AMAs Awards 2022: Kelly Rowland says ‘chill out’ after Chris Brown boos

Kelly Rowland urged viewers at Sunday’s American Music Awards to “relax” after booing Chris Brown.

The former Destiny’s Child singer accepted Brown’s win in the Favorite Male R&B Artist category on his behalf when the crowd started booing.

“Excuse me,” Rowland said, before adding, “Calm down.”

The 41-year-old then offered genuine praise for Brown, addressing him directly and saying she loved him.

“Chris, thank you for making great R&B music,” she said.

“I will accept this award [and] bring it to you I love you. Congratulations and congratulations to all nominees in this category.”

Brown, who was a controversial winner due to his allegations of violence against women, did not attend the awards ceremony after his performance was reportedly cancelled.

Brown tweeted Sunday (November 20) claiming he was originally scheduled to perform: “WOULD have been the Ama gig but they canceled me for unknown reasons.”

In 2009, Brown pleaded guilty to assaulting his ex-girlfriend and superstar Rihanna. Since then, he has also been accused of several assaults by ex-girlfriends and acquaintances.

It seems many viewers at home weren’t too happy with Brown’s win at the AMAs either.

“Chris Brown just won one #AMAs *and* Kelly Rowland silenced the audience so she could praise him and preach how much she loves him? Furious! It might be time to turn this off,” he wrote she Editor Michael Cuby on Twitter.

“No way Chris Brown just won something and Kelly Rowland says she loves him… what the hell is that #ama‘ wrote one observer at home.

Enjoy unlimited access to 70 million ad-free songs and podcasts with Amazon Music Sign up now for a free 30-day trial

Register

“What has Chris Brown done decently over the last few years that warrants any sort of apology or praise… fast. He is an abuser and deserves at least a boo! Kelly Rowland is funny as hell for these #AMAs,” wrote another viewer.

“Chris Brown just won an AMA in 2022 and Kelly Rowland defended him. That’s why I don’t watch the AMAs,” said another.

However, some people praised Rowland’s defense of Brown on stage: “Chris Brown won Best R&B Artist and Kelly Rowland I love how you endorsed him. A great action.”

“That was nice of Kelly Rowland to say that about Chris Brown. He deserved it,” wrote another.

The Independent has reached out to representatives from Rowland’s team, Brown’s team and the AMAs for comment.

The full list of AMA winners can be found here.