Last night the Grammy Awards paid a touching tribute to basketball legend Kobe Bryant, who died yesterday aged 41.
The awards kicked off just as the tragic news broke that Bryant had died in a helicopter crash alongside eight others, including his 13-year-old daughter Gianna.
The award ceremony attended by the world's biggest stars was held in the Staples Center - the same stadium Bryant had spent his NBA career.
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Bryant was such a well-respected player that when he retired in 2017, the Los Angeles Lakers retired Bryant's numbers - 8 and 24 - and hung two jerseys bearing those numbers in the rafters of the Staples Center.
Throughout last night's awards, spotlights continued to illuminate the jerseys.
The show opened with a minute's silence, with Interim Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. telling attendees: "As most of you may know, we lost Kobe Bryant in a tragic helicopter accident today.
"Since we are in his house, I would ask you to join me in a moment of silence."
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This was followed by a touching tribute from singer Alicia Keys who said: "Kobe and his daughter Gianna, and all of those that have been tragically lost today are in our spirits, in our hearts and our prayers today.... share our strength and our support with their families.
"We never imagined in a million years we would have to start the show like this... [Music is] the most healing thing in the world, so let's get some healing going on right now."
Boyz II Men then accompanied Keys to sing 'It's So Hard to Say Goodbye'.
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Other stars also paid their respects to Bryant, with Lil Nas X having a Bryant Lakers jersey on stage during his performance.
Meanwhile, outside the Staples Center fans had been placing floral tributes, with hundreds gathering - many in Lakers caps or jerseys - outside.
The NBA commissioner Adam Silver released a statement in which he said: "For 20 seasons, Kobe showed us what is possible when remarkable talent blends with an absolute devotion to winning.
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"He was one of the most extraordinary players in the history of our game with accomplishments that are legendary."
The statement continued: "He will be remembered most for inspiring people around the world to pick up a basketball and compete to the very best of their ability."
Featured Image Credit: PATopics: Music
