On Sunday, the French-Canadian sang Edith Piaf’s Hymne a l’Amour as a montage showing of Paris landmarks, including the Louvre and the Arc de Triomphe. It was a rousing speech that declared “the entire world matters…” according to the famous actor still donning his purple colored hair as the Joker.
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Leto’s words prior to Dion’s performance were also moving, as he read aloud from the letter of a man whose wife was killed during the attacks, at the Bataclan concert hall.
One Direction, who performed “Perfect”, won favorite duo or group – pop/rock.
Celine Dion managed to bring pretty much everyone watching Sunday night’s American Music Awards to tears with her emotional tribute to Paris.
Fellow musician Jared Leto introduced Celine on to the stage, as he poignantly remembered performing with his band Thirty Seconds to Mars at the historic Bataclan theatre just months before.
“Make some noise for Prince, ladies and gentlemen”, the singer said after picking up favourite album – soul/R&B for Beauty Behind the Madness.
The 43rd American Music Awards (AMAs) which was held at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles, turned out to be a major event with several entertainment industry bigwigs in attendance. The performance was raw and ideal, as Celine sang in front of the audience with the backdrop of Paris and the aftermath of the Paris attack.
Nicki Minaj was also double victor, taking home favourite artist and album – rap/hip-hop.
Performers also included show host Jennifer Lopez, Selena Gomez, Carrie Underwood, Justin Bieber and Coldplay. She encouraged her feverish fans to “find their voice”.
One of the biggest talking points came courtesy of Meghan Trainor and Charlie Puth, who took audiences by surprise with a steamy kiss after their duet “Marvin Gaye”. Leto made it clear he was there to honor those who lost their lives from senseless violence.
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In a sign of the burgeoning United States market for country music, the award for favorite new artist went to Nashville crooner Sam Hunt, who outpaced emerging stars in other genres including The Weeknd who won in the two R&B categories.
