Frank Ocean slowed things down at the 2012 MTV Video Music Awards with an impressive performance of the single 'Thinkin Bout You' from his acclaimed 'Channel Orange' album.

As Ocean was announced, the stage lit up with flames in a fiery stage setup normally reserved for heavy metal bands. But this time, the arena went quiet as a lone guitarist sat at the side of the stage, providing a gentle melody that stripped down the already-sparse ballad even further.

Ocean sat among fake shrubs and rocks while he sang the breakup song, one of the many on 'Channel Orange' that he acknowledged was written about a same-sex love. Ocean's soaring falsetto dominated the track when he sang, "I remember, how could I forget how you feel / You know you were my first time, a new feel / It won't ever get old, not in my soul, not in my spirit, keep it alive / We'll go down this road 'til it turns from color to black and white / Or do you not think so far ahead? / 'Cause I've been thinkin' 'bout forever."

Ocean's heartfelt vocal performance reminded the audience why he is considered one of the biggest talents in popular music right now. The singer is a contender for three awards tonight.

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