The Register Citizen (Torrington, CT)
School victims honored at Billboard Awards; Janet shines
The 2018 Billboard Music Awards paid tribute to the students and teachers affected by recent deadly shootings in Texas and Florida, while the night also featured performances by iconic singer Janet Jackson and K-pop group BTS.
A tearful and emotional Kelly Clarkson, who hosted the awards, opened the show in honor of the 10 people who died Friday at Santa Fe High School, barely able to speak as she urged the audience and the world to do more to prevent deadly shootings from happening. She said she was asked to hold a moment of silence, but chose instead to call for “a moment of action.”
Shawn Mendes and Khalid were joined onstage by the Marjory Stoneman Douglas Show Choir for the song “Youth,” a performance occurring three months after 17 people were killed at the school in Parkland, Florida.
The show wasn’t all somber though: Jackson rocked the Billboard Awards with an energetic and powerful performance of her past hits.
In a glittery gold sweater-dress and thigh-high boots, Jackson sang “Nasty,” “If” and “Throb.” Bruno Mars made a surprise appearance to introduce the singer, who earned the Icon Award.