Kobe Bryant (Photo Credit: Instagram)
New Delhi:
Ahead of Grammys 2020 event night, news of the sudden death of basketball legend Kobe Bryant send tremors through the event and celebs participating in the western music industry’s one of the biggest award show. The Grammys take place at the Staples Center, where Bryant played nearly his entire career with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Flags outside the arena were lowered to half-staff as preparations for the event continued, and lights shined on Bryant’s jerseys inside. Harvey Mason Jr., the chairman and interim chief of the Recording Academy, called for a moment of silence.
Bryant, who starred for 20 years with the Los Angeles Lakers and won five NBA championships, died along with his daughter on January 26 in a helicopter crash. He was 41. The NBA legend and his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna, were aboard his private helicopter when it crashed in California, the Los Angeles Times reported. Nine people, including the pilot, died in the accident. Celebrities from Hollywood, ports and the music industry expressed their shock and grief at the event. Also, several others took to social media to mourn the loss of the sporting legend.
A Recording Academy rep confirmed to Billboard that there would be a tribute to the Lakers star. Ryan Seacrest opened Grammy's red carpet with a tribute to Bryant. "His loss will be felt even more deeply tonight at a place he considered home," Seacrest told the camera. Here are other celebrity tweets grieving the death of the sports legend.
Remembering Kobe Bryant tonight while we honor music in the house that he built. Thank you @aliciakeys and @BoyzIIMen for the tribute. ðŸ™Â pic.twitter.com/lKlml9gF8H
— Recording Academy / GRAMMYs (@RecordingAcad) January 27, 2020
Priyanka Chopra who attended the Grammys lamenting his loss took to Instagram to share a pic of the sportsperson with his daughter and wrote, “Kobe Bryant was my first real introduction to the NBA. I was 13 living in Queens NYC, the same age as his sweet little girl, Gianna. He ignited my love for the sport, competition, and striving for excellence. He inspired an entire generation. His legacy is so much bigger than basketball. This heartbreaking accident also took the life of his young daughter, Gianna. I’m shook and so saddened. My heart goes out to Vanessa, Natalia, Bianka, and Capri Bryant. You are in my thoughts. Also sending my condolences to the loved ones of the other family and pilot in the accident. Being at tonight’s Grammys ceremony in his home at the Staples Center is going to be surreal.”
Stalwarts of the musical world, John legend, Taylor Swift, Justin Bieber too mourned his death.
My heart is in pieces hearing the news of this unimaginable tragedy. I can’t fathom what the families are going through. Kobe meant so much to me and to us all. Sending my prayers, love, and endless condolences to Vanessa and the family and anyone who lost someone on that flight.
— Taylor Swift (@taylorswift13) January 26, 2020
Meanwhile at Grammys 2020
I'm so sad and stunned right now. In Staples Arena, where Kobe created so many memories for all of us, preparing to pay tribute to another brilliant man we lost too soon, Nipsey Hussle. Life can be so brutal and senseless sometimes. Hold on to your loved ones. We miss you, Kobe
— John Legend (@johnlegend) January 26, 2020
, nine of the awards were given out before the television broadcast, in a separate “premiere” ceremony. Beyoncé’s concert special “Homecoming” won best music film while Lady Gaga’s A Star Is Born wins Best Soundtrack.
