Christina Aguilera and A Great Big World took the tempo down a notch at the 2013 American Music Awards (Nov. 24) with their tugs-at-the-heart-strings ballad 'Say Something.' It's a sad, slow and contemplative song, but it was just what the ceremony needed to give it some heft and some seriousness.

A Great Big World's Ian Axel was seated and playing piano while Xtina, who was visibly emotional and utterly gorgeous in a black slip dress, a milkmaid braid, glittery eye makeup and soft pink lip gloss, belted out her parts while standing in front of a microphone. The fact that Xtina ditched her usual Old Hollywood glam waves and crimson lips was an indicator that her performance was about one thing, and one thing only, and that's the song.

It's one of the most achingly beautiful duets in recent years and Xtina was the perfect voice to help lift the song up to the heavens.

Overall, it was a simple, stark performance and one that reminded us of why this song has become so huge in the past few weeks. This is one song we're not giving up on. Neither are the fans.

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