s news of Kobe Bryant’s death spread after the helicopter accident that killed him and eight others on Sunday morning, the 2020 Grammy Awards were largely forgotten — an afterthought on a dark day for Los Angeles, America, and the world.
The musicians at the ceremonies could have easily glossed over the tragedy and focused on their wins and personal glory. But, instead, the thousands of people gathered in Staples Center, the house that Kobe built, put aside their brief moments of glory to honor the legacy of not only a basketball legend but a man of integrity, kindness, and faith.
The tributes were not personal. They were not used to talk about that person’s personal grief or hardship in the time. One came with no words at all, just a spotlight on Bryant’s retired jerseys on the wall of the Staples Center for the duration of the show.
Host Alicia Keys began her opening monologue with a tribute to Bryant, singing “It’s So Hard To Say Goodbye To Yesterday” with Boyz II Men.
“We never imagined in a million years we would have to start the show like this,” Keys said. “Never, never, never, never, never. But we wanted to do something that could describe a teeny bit how we all feel right now.”
The tribute was simple, unassuming. Barely over a minute long, the song showcased the vocal talent of those onstage but focused on the task at hand, honoring a great basketball player and an even greater man. In a way it was a lot like Bryant, incredible talent used in an extraordinary but humble way.
Amidst the Kobe tributes, the stars still performed music and won awards. 18-year-old pop star Billie Eilish dominated the awards, sweeping the four major categories: song of the year, record of the year, album of the year and best new artist. Demi Lovato performed for the first time since her near-fatal overdose in July 2018. She sang her new single “Anyone” which was recorded just four days before the incident. Lil Nas and Billy Ray Cyrus performed a medley of “Old Town Road” remixes and took home awards for best pop duo/group performance and best music video.
