It was an emotional night.
The 2020 Grammy Awards are officially underway in Los Angeles. And although the night is usually one for unbridled celebration, tonight’s ceremony is unfolding under different circumstances following today’s news that basketball legend Kobe Bryant had died in a helicopter crash, alongside his 13-year old daughter Gianna. The awards are being held in the Staples Centre in Los Angeles, which so many stars on the red carpet referred to as “Kobe’s house”, so it’s fitting that the industry is paying tribute to the iconic player.
See some of the most touching tributes to Kobe Bryant from tonight’s ceremony:
Alicia Keys’ opening speech
“We are literally standing here heartbroken in the house that Kobe Bryant built.” Host @aliciakeys pays tribute to Kobe Bryant, his daughter and their family during her opening monologue at the #Grammys https://t.co/0BNpfw9wWV pic.twitter.com/9VzWZa2M8S
— The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) January 27, 2020
Alicia Keys and Boyz II Men’s tribute song
“We love you Kobe.” @aliciakeys and Boyz II Men sing in tribute to Kobe Bryant and his family at the opening of the #Grammys https://t.co/kk0nIau0ee pic.twitter.com/v3KpXSkvyW
— The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) January 27, 2020
Lizzo begins her opener by saying “Tonight is for Kobe”
Lizzo kicks off the #GRAMMYs by dedicating the night to the memory of Kobe Bryant pic.twitter.com/xUht1o1h5L
— MTV NEWS (@MTVNEWS) January 27, 2020
Run DMC held up Kobe’s jersey during their duet with Aerosmith
.@OfficialRunDMC holds up a Kobe Bryant jersey to pay tribute to the @Lakers legend during their performance with @Aerosmith. #GRAMMYs @RecordingAcad pic.twitter.com/hHhNcVG3Nh
— CBS This Morning (@CBSThisMorning) January 27, 2020
Lil Nas X placed Kobe’s jersey into his performance set
Lil Nas X begins his #GRAMMYs performance with a tribute to Kobe Bryant pic.twitter.com/c8ti7NRBI6
— MTV NEWS (@MTVNEWS) January 27, 2020
John Legend, DJ Khaled, YG, Roddy Rich and Meek Mill acknowledged Kobe during a tribute medley for Nipsey Hussle
John Legend, DJ Khaled and more end their Nipsey Hussle #GRAMMYs tribute with an image of Kobe Bryant next to Nip pic.twitter.com/0l4STVoRcY
— MTV NEWS (@MTVNEWS) January 27, 2020
And ICYMI, Priyanka Chopra’s subtle nail tribute to the legendary #24
Stars are keeping Kobe Bryant top of mind at the #Grammys tonight—in ways both big and small. https://t.co/q7DcWvhNsY pic.twitter.com/RYTJWVB60J
— E! News (@enews) January 27, 2020