.
Lol. Y you mad?? 😭😢
😂😂😂
Second chance? Not only did he abuse a woman but he also committed other violent behavior so why does he deserve any?
So you’re dismissing the last 9 years Chris has gone with no violent incidents other than the ones that were proven false?
Not y’all on here being anti-abusers when that’s all y’all do. She knows Chris, y’all don’t. Hit and be hit. I know the whole story.
I highly doubt his performance was canceled due to the rihannna drama. It probably had more to do with MJ’s estate. They aren’t even celebrating Thrillers 40th anniversary like that.
But they are. Look at their Instagram, Facebook and official website. And I assume they approved the popup Thriller experience in NYC.
MJ’s estate would have to sign off in the performance in the first place. What are you even talking about.
America is so racist. Chris Brown made one mistake and IS still crucified. Meanwhile Elvis IS still publicly praised.
Elvis IS dead and has been for 50 years and that’s the only comparison you can make? Chile.
Also, how many other blacks consistently perform and win at these awards shows. But as soon as one black artist doesn’t get nominated/awarded or get to perform, you cry racism. If you don’t get every single thing your way, you cry racism. All the while being prejudice towards other races yourself.
If you hate America so much, you know you ARE free to leave.
True say whatever you want I truly believe they did not want anyone overshadowing Taylor and I also think they chose between the Olivia newton John tribute and mj . AMA been whack since they gave Taylor the artist of the year award the year mj died .
kelly herself is a domestic abuse survivor. she sang about it in DC3’s “girl” song. why are you praising Chris Beat Em Down to the Ground Brown?
Kelly Rowland is a class act. Say what you may but she did speak truth period
Imagine standing on stage and speaking and the crowd is booing. They weren’t just disrespectful to Chris but to her as well . I’d say chill out too.