The Grammy Awards which is supposed to be a celebratory night for the music industry, was instead, a night of tragedy after new of the death of Kobe B
The Grammy Awards which is supposed to be a celebratory night for the music industry, was instead, a night of tragedy after new of the death of Kobe Bryant, his 13 year old daughter, Ginna and five others died in a helicopter crash in California. It thus prompted a community to shift gears toward reflection, sympathy and consolation.
Singer, Lizzo opened the 62nd Annual Grammy Awards with a lively performance at the Staples Center in Los Angeles where the ceremony held. The sports arena was for two decades the home court for Bryant’s stellar career. She said, “Tonight is for Kobe,” as she took the stage in a black gown. Lizzo performed “Cuz I Love You,” the title song off of her third studio album.
Workers at the Staples Center quickly removed the curtains covering Bryant’s No. 8 and No. 24 jerseys that were retired in December 2017, and a spotlight was placed on the two jerseys during the awards show.
“To be honest with you, we’re all feeling crazy-sad right now. And we’re standing here heartbroken in the house that Kobe Bryant built,” host, Alicia Keys said.
Members of the classic R&B group Boyz II Men then joined her for a short version of “It’s So Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday.
Bryant also was given a moment of silence during the pre-televised portion of the show.
“As most of you may know, we lost Kobe Bryant in a tragic helicopter accident today. Since we are in his house, I would ask you to join me in a moment of silence,” the Recording Academy’s interim CEO Harvey Mason Jr. at the pre-telecast ceremony.
As music stars arrived for the Grammys, hundreds of Lakers fans gathered outside the Staples Center to create a flower memorial for Bryant.
Meanwhile, fans in China flocked stores to get Kobe Bryant memorabilias. A 23-year-old surnamed Li said he had hoped to get some Bryant shoes, but the store was sold out. He had watched Bryant play since he was about 6 years old and especially admired the superstar’s work ethic.
Huang Zhongze emerged from the store empty-handed. He and his father had been to several other stores and all were sold out of Bryant memorabilia. Liu Chao, 21, was wearing a Lakers jacket as he entered the NBA store to see whether there was any Bryant memorabilia to purchase.
He followed the NBA mostly because of Bryant and hasn’t watched many games since the star retired, he said. He was shocked and saddened by the death. Bryant was one of a kind, he said, and had an independent attitude both on the court and in life.
