Grammys pay tribute to Kobe Bryant during telecast open

The 2020 Grammy Awards telecast opened on a somber note Sunday night at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.

The most anticipated night in the music industry began with a hastily arranged tribute to NBA great Kobe Bryant, who just hours earlier was killed in a helicopter crash along with his 13-year-old daughter and seven other persons.

According to deadline.com, organizers felt it “was the right thing to do on Music’s Biggest Night, considering Bryant was beloved in Los Angeles, and played for years with the Lakers at the Staples Center, where the Grammys are held.”

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Before starting the non-televised pre-ceremony, interim Recording Academy interim CEO Harvey Mason Jr acknowledged losing Bryant. “Since we are in his house, I ask you to join us for a moment of silence,” he said.

Up in the rafters of the arena, Bryant’s jerseys bearing the numbers “8” and “24” were illuminated.

“Tonight is for Kobe,” opening performer Lizzo said, before going into a medley of her hits including “Cuz I Love You” and “Truth Hurts.”

Moments later, host Alicia Keys walked slowly onto the stage to deliver an emotionally charged opening statement.

“We are together on Music’s Biggest Night celebrating the artists that do it best. We’re all feeling crazy sadness right now, cause earlier today Los Angeles, America and the whole world lost a hero. We are literally standing here heartbroken in the house that Kobe Bryant built,” the singer said, speaking in hushed tones.

“Right now, Kobe and his daughter Gianna and all those tragically lost today are in our heart, thoughts and prayers, and I’d like everyone to take a moment and hold them inside of you and share our strength and support with their families,” she continued.

“We never imagined in a million years we’d have to start the show like this. So we needed to do something that could describe a tiny bit how we feel right now.”

Keys was then joined on stage by Boyz II Men as they all performed an a cappella sampling of “It’s So Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday.”

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Later in the live telecast there were more subtle tributes, too.

Billy Ray Cyrus’ guitar had “#24,” Bryant’s number, on his guitar and Lil Nas X had a Bryant jersey draped over a chair at the beginning of their performance of “Old Town Road.” Run-DMC member Joseph “Run” Simmons” held up a white Bryant Jersey during their performance of “Walk This Way” with Aerosmith.

Contributing: Associated Press