Earlier today, the world at large lost an icon, leader and all-time great basketball player. TMZ first reported today that Bryant and his daughter, Gianna “Gigi” Bryant, were killed along with several others in a helicopter crash. At the age of forty-one, Bryant leaves behind his wife, three daughters, family, friends and millions of adoring fans.
Throughout the NBA, Bryant was honored with on-court tributes, tweets, heartfelt remarks and much more. Joining in the ongoing tributes to Bryant and his family, the Recording Academy chose to honor the future NBA Hall of Fame guard.
“We are literally standing here, heartbroken, in the house that Kobe Bryant built” – Alicia Keys ? #GRAMMYs pic.twitter.com/CbqQaV8cD3
— Alykhan Khamisa Ravjiani (@AlykhanKR) January 27, 2020
Opening up the award show, GRAMMY nominee Lizzo opted to dedicate her performance to the Academy Award winner. Following her performance, GRAMMY host, Alicia Keys, delivered a short musical tribute to pop culture icon. She also shared a heartfelt soliloquy regarding his life and impact.
Tonight’s award show is being held in the STAPLES Center. The downtown Los Angeles arena is the home of Bryant’s Los Angeles Lakers. During his career there, he won five championships and finished third on the league’s all-time scoring list before being passed last night by Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James. The Lakers will return to the STAPLES Center on Tuesday to take on their crosstown rivals, the Los Angeles Clippers, on Tuesday.
Watch clips of Alicia’s tribute to Bryant above. Also, stay tuned for performance videos, highlights and much more.
