Kelly Rowland accepts the award for Chris Brown. The 2022 Annual American Music Awards took place on November 20, 2022, at the Microsoft Theatre in Los Angeles. Kelly Rowland appeared on stage to present the award for Favorite Male R&B Artist. Chris Brown won the award.

The crowd booed Chris Brown after he won the award. The singer was not present at the ceremony to accept the award, so Kelly Rowland accepted it on his behalf.

Amid the boos, Kelly Rowland said to the crowd, “Excuse me, chill out.” She continued and called Chris Brown an incredible performer and thanked him for making such captivating R&B music. Kelly told him that she would take the award and bring it to him. The former Destiny’s Child member congratulated all the nominees.

The audience members and viewers were not happy with Kelly Rowland’s defence of Chris Brown. The singer has been accused of assaulting women, including Rihanna, on numerous occasions.

“Why was Kelly Rowland making so much effort for Chris Brown on stage?” a Twitter user asked. Someone else asked on Twitter, “Why is Chris Brown still getting awards?” Another user, however, opposed and commended Kelly Rowland for expressing her gratitude for Chris Brown’s music.

Chris Brown was looking forward to honouring Michael Jackson at the ceremony. A last-minute cancellation occurred. Chris Brown took to his social media to announce that for reasons unknown, his performance has been cancelled.

In 2009, Chris Brown assaulted his then-girlfriend Rihanna the night before the Grammy Awards, which furthermore drew widespread criticism. He pleaded guilty and received community service.

In 2017, the singer had an altercation with his ex-girlfriend Karreuche Tran, who claimed he punched her in the stomach and pushed her down the stairs. Chris denied the accusations. Karreuche obtained a five-year restraining order against him.