Linkin Park Pays Tribute To Chester Bennington At The AMAs

The popular rock group honored the late singer at the 2017 American Music Awards.

According to Entertainment Tonight, Linkin Park took a moment to remember Chester Bennington while accepting the award for Favorite Alternative Rock Artist on Sunday, Nov. 19, 2017.

"First of all, thank you so much to all the fans here and around the world who voted for the band, who have supported the band through thick and thin," Mike Shinoda, who was joined on stage by bandmates Rob Bourdon and Brad Delson, began in an emotional speech, before thanking their fellow nominees, Twenty One Pilots and Imagine Dragons. "I got a chance to talk to those guys, who said really wonderful things about Chester," he continued. "They were similar to the things that our fans said all around the world about him, and we want to dedicate this award to him, to his memory, to his talent, to his sense of humor, to his joy."

"Remember, you guys—all of you, tonight—whether you're a fan or an artist, I want you guys to take a moment to appreciate what you've got and make Chester proud," the musician concluded. "Thank you guys so much."

Shinoda later took to Instagram to share a snapshot of the group holding their award backstage. "Had an epic Instagram Story tonight — almost dodged security and made it through the show. Oh well," he wrote in the caption. "More importantly, thank you to the fans for this award. We love you too. #MakeChesterProud."

As Nicki Swift previously reported, Bennington died by suicide on July 20, 2017, at 41 years old. The music world has since taken to honoring the singer. In September, Linkin Park released a music video for their song "One More Light" in memory of their friend and announced a public memorial tribute concert. The event was held on Oct. 27 at the Hollywood Bowl and included an all-star line-up with the likes of Blink-182, Alanis Morissette, and No Doubt hitting the stage. Proceeds benefited the Music For Relief's One More Light Fund. Shinoda said of the concert, "When he'd walk in the room, there was such a positive, funny, upbeat energy, and that's what we wanna get out of this show."