Amber Riley's touching tribute to Naya Rivera on 'Kimmel' has viewers in tears
Amber Riley closed out Thursday’s Jimmy Kimmel Live! with a touching tribute to her late former Glee co-star Naya Rivera.
Kicking off Riley's performance, actor Lil Rel Howery, who guest-hosted the episode, stated, "But on a sad note, not too long ago, we both lost a really amazing friend in a tragic accident and we both will miss her forever and I really want to thank this show for letting us do this, and she's here to perform a tribute to our good friend Naya Rivera."
.@MsAmberPRiley’s beautiful tribute to Naya Rivera... ?? @LilRel4 pic.twitter.com/u1eDpwdJPI
— Jimmy Kimmel Live (@JimmyKimmelLive) August 28, 2020
Rivera, who died in July at age 33 after drowning in a Southern California lake during a boating trip with her son, starred alongside Riley on the hit musical television series Glee.
Following Rivera's death, Riley posted on Instagram, writing: "My favorite duet partner. I love you. I miss you. I don’t have words right now, just lots of feelings. Rest In Peace Angel, and know that your family will never have to worry about anything."
A post shared by Amber Riley (@msamberpriley) on
On Thursday, Riley's moving performance of "A Moment" didn't go unnoticed. Viewers took to Twitter praising Riley and even had some in tears:
AMBER RILEY gracefully performed a beautiful tribute to our late naya rivera. felt like i cried a million times. we miss you so much. thank you thank you amber for blessing us with your angelic voice ?? pic.twitter.com/TxrIXnYLME
— lynn ミ☆ (@plspressme) August 28, 2020
it was beautiful. Right when the first picture appeared I couldn’t contain myself. @MsAmberPRiley your voice gave me chills and peace. Your courage is greatly admired. Naya would be so proud. For you they’ll be no more crying. Just love ??, I love you. #RILEYonKimmel pic.twitter.com/I2R3lPZ7W8
— ミ☆ 🏃🏻?♀? (@miche11_) August 28, 2020
When she turned and faced the picture of naya I lost it, the tears flew. Rip beautiful angel.
— Alexis 🍂 folklore (@TallestTiptoe) August 28, 2020
after watching @MsAmberPRiley i know naya is looking down saying “you better sing girl” pic.twitter.com/gAOLkpOIsP
— Sariah🏳??🌈ミ☆ (@raihbug) August 28, 2020
I haven’t stopped crying since watching Amber Riley perform her tribute for Naya Rivera. I knew it would break me, I just didn’t realize how much.
— slimxoshadytilweoverdose (@BadXMeetsOEvil) August 28, 2020
And following her performance, Riley herself took to Twitter to express her own emotions.
I didn’t make it 15 seconds before I was a puddle. I love you Naya. RIP Angel 💜💕
— Amber Patrice Riley (@MsAmberPRiley) August 28, 2020
Jimmy Kimmel Live! airs weeknights at 11:35 p.m. on ABC.
Watch Ed O’Neill surprising Sofia Vergara live on ‘America’s Got Talent’:
Read more from Yahoo Entertainment:
Nancy Pelosi questions President Trump’s ‘encouragement’ in shooting at Jacob Blake protest
CNN praises Melania Trump for addressing coronavirus and racial unrest in RNC speech
Tell us what you think! Hit us up on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram. And check out our host, Kylie Mar, on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram.