Kelly Clarkson opened the 2018 Billboard Music Awards with a powerful tribute to her home state.
The show’s host shed tears as she honored the 10 victims of Friday’s school shooting in Santa Fe, Texas. “I’m a Texas girl and my home state has had so much heartbreak over this past year. Once again, y’all, we’re grieving more kids that have died for absolutely no reason at all,” Clarkson said as the MGM Grand venue was lit black.
“Tonight they wanted me to say that obviously, we want to pray for all the victims and families. They also wanted me to do a moment of silence and I’m so sick of moments of silence. It’s not working, obviously.”
“Why don’t we stop moments of silence and do a moment of action? Why don’t we do a moment of change? Change what’s happening, because it’s horrible. Mommies and daddies should be able to send their kids to school, to church, to movie theaters, to clubs. You should be able to live your life without that fear,” the mother of four said.
“So people need to do better. We are failing our children, we’re failing our communities. We’re failing their families. I have four children. I can’t imagine getting that phone call or knock on the door. So instead of a moment of silence, I want to respect them and honor them with tonight y’all in your community, where you live, your friends, everybody. Let’s have a moment of action, let’s have a moment of change.”