American Music Awards: Kelly Rowland asks crowd to 'chill out' as she boos Chris Brown

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Kelly Rowland asked the American Music Awards audience to "chill out" after booing Chris Brown's win for Best Male R&B Artist.

Brown has been a divisive figure since pleading guilty to assaulting then-girlfriend Rihanna in 2009.

He did not attend Sunday's AMAs after a planned tribute to Michael Jackson was canceled at the last minute.

Rowland, accepting the award on his behalf, seemed surprised by the reaction from the audience.

"Excuse me...relax," said she said as cameras rolled to show the audience, some of whom were booing and making other unclear remarks.

Rowland then continued: " But I wanted is to say to Chris, thank you so much for making great R&B music and I want to say thank you to him for b being an amazing performer.

"I'm going to take this award [and] bring it to you. I love you. Congratulations. And congratulations to all the nominees in this category."< / p>

Brown was set to honor the 40th anniversary of Michael Jackson's hit album Thriller at Sunday's ceremony in Los Angeles, performing hits such as Beat It, Billie Jean, Wanna Be Starting Somethin...