Alicia Keys's Grammy Awards Open Pays Tribute to Kobe Bryant

Grammy Awards host Alicia Keys acknowledged Kobe Bryant's death in her opening remarks.

Just hours after the sudden death of Lakers star Kobe Bryant, the 2020 Grammy Awards took place in Staples Center. Host Alicia Keys framed the night, acknowledging Bryant's death in her opening remarks. 

"We are literally standing here heartbroken in the house that Kobe Bryant built," she said.

"We are literally standing here heartbroken in the house that Kobe Bryant built." Host @aliciakeys pays tribute to Kobe Bryant, his daughter and their family during her opening monologue at the #Grammys https://t.co/0BNpfw9wWV pic.twitter.com/9VzWZa2M8S

— The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) January 27, 2020

Moments later, she was joined on stage by Boyz II Men for an emotional performance.

"We love you Kobe." @aliciakeys and Boyz II Men sing in tribute to Kobe Bryant and his family at the opening of the #Grammys https://t.co/kk0nIau0ee pic.twitter.com/v3KpXSkvyW

— The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) January 27, 2020

Lizzo also dedicated her opening performance to Bryant.

Lizzo kicks off the #GRAMMYs by dedicating the night to the memory of Kobe Bryant pic.twitter.com/xUht1o1h5L

— MTV NEWS (@MTVNEWS) January 27, 2020

Lil Nas X also paid tribute to Bryant in his performance.

Lil Nas X begins his #GRAMMYs performance with a tribute to Kobe Bryant pic.twitter.com/c8ti7NRBI6

— MTV NEWS (@MTVNEWS) January 27, 2020

John Legend and DJ Khaled paid tribute while performing their song "Higher," placing a photo of Bryant in the backdrop next to Nipsey Hussle, who died March 31, 2019. 

John Legend, DJ Khaled and more end their Nipsey Hussle #GRAMMYs tribute with an image of Kobe Bryant next to Nip pic.twitter.com/0l4STVoRcY

— MTV NEWS (@MTVNEWS) January 27, 2020

Earlier in the day, following the news of Bryant's sudden death, fans started gathering outside of the Staples Center to honor the late Lakers legend.

pic.twitter.com/rFSgXtZDz0

— Chiney Ogwumike (@chiney) January 26, 2020

A growing crowd at a memorial for #KobeBryant outside in Staples Center. @KTLA pic.twitter.com/nsb79I73wc

— Chris Gierowski (@tepall14) January 26, 2020

Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna, were among those on a helicopter that went down in the hills of Calabasas, causing a fire. The crash occurred around 10 a.m. local time, and the fire made it difficult for firefighters and emergency personnel to get to the aircraft, according to the Los Angeles Times.

L.A. County Sheriff Alex Villanueva told reporters that nine people were on the aircraft—the pilot plus eight others.

Orange Coast College baseball coach John Altobelli and Altobelli's daughter Alyssa and wife, Keri, were also aboard the helicopter and killed. 

Los Angeles mayor Eric Garcetti addressed his death of Bryant, saying in a statement, “He will live forever in the heart of Los Angeles, and will be remembered through the ages as one of our greatest heroes.”

On top of the gathering at the Staples Center, news of Bryant's death sent shock waves across the sports world.

More Coverage of Kobe Bryant's Death:

• Sports World Reacts to Kobe Bryant's Sudden Death
• Remembering Kobe Bryant: Sports Illustrated Covers Through the Years
  
• Breanna Stewart Mourns One of Her Greatest Supporters: Kobe Bryant
• Spurs-Raptors Open Game With Shot Clock Violations to Honor Kobe
  
• Shaq Reflects on Kobe's Passing: "There’s No Words to Express the Pain"
• Remembering Kobe and Gianna: For the Bryant Family, an Unimaginable Loss