News of Kobe Bryant’s death had Grammy attendees reeling on Sunday.
What We Know:
- When Grammy’s host Alicia Keys took the stage to introduce the show, she couldn’t avoid talking about the loss. Keys said, “We’re all feeling crazy sadness right now because earlier today Los Angeles, America and the whole wide world lost a hero. And we’re literally standing here, heartbroken in the house that Kobe Bryant built. Right now, Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna and all those who have been tragically lost today are in our spirits, our hearts, our prayers. They’re in this building…. We never imagined in a million years we’d have to start a show like this.”
- Later in the show, Aerosmith took the stage for their performance. While running through their hits with an assist from Run DMC, they included a tribute to Bryant by holding up his white Lakers jersey.
- During the Nipsey Hussle tribute at the end of the show, portraits of both Hussle and Bryant appeared on giant screens, which John Legend pointed to as he sang. DJ Khaled joined him, saying, “Rest in Peace, Nipsey Hussle. Rest in Peace, Kobe Bryant. Gianna. Long live Nip. Long live Kobe. The Marathon continues.”
- Later in the show while helping accept Best Rap/Sung Performance for “Higher,” Legend said “We’ve seen so much tragedy today and last year and so much has gone on but let’s love each other, let’s love our families, let’s hold each other tight.”
- Backstage, Tyler the Creator reflected on the loss after winning Best Rap Album saying, “That news was heavy, especially just being in LA and being here in the Staples Center. Within a short time, between him and losing Nipsey- If you’re from Los Angeles, and depending what sector you’re in, that stuff is heavy. We took an L tonight. And Rest in Peace to Kobe.”
- Flags were at half-mast at the Staples Center, where Bryant played for the Lakers, as guests began trickling in. Bryant’s face along with the message “In loving memory,” covered digital billboards that wrapped the surrounding buildings at L.A. Live.
- Before starting the non-televised pre-ceremony, interim Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr also acknowledged losing Bryant. “Since we are in his house, I ask you to join us for a moment of silence.”
- On the red carpet, Rick Ross, who was nominated for Best Rap Song for “Golden Roses”, said he hoped someone pays tribute to Bryant during the show.
- India Arie spoke of Bryant on the red carpet, “I have to acknowledge Kobe. Our fathers are friends. My father (Ralph Simpson) was a professional basketball player, too. I’m still trying to process. It feels so incredibly sad. I only met him a few times. My brother and him used to play together as babies.”
- YBN Cordae, nominated for Best Rap Album and Best Rap Song, said on the red carpet: “Everybody’s a fan of Kobe Bryant. The Mamba mentality- keep going, overwork, beat your best- is something that everybody should aspire to live by. Rest in peace.”
- Bryant and Gianna are survived by Vanessa, Bryant’s 37-year-old wife, and their daughters Natalia, 17, Bianka, 3, and Capri, 7 months.
See more celeb reactions below……
