Many Latinos have a strong sense of faith and a belief in the power of prayer, so when it came time to kick off the Premio Lo Nuestro Latin Music Awards last night in Miami, presenters, performers and the audience channeled their love and support towards the people of Venezuela. 

During the event, stars gave their respect for lives lost and hope for an end to the violent anti-government protests during their speeches throughout the awards ceremony.

Among the winners who mentioned support and encouragement during their acceptance speeches for Venezuela included: Marco Antonio Solis, Chiquis Rivera and Banda el Recodo, according to Voxxi.

Top winner and recipient for the Excellence Award, Marc Anthony, dedicated his speech to the South American country when he received the award for Best Tropical Song of the Year by saying: "Venezuela, you are not alone, may God bless you."

The Best Group or Duo of the Year, Chino y Nacho, conjured up a lot of emotion as they went on stage visibly distraught and saddened by the violent course of events in their country. They held a large Venezuelan flag, saying:

"It's hard to smile at this time. Venezuela lost its respect for life and differences of ideas have divided an entire country." They concluded the speech with "Long live a Venezuela free of violence!" 

The Premio Lo Nuestro Latin Music Awards was hosted by Cuban-American hunk William Levy and Mexican beauty Ninel Conde. Some of the big winner of the night includes: Bachata balladeer Romeo Santos who took the title of Video of the Year for "Propuesta Indecente." Gerardo Ortiz, Banda el Recodo, Daddy Yankee, Marco Antonio Solis and Pitbull. The late Jenni Rivera took the award for Female Artist of the Year and Prince Royce was awarded with Best Premio Lo Nuestro Artist of the Year.

Notable performances included Enrique Iglesias, Marco Antonio Solis, Pepe Aguilar, Alejandra Guzman, Prince Royce, Romeo Santos and J. Balvin, among others. Click here for a complete list of winners.

*As the Premio Lo Nuestro Latin Music Awards were underway, tensions in Venezuela escalated. 

In the latest turn of events, the Internet was cut off and selected websites and a "walkie-talkie" service widely used by protesters were also blocked, Fox News Latino reports.

Beatriz Font, a local TV reporter in San Cristobal, capital of the western border state of Tachira, said Thursday night that she could hear gunshots as teargas-firing police broke up protests just as they had the night before when Internet service was cut.

"We're still without Internet. And some people don't have water or electricity either," said the reporter.