Christina A and Piper
Xtina took a sideways glance and grinned at Piper.
"Oh my god, I can't believe this, this is awesome!" Piper was bouncing in her seat.
"Calm down, girl!" Xtina giggled, nervously smoothing down her cream pleather bustier dress, and bending slightly to adjust her strappy white sandals.
"What are you getting?"
"Just a 'Special Recognition Award'... for my 'Beautiful' filmclip. I'm singing tonight as well. Acapella."
Xtina and Piper hopped out of the limo and made their way up the red carpet, Piper positively beaming while Xtina played it cool, waving and posing for photos.
They got inside and found their seats and Xtina put her bag down. "Hey, Piper, I gotta go get changed for my song. I'll see ya in a bit." Xtina waved and left, heading for her dressing room.
***
A cheer went up as Xtina stepped onstage, wearing a green button vest with matching pants. She was holding her mike as she walked to the seat in the middle of the stage. She raised the mike to her mouth and began to sing.
"Everyday is so wonderful
Then suddenly
It's hard to breathe
Now and then I get insecure
From all the pain
I'm so ashamed
I am beautiful
No matter what they say
Words can't bring me down
I am beautiful
In every single way
Yes words can't bring me down
Ohh no
So don't you bring me down today..."
Xtina finished her song and smiled sweetly. She headed off and waiting backstage, just as the presenter came onstage and stood at the podium.
"Tonight is about real people who do important things -- real people who have been touched by GLAAD and the media, and in return have touched all of us, I give you, Christina Aguilera, winner of the 'Special Recognition Award' for her filmclip 'Beautiful', for including gay and transgender images in the clip," he said.
Xtina walked back onstage and took the award from him. "Thank you so much. It's so important that in my music I convey positive messages, and this song is definitely a universal message that everybody can relate to - anyone that's been discriminated against or unaccepted, unappreciated or disrespected just because of who you are," she paused, then continued after a deep breath. "It was so important to me that I support the gay community in this sense. It's so sad that still in 2003 we even have to give awards like this. And that's why I'm here to show my love and support to all of you."
She gave a wave, lifted her award up and headed offstage, and went to get changed before sitting with Piper again.