Kelly Clarkson Issues an Emotional Plea During Billboard Music Awards Opening
In the opening seconds of the Billboard Music Awards on Sunday night (May 20), show host Kelly Clarkson turned serious, as she joined so many in the country still in shock over the latest school shooting in Santa Fe, Texas.
"Before we start tonight’s show, there is something I’d like to say," Clarkson said in front of a dark backdrop. "This is going to be so hard. There is something I would like to say about the tragedy Friday at Santa Fe High School."
Clarkson stopped for a moment, holding back the tears and apologizing to the audience as she talked about Houston-area Santa Fe High School shooting, in which 10 people were killed on Friday (May 18) — eight students and two teachers. The shooter was taken into custody by police.
“I’m a Texas girl and my home state has had so much heartbreak over the past year and once again y'all we are grieving over more kids who have died for absolutely no reason at all ... and tonight they wanted me to say that obviously we want to pray for all the victims and pray for their families, but they also wanted me to do a moment of silence and I’m so sick of moments of silences. It’s not working. So why don’t we not do a moment of silence. Why don’t we do a moment of action? Why don’t we do a moment of change and change what’s happening, because this is horrible.”
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Everyone watching the 2018 BBMAs could see that the tragedy has broken Clarkson's heart, especially as a parent. "I have four children and I can’t imagine having to get that phone call or that knock on the door,” she said. "So instead of a moment of silence, I want to respect them and honor them, but tonight in your community and where you live, let’s have a moment of action. Why don't we do a moment of change."
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