Host Kelly Clarkson began with a plea and ended on a high note at the 2018 Billboard Music Awards.
Producers wanted to have a moment of silence for the victims of the Santa Fe school shooting that claimed the lives of 10 people. Clarkson, true to her outspoken self, instead called for action.
The Burleson native spoke emotionally but forcefully, almost stealing the show. Because the morning after, she's what people remember.
"I'm a Texas girl and my home state has had so much heartbreak over this past year and once again, y'all, we're grieving for kids that have died for absolutely no reason at all. Tonight, they wanted me ... to do a moment of silence," she began. "And I'm so sick of a moment of silence. It's not working. Why don't we do a moment of action? Why don't we do a moment of change? Why don't we change what's happening, because it's horrible?
"And mamas and daddies should be able to send their children to school, to church, to movie theaters, to clubs. You should be able to live your life without that kind of fear. So instead of a moment of silence, I want to respect them and honor them ... let's have a moment of action. Let's have a moment of change."
Later, a tribute of sorts rang out: El Paso's Khalid performed a duet with Shawn Mendes of "Youth," accompanied by the show choir from Parkland High School in Florida, also a victim of a school shooting. Earlier, Khalid picked up the trophy for top new artist.
Clarkson, changing into different black and gold outfits throughout the night, was affable and folksy and fun as host. She had a personal connection to almost every act that graced the stage. She talked with John Legend about his new baby boy after the latter performed "A Good Night." And she hugged America's Got Talent and former American Idol judge Simon Cowell, telling him he looked good.
That was of the best openings for an award show that Ive seen in a long time, great job #KellyClarkson ♥😍
— Linda (@lindadeveau23) May 21, 2018
Clarkson left her mark more than once. She made some of the year's biggest hits her own (as American Idol winners do) in an opening medley, including Kendrick Lamar's "Be Humble."
It was fitting that trailblazing singer Janet Jackson was honored. It was also fitting that Jackson acolyte -- check out his dancing -- Bruno Mars introduced Janet Jackson, the first black woman to receive the awards show's icon award. He should thank her, which he did on bended knee when he presented her with the statuette after her performance.
Jackson performed a medley of her hits in her first live TV performance in almost a decade, with backup dancers that included all body types from a worldwide audition that drew 75,000 entrants.
The rowdy audience ate it up. Celebrities, including Justin Hartley (This Is Us), Mila Kunis, Tyra Banks, Ciara, Andy Cohen and Ne-Yo, danced and sang along. But we should all be having as much fun as Chrissy Metz (This Is Us). There were cheers of "Janet, Janet" as she made her way to the microphone, where she spoke about turning to God and empowered women.
Texas, already heavy on everyone's mind, became even more so because the awards show was infused with it. Burleson's Clarkson wore what looked like golden chain mail for a big, fearless "Whole Lotta Woman." Grapevine's Post Malone won rap song for "Rockstar." Zed and Arlington's Maren Morris, who also won top female country artist, performed "The Middle" in the song's live TV debut. North Texan -- because we all claim her -- Demi Lovato and Christina Aguilera were a perfect performance power couple for "Fall in Line." Khalid performed twice, the second with Normani Kordei for "Love Lies."
Other highlights included top social artist winner BTS. Period. Oh, yeah, they performed "Fake Love" after Clarkson, wearing hot pink feathered earmuffs to muffle the screams she knew were coming, introduced them. In a word: lit.
BTS won the Top Social Artist award for the second year running at the #BBMAs, beating out superstars like Justin Bieber and Ariana Grande https://t.co/Qa3bHUWtt2 pic.twitter.com/ZwB08G1XvW
— CNN (@CNN) May 21, 2018
And then it turned into the throwback BBMAs when Salt 'N' Pepa and DJ Spinderella -- another Texas connection -- performed a medley of their hits, ending with "Whatta Man" sung with En Vogue ... and Kelly Clarkson.
"God, this is amazing," she said. Some were left saying that about her.
