All the Tributes to Kobe Bryant at the 2020 GRAMMYs

The GRAMMYs were as much in mourning as in celebration Sunday night, just hours after the tragic passing of Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna and each of 7 other passengers that were in his helicopter when it crashed in Calabasas, California. Bryant was 41. His daughter was 13.

Athletes and celebrities from all walks of life flooded the Internet with sad messages mourning Kobe’s passing, and later in the evening, the GRAMMYs followed suit with a series of tributes to a great basketball player and dedicated family man. Here are all the tributes paid by the Recording Academy and music stars to Kobe Bryant.

Alicia Keys

Hosting the prestigious awards ceremony for the 2nd consecutive year, Alicia Keys opened the evening on a serious note. “To be honest with you, we’re all feeling crazy sadness right now,” she said in her opening speech. “The whole wide world lost a hero,” she continued, “and we’re literally standing here, heartbroken, in the house that Kobe Bryant built.”

Moments later, the GRAMMYs host was joined on stage by Boyz II Men for a musical tribute. You can watch it here. 

Lizzo

Lizzo kicked off a spectacular orchestral performance by dedicating the entire evening to Kobe Bryant. "Tonight is for Kobe," the Truth Hurts star exclaimed before launching into the title track of her smash 2019 album, Cuz I Love You. Lizzo also delighted viewers with an orchestral version of Truth Hurts complemented by ballerinas. 

Aerosmith & Run DMC

Rock veterans Aerosmith were joined by Run DMC on stage for an electrifying rendition of their hit “Walk This Way,” during which Run DMC held up a Kobe Bryant jersey. 

Priyanka Chopra

Looking stunning on the red carpet, Priyanka Chopra sported a subtle tribute to Kobe that didn’t go unnoticed: she had his number, 24, painted onto her right hand’s index fingernail. Astute observers were quick to point out this clever tribute to Kobe.

DJ Khaled & John Legend

DJ Khaled and John Legend were joined on stage by YG, Marsha Ambrosius and more for an emotional rendition of “Higher” in tribute to the late Nipsey Hussle. An image of Nipsey and Kobe Bryant was briefly shown on screen, with DJ Khaled saying “Kobe Bryant; Gianna; long live Nip; long live Kobe, the marathon continues!”