American Music Awards (AMAs) 2023 concluded its 50th ceremony at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles. This year’s ceremony saw the rise of the Latino artist Bad Bunny, who had eight nods. Along with him, Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, The Weeknd, Drake, and others were frontrunners. The show also recognized new artists. But, Chris Brown and Beyoncé dominated the R&B category.
The two artists were the favorites in the category. Beyoncé swept the awards in the category of ‘Favorite Female R&B Artist’ and ‘Favorite R&B Album’. Chris Brown won the award for ‘Favorite Male R&B Artist’. But, when the former Destiny’s Child member Kelly Rowland came to present the award to the latter, she had to ask the audience to chill out. What unfolded on the stage during the show?
Also Read: Why Did AMAs Canceled Michael Jackson’s Tribute By Chris Brown?
Kelly Rowland Asked The Booing Audience To “Chill Out”
It seems audience members were not happy with Chris Brown winning the award! The audience members at the Microsoft Theatre lost their chill when Chris Brown was announced as the favorite Male R&B artist at the AMAs 2022. During the live event, Kelly Rowland graced the stage to announce the nominees and winner in the ‘Favorite Male R&B Artist’ . For the award, Lucky Daye, The Weeknd, Brent Faiyaz, and Chris Brown were nominated.
The audience started booing and the camera was focused on them when Kelly announced the ‘Under the Influence’ artist as the winner,. The ‘Say My Name’ artist was startled at the audience’s reaction while she was still presenting. But, she went ahead and said, “Now Chris Brown is not here tonight so I’m accepting this award on his behalf.” She then addressed the mocking audience, “Excuse me… chill out.”
The possible reason for the booing can be the problematic behavior that the artist displayed in the past. He was accused of domestic violence when Rihanna and he were in a relationship. So, the audience was unhappy that the AMAs inducted him as the winner when there were other worthy artists.
Nevertheless, Rowland on Brown’s behalf gave an acceptance speech. She said, “But I wanted to tell Chris, thank you so much for making great R&B music and I want to tell him thank you for being an incredible performer. I’ll take this award — bring it to you. I love you. Congratulations. And congratulations to all the nominees in this category.”
Also Read: Why Did Rihanna Patch Up With Chris Brown Even After He Brutally Assaulted Her?
AMAs Canceled Chris Brown’s Michael Jackson Tribute
Both Michael and Chris are multi-faceted artists. They have great dancing prowess as well as delivered smashing hits. But, there has been a debate that cropped up in recent times for the G.O.A.T title. There was a virtual tug-of-war on who is a better artist, Chris Brown or Michael Jackson? But, in an interview, Brown cleared the air. He said, “My personal take on it is I wouldn’t even be breathing or even be able to sing a song if that man didn’t exist”.
Unfortunately, at the last moment, AMAs canceled the tribute that Chris Brown wanted to extend on the 40th anniversary of the ‘Thriller’ album. The artist shared a snippet from his run-through at the practice session on Jackson’s iconic songs like ‘Billie Jean’, ‘Thriller’, and ‘Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’ ‘.
He expressed his annoyance on social media writing “U SERIOUS?” Brown continued, “WOULD’VE been the ama performance but they cancelled me for reasons unknown”.
