Alicia Keys paid homage to Kobe Bryant through her music on Monday, delivering a heartfelt performance during a celebration of life for the NBA legend and his daughter Gianna in Los Angeles.
The New York-born artist took to the stage to perform one of Kobe’s favorite pieces, Beethoven’s “Moonlight Sonata,” as part of the memorial held at the Staples Center. During her performance, Keys wore a silky purple suit in Lakers colors and was accompanied by a small orchestra. As she played, she looked skyward and folded her hands in prayer, paying her respects to the late athlete.
Alicia Keys learned of Kobe Bryant’s passing just hours before co-hosting the Grammys in January. She spoke about the tragic news during an interview with Ellen DeGeneres, describing how deeply it affected everyone. “Hearing the news about Kobe and his daughter was so tragic. None of us can still believe it, even now,” she said.
She explained that the suddеn change in plans for the Grammys required her to quickly think of a way to honor Kobe in a meaningful way, given the event was held at his “home” arena. Along with Boyz II Mеn, she delivered a touching tribute to Kobe during the Grammy Awards.
Keys wasn’t the only high-profile performer at the memorial service. Beyoncé, dressed in a golden suit, opened the event with emotional performances of her hits “XO” and “Halo,” asking the crowd to sing along as she looked up to the sky and blew kisses to Kobe’s family.
The memorial was a sold-out event at the downtown arena where Kobe Bryant played for 17 of his 20 NBA seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers. Attendees received a program containing photos, a purple KB pin, and a T-shirt with images of Kobe and Gianna. The concourse was filled with fans wearing Lakers colors and others in black.
The celebration of life came just hours after Vanessa Bryant, Kobe’s widow, filed a wrongful-deɑth lawsuit against the owner of the helicopter involved in the crɑsh that killed Kobe and Gianna on January 26. The lawsuit alleged that the pilot, Ara Zobayan, was careless and negligent for flying in foggy conditions.
Throughout the service, various speakers reflected on Kobe’s impact on basketball and his wider influence. In addition to the performances, the event included retrospectives on his athletic achievements. Money from ticket sales was earmarked for the Mamba and Mambacita Sports Foundation, supporting youth sports in underserved communities and promoting female athletes.
In Los Angeles, Kobe Bryant’s deɑth caused an outpouring of grief, with numerous public memorials and murals erected across the city. His two retired jersey numbers, 8 and 24, hang high above the Staples Center, symbolizing his lasting legacy with the Lakers and the city.
