It was rather shocking for an event in Tinseltown — but Sunday night’s American Music Awards took some time out of its busy schedule to honor America’s first responders.

“Got my daughter here. My family here. Because we want to talk about something sincere,” said singer and actor Jamie Foxx at the opening of the program (shown above with daughter Corinne Foxx). “This year, more than perhaps any other in recent history, we needed the power of music to help us escape the news of today.”

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As many first responders stood behind him onstage, Foxx continued, “From hurricanes, wildfires, hate, hatred-fueled violence, 2017 was a year that tested our faith. In these moments of crisis, heroes emerged. With us tonight are some of our first responders who ran toward the danger when it would have been so easy to run away.”

It was a special and unique moment from a Hollywood artist during a platform used often to divide, rather than unite.

“As this year comes to a close, we look forward to 2018, with hope. For even as we mourn those who were lost, we know this: Together, our strength will pull us through. Together, we shall overcome the pain.”

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He finished by saying, after giving a “thank you” to the first responders, “Together, we can unite as a people and as a nation. If you know what I’m talking about, make some noise right now.”

The crowd rose and went into thunderous applause — and it was a sight for sore eyes for anyone feeling the weight of the currently divided and polarized culture.