After Chris Brown’s triumph at the American Music Awards on Sunday drew a mixture of cheers and jeers from the audience, Kelly Rowland stood by him.
The “Motivation” hitmaker collected the trophy on Brown’s behalf during the presentation of the male R&B artist award at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles. Brown, whose most recent album, “Breezy,” was released in June, was not there because, according to reports, the AMAs abruptly dropped him from the schedule of performers.
For best male R&B artist, Brown was up against Brent Faiyaz, Given, Lucky Daye, and the Weeknd.
“Excuse me — chill out,” Rowland told the booing portion of the audience after announcing Brown’s victory.
“I want 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.”
Chris Brown wins AMA
Brown stated via Instagram on Friday that his AMA tribute to Michael Jackson performance was postponed “for reasons unknown.” The “Under the Influence” singer posted a video of himself dancing along to songs by Michael Jackson, including “Beat It,” “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’,” and “Thriller,” during one of his AMA rehearsals.
He posted the video on Instagram with “U SERIOUS?”
A Monday request for comment from The Times went unanswered by AMAs representatives.
In 2009, Brown pleaded guilty to the felony assault of his then-girlfriend, Rihanna. The recording artist, who completed his probation sentence for that case in 2015, has been accused and arrested on charges of assault multiple times since then.
In addition, Pink and Wayne Brady paid tribute to the late Takeoff and Olivia Newton-John, respectively, while other artists lamented the victims of a tragedy that occurred at a gay bar in Colorado Springs on Saturday. Taylor Swift also shattered her own record for the most awards won overall.
The complete list of this year’s AMA winners is below.
Artist of the Year: Taylor Swift
New Artist of the Year: Dove Cameron
Collaboration of the Year: “Cold Heart – PNAU Remix,” by Elton John and Dua Lipa
Touring Artist: Coldplay
Music Video: “All Too Well: The Short Film” by Taylor Swift
Male Pop Artist: Harry Styles
Female Pop Artist: Taylor Swift
Latin Duo or Group: Yahritza Y Su Esencia
Latin Album: “Un Verano Sin Ti” by Bad Bunny
Latin Song: Sebastián Yatra “Dos Oruguitas” by Sebastián Yatra
Rock Artist: Machine Gun Kelly
Rock Song: “Beggin’” by Måneskin
Rock Album: “Impera” by Ghost
Inspirational Artist: For King & Country
Gospel Artist: Tamela Mann
Dance/Electronic Artist: Marshmello
Pop Duo or Group: BTS
Pop Album: “Red (Taylor’s Version)” by Taylor Swift
Pop Song: “As It Was” by Harry Styles
Male Country Artist: Morgan Wallen
Female Country Artist: Taylor Swift
Country Duo or Group: Dan + Shay
Country Album: “Red (Taylor’s Version)” by Taylor Swift
Country Song: “Wasted on You” by Morgan Wallen
Male Hip-Hop Artist: Kendrick Lamar
Female Hip-Hop Artist: Nicki Minaj
Hip-Hop Album: “Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers” by Kendrick Lamar
Hip-Hop Song: “Wait For U” by Future featuring Drake and Tems
Male R&B Artist: Chris Brown
Female R&B Artist: Beyoncé
R&B Album: “Renaissance” by Beyoncé
R&B Song: “Essence” by Wizkid featuring Tems
Male Latin Artist: Bad Bunny
Female Latin Artist: Anitta
Soundtrack: “Elvis”
Afrobeats Artist: Wizkid
K-Pop Artist: BTS
