Watch Lizzo, Lil Nas X and More Honor Kobe Bryant in Their 2020 Grammy Awards Performances
Billie Eilish, Ariana Grande and Rosalía also took the stage.
Besides the night’s statement-making red carpet fashion and record-breaking wins, the 62nd annual Grammy Awards saw a number of emotional performances by nominees paying tribute to beloved basketball legend Kobe Bryant, who was killed alongside his 13-year-old daughter Gianna in a helicopter crash just hours before the ceremony commenced.
Host Alicia Keys addressed the tragedy in her opening speech. “Right now, Kobe and his daughter Gianna and all of those that have been tragically lost today are in our spirit, in our hearts, in our prayers, in this building,” she said. “I’d like to ask everybody to take a moment and just hold them inside of you, and share our strength and our support with their families. We never imagined in a million years we’d have to start the show like this.”
Lizzo, who led the night with eight nominations, dedicated a mash-up of “Cuz I Love You” and “Truth Hurts” to Bryant (“tonight’s for Kobe,” she declared) while Lil Nas X performed “Old Town Road” with the late player’s jersey on a chair next to him.
An ensemble performance by John Legend, Meek Mill, DJ Khaled, YG, Roddy Ricch and Kirk Franklin also honored slain rapper Nipsey Hussle, who posthumously won Best Rap Performance for “Racks in the Middle.” Usher and FKA Twigs celebrated Prince, who passed away in 2016, with a rendition of “Little Red Corvette” that featured an impressive pole dance routine by Twigs.
Rosalía incorporated her signature flamenco flair into a performance of “Juro Que” and Billie Eilish, the youngest artist to win all four top award categories, took the stage with brother Finneas for “when the party’s over.” Ariana Grande, whose voluminous Giambattista Valli gown made headlines, put her own twist on “My Favorite Things” from The Sound of Music before transitioning into a performance of smash hits “7 rings” and “thank u, next.”
Watch the night’s performances below. In case you missed it, check out our complete list of Grammy winners.
“Tonight’s for Kobe!” Lizzo kicks off the #GRAMMYs with rendition of “Cause I Love You” https://t.co/k6dOKYyZEH pic.twitter.com/iaoJCxL934
— Variety (@Variety) January 27, 2020
WATCH: Grammy Award Winner @LilNasX performs a new mix of his @RIAA Diamond certified, record breaking, history making song, #OldTownRoad. #Grammys pic.twitter.com/TkUpHibXUV
— Opinionated Me (@opinion8dmecom) January 27, 2020
Nipsey Hussle tribute Dj Khaled and John Legend#grammys2020 pic.twitter.com/XKhKh0nPCK
— Bippity Boppity (@Bobby84837810) January 27, 2020
A show-stopping #GRAMMYs performance from @rosaliavt. pic.twitter.com/hWLsIP9X6B
— Pigeons & Planes (@PigsAndPlans) January 27, 2020
billie eilish performando “When the Party’s Over” no #GRAMMYs>>> pic.twitter.com/nXLLfpoMIl
— HIP HOP conexão (@HIPHOPconexao) January 27, 2020
WATCH: @ArianaGrande gives you a taste of her Grammy nominated album, Thank U, Next! #Grammys pic.twitter.com/MHkFIriQlD
— Opinionated Me (@opinion8dmecom) January 27, 2020
