A moving tribute was paid to Céline Dion Sunday night at the Billboard Music Awards ceremony in Las Vegas.
Dion received the Billboard Icon Award honouring her lifetime achievement.
She sang Queen's "The Show Must Go On" backed by a powerful orchestra in tribute to her late husband, Rene Angelil, who died in mid-January.
To her surprise, she received the award from her eldest son, Rene-Charles.
Rene-Charles Angelil presents the Icon Award to his mother, Celine Dion, at the Billboard Music Awards at the T-Mobile Arena on Sunday, May 22, 2016, in Las Vegas. (Photo by Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP)
Touched by the gesture, Dion said, "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," adding that her late husband Angelil "will continue to watch over me from above."
She thanked all those who contributed to the development of her career, including her late husband.
Celine Dion performs “The Show Must Go On” at the Billboard Music Awards at the T-Mobile Arena on Sunday, May 22, 2016, in Las Vegas. (Photo by Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP)
Canadians score
Other Canadians also celebrated at the Billboard Music Awards.
The Weeknd scored big, taking home eight trophies, including best artist of the Hot 100 charts and Best R&B artist.
The Toronto musician dedicated one of his prizes to Prince, saying that even if hadn’t had the chance to know him, the legendary singer who died last month was always a source of inspiration for him.
Justin Bieber, from Ontario, won the trophy for best male artist and best artist on social media. He also performed his hits ‘Company’ and ‘Sorry ,’ while Drake, from Toronto, walked away with the award for best rap artist.
The Billboard Music Awards are based on commercial results and popularity, taking into account both digital and analog music sales, radio plays and online streaming, as well as concerts and social network activity.
With files from The Associated Press and AFP
