{blackbabes} Kelly Rowland breaks down on stage

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Singer Kelly Rowland broke down in tears during a concert in Washington D.C. on Sunday as she performed a song about a past abusive relationship.

The former Destiny's Child star was belting out her controversial new track Dirty Laundry, which also chronicles the singer's feelings of jealousy towards pal Beyonce as her solo career took off while she was battling personal problems at home, when she had to take a moment to regain her composure.

Fans chanted Rowland's name in support, and she resumed her performance after a short break.

After she finished the song, the 32-year-old declared, "I am so grateful for that."

The singer has previously admitted that recording Dirty Laundry was an emotional experience, stating, "It took me days to record. I had to get past being so upset and actually sing the song, not sob through it."

In the lyrics she details a past abusive relationship but refuses to name names. She reveals that her then-lover turned her family and friends against her and would occasionally beat her.