Madonna breaks down as she pays tribute to victims of the Paris attacks
Madonna broke down in the middle of her concert in Stockholm, Sweden as she paid tribute to the victims of the Paris attacks.
In what CNN described as the worst violence in France since the World War II, the horrific series of attacks on Friday evening in Paris (Saturday morning Singapore time) left at least 129 people dead and more than 350 wounded.
Over the weekend, Madonna's manager, Guy Oseary, posted a video to YouTube of the star pausing her concert to give a tearful speech on the massacre.
E! News reported the singer telling the crowd: "It's been really hard, actually to get through the show because in many ways, I feel, I feel torn. Like, why am I up here dancing and having fun when people are crying over the loss of their loved ones?," the 57-year-old said, tearfully.
She continued: "However, that is exactly what these people want to do. They want to shut us up. They want to silence us. And we won't let them."
"I was going to cancel my show tonight but then I thought to myself, 'Why should I give that to them? Why should I allow them to stop me and to stop us from enjoying freedom?'".
She then led the crowd in a minute of silence.
Madonna has a show in Paris scheduled for Dec 9.
Coldplay also had a minute of silence at their Los Angeles concert on Friday, according to ET. The band postponed their full livestreamed concert, instead playing a short set of old material for concertgoers who were already on their way to the venue.
U2 canceled two sold-out concerts that were scheduled over the weekend. The Irish band were seen laying flowers at the makeshift memorial near the Bataclan Concert Hall on Saturday morning.
The Bataclan was where three terrorists opened fire during a concert by US group Eagles of Death Metal. It was attended by more than 1,000 fans.
Foo Fighters, who have close ties to The Eagles Of Death Metal, have also reportedly canceled the remainder of their current tour which included a stop in Paris.
On TV in the US, The Late Show ended its pre-recorded Friday night show with host Stephen Colbert giving a live emotional speech.
"We end tonight's show with a heavy heart because we taped all of tonight's show and then we found out about the horrific attacks in Paris today."
"I know that not much is known right now. We do know there have been many deaths and the crisis is still ongoing," he added. "President Hollande has declared a state of emergency and President Obama has promised the United States will do whatever it takes to bring those terrorists to justice."
"We add our thoughts and prayers to everyone in Paris and now, um, we'll see you on Monday. Um.. Goodnight."
Comedy show Saturday Night Live also sent a message to Paris.
Instead of the usual "cold opening" sketch, cast member Cecily Strong spoke to camera: "Paris is the city of light and here in New York City, we know that light will never go out. Our love and support is with everyone there tonight. We stand with you."
She then repeated the message in French. The show continued as usual after her appearance.
Monuments around the world were lit up in the French flag's red, white while the "Peace for Paris" symbol, combining the iconic peace sign and the Eiffel tower, and the hashtag #PrayForParis went viral.
Flowers and a "Peace for Paris" symbol outside the French Embassy in Greece. PHOTO: AFP
Sources: CNN, E! News, ET
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