More than 20,000 family, friends, and fans gathered at L.A.’s Staples Center on Monday to celebrate the lives of Kobe Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter Gianna at a “Celebration of Life.”
Beyoncé kicked off the tribute with an emotional performance. Wearing a gold pantsuit in honor of No. 24, she opened with “XO.”
“I’m here because I love Kobe and this was one of his favorite songs,” said Bey before restarting the performance. “So I want to start that over but I want us to do it all together and I want you to sing it so loud they can hear your love.”
Backed by a choir and string section, she belted out the track as Michael Jordan, Jennifer Lopez, and Magic Johnson looked on from their seats at the home of the late Lakers legend.
She continued the seven-minute set with the touching “Halo” with its poignant lyrics: “Standing in the light of your halo / I got my angel now.”
“I love you,” said Bey as she blew a kiss and looked up to the sky before acknowledging Kobe’s widow Vanessa Bryant, who was seen clapping from her seat.
Watch the emotional tribute below.
