Celine Dion, Kesha give emotional performances at Billboard
Celine Dion and Kesha, both in the midst of drama in their personal lives, gave emotional performances at the 2016 Billboard Music Awards on Sunday.
Dion sang Queen’s “The Show Must Go On” in strong form Sunday, sporting a shiny dress and backed by a powerful orchestra. Dion lost her husband and brother in the same week in January, and her son presented her with the Billboard icon award after her performance.
“I’m so sorry. I’m sorry for crying. I want to be so strong for my family and kids... I don’t want to cry in front of you,” a teary Dion said to Rene-Charles Angelil. “Thank you very much... This is such a tremendous honor... Music has been my passion since before I can almost remember.”
Dion said her late husband Rene Angelil will “continue to watch over me from up above.”
Kesha sang a heart-wrenching cover of Bob Dylan's “It Ain’t Me Babe” at the TMobile Arena in Las Vegas. She stood still in a cream suit and was backed by a pianist and violinist, hitting all the right notes and growing tearyeyed near the end. She earned a standing ovation from the audience — a welcome response after the performance was initially nixed by her former mentor, Dr. Luke. The hit-making producer and his record label reversed the decision after Kesha said she would not use the stage to discuss their ongoing lawsuit. (AP)