Kelly Rowland Thanks Chris Brown Amid Michael Jackson AMA Tribute Flap

Amid an argument over a Chris Brown-helmed Michael Jackson tribute on Sunday’s American Music Awards that reportedly was canceled on the eleventh hour, the singer gained Favourite Male R&B Artist trophy and obtained a shout-out from Kelly Rowland.

“Chris Brown shouldn’t be right here tonight, so I’m accepting this award on his behalf,” Rowland stated, earlier than responding to some unclear shouts from the viewers. “Excuse me, sit back,” she continued. “However I wish to inform Chris, thanks a lot for making nice music, and I wish to inform him thanks for being an unbelievable performer. I’ll take this award and produce it to you, I like you! Congratulations, and congratulations to all of the nominees on this class.”

In keeping with sources and a a report in Puck, a deliberate tribute to Michael Jackson was canceled simply days earlier than the present, apparently over the optics of Brown, who pleaded responsible to assaulting then-girlfriend Rihanna the night time earlier than the 2009 Grammy Awards, main a tribute to Jackson, who confronted a 2005 prison trial for little one molestation however was acquitted. (The allegations in opposition to Jackson have continued, even after his loss of life in 2009;  Brown was arrested following the Rihanna assault, pleaded responsible, and was sentenced to neighborhood service, domestic-violence counseling and a restraining order.) 

Earlier this week, Brown posted a video and message on Instagram saying that the efficiency — which apparently included Jackson’s hits “Beat It,” “Billie Jean,” “Wanna Be Beginning One thing” and “Thriller” — had been canceled “for causes unknown.” The tribute is well timed as a result of a fortieth anniversary reissue of Jackson’s largest album, “Thriller,” is slated for launch later this yr.

Brown’s caption reads, “U SERIOUS?,” then he added, “WOULDVE been the ama efficiency however they cancelled me for causes unknown.” 

In keeping with Puck, the community was not against Brown performing, however the mixture of the 2 was not acceptable — over the objections of present govt producers Jesse Collins and Stephen Hill. A rep for Dick Clark Productions, which produces the present, instructed Puck: “ “Dwell exhibits change on a regular basis, it’s the character of this enterprise. Sadly, this component of the AMAs didn’t come collectively as we couldn’t align on the efficiency, to no fault of Chris Brown.” 

Reps for ABC and Brown didn’t instantly reply to Selection’s requests for remark.