Alicia Keys opened the 2020 Grammy Awards by acknowledging the tragic death of Kobe Bryant in a helicopter crash on Sunday.
She recognized that the event was being held, as she put it, "in the house that Kobe Bryant built," the Staples Center. "We're all feeling crazy sadness right now," Keys said. "We never imagined in a million years we’d have to start the show like this." According to Billboard, hours before the Grammys were set to begin, producers were "working quickly" to figure out a fitting tribute for Bryant. Â
She was then joined by Boyz II Men for a performance of "It's So Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday" dedicated to the life of Kobe and his 13-year-old daughter Gianna, who also died in the crash that killed seven others.  Â
It appears that every Lakers jersey hanging in the rafters besides the two belonging to Kobe were covered up.Â
Before Keys came on the stage, Lizzo started the night by dedicating her performance to Bryant. Â
As Run DMCÂ and Aerosmith performed "Walk This Way," a Kobe jersey was being held up in the background.Â
Lil Nas X started his performance with a Kobe jersey laid out on an empty chair next to him. Â
The Grammy Awards tribute to the late Nipsey Hussle ended with a photo of the rapper side-by-side with Kobe. "Rest in peace, Nipsey Hussle. Rest in peace, Kobe Bryant, Gianna," Khaled said. "Long live Nip. Long live Kobe. The marathon continues."Â
Check out all the winners from the night right here. Â
