VMAs 2011: Bruno Mars Performs Amy Winehouse’s ‘Valerie,’ Kills It

It was a bittersweet moment at the 2011 MTV Video Music Awards, but one that reminded the world why Amy Winehouse will be missed the most: her incredible talent and the incredible music she made. The awards show included a tribute to the late singer.

As announced last week, MTV honored Amy at the VMAs with a tribute that included a speech by friend Russell Brand, a few words from collaborator Tony Bennett and a performance by Bruno Mars.

The entire segment is below, embedded at the end of the article.

The Amy Winehouse tribute opened with Brand’s speech. He knew Amy from before she became an international icon, back when he still thought she was just another wannabe singer who’d soon go back home without seeing her dreams of a music career come to life.

Then, he heard her sing.

“This is not just another London chancer, not just another person milling about waiting to be famous,” Brand said he thought.

“What is this incredible sound? This timeless sound like a roar from the guts of humanity? The kind of voice that Billie Holiday sung with, the kind of voice that Ella Fitzgerald sung with,” he added.

He went on to say that Amy had talent and a “terrible disease,” which is why she’s no longer with us. But her music will live on.

Tony Bennett, who recorded with Amy a duet for his upcoming album, came onstage next, introducing some footage he shot of a recording session with Amy.

However, the best came last: Bruno Mars, yet another artist to have been deeply influenced by Amy, took to the stage to perform “Valerie” – and he literally killed it.

Dressed in a blue suit and accompanied by a live band, Mars rocked the ‘50s sock-hop look, complete with some fancy footwork.

Towards the end of the song, most members of the audience were singing along to “Valerie.” When Bruno asked them to clap while he sang “Say Amy, oh Amy/ I love you darling, I love you darling/ Say Amy, whoa Amy, we’ll miss you baby,” they were on their feet.

Check out the video below for the touching Amy Winehouse Tribute at the VMAs 2011.