Grammys ceremony opens with tribute to Kobe Bryant

The 2020 Grammys ceremony has opened with a heartfelt tribute to basketball player Kobe Bryant, who died on Sunday.

“Tonight is for you Kobe,” declared pop star Lizzo, opening the demonstrate with her stirring ballad Cuz I Really like You.

Host Alicia Keys then committed the demonstrate to Bryant’s memory, with an a-capella model of It is So Difficult To Say Goodbye, accompanied by Boyz II Adult men.

The demonstrate is having put at the Staples Middle, wherever Bryant played his overall occupation with the LA Lakers.

Information of the star’s death at the age of forty one surprised artists and performers backstage at the arena when it broke previously in the day.

“I truly thought it wasn’t real,” mentioned pop star Billie Eilish. “I was in the environmentally friendly space… and I was like, ‘Oh that has to be fake'”.

The star, who grew up in Los Angeles, additional: “Everybody realized Kobe. Everybody. It is truly unbelievable.

“I really feel like something I say is not sufficient for what is going on.”

The mood was sombre as the ceremony started off, and Keys acknowledged the environment in her opening speech.

“Listed here we are with each other on music’s largest evening, celebrating our artists that do it best,” she commenced “but, to be honest with you were being all sensation ridiculous disappointment right now, since previously right now Los Angeles, The usa and the full huge entire world misplaced a hero.

“And we’re basically standing listed here, heartbroken, in the household that Kobe Bryant developed.

“Appropriate now, Kobe and his family members and all of those people that have been tragically misplaced right now are in our spirits, in our hearts, in our prayers, they are in this setting up.

“I would like all people to consider a moment and keep them inside of of you and share our energy and our support with their families.”

“I know how significantly Kobe liked new music,” she additional later, “so we obtained to make this a celebration in his honour.”

A further tribute to the basketball legend is envisioned for the duration of the demonstrate.

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