Stars and fans swarmed the Staples Center for the public memorial service of Kobe and Gianna Bryant on Monday. This celebration of life was opened by a performance from Beyonce.
Beyoncé decided to eulogize Kobe and Gianna by singing "XO," from her 2013 BEYONCÉ album.
"I'm here because I love Kobe, and this was one of his favorite songs," Beyoncé told the audience.
Beyoncé transitioned from "XO" into her 2009 mainstay "Halo." While she was singing to the crowd, she directed the lyrics toward Vanessa Bryant, modifying the words so they would include Kobe and Gigi. She tweaked "and I'm crashing into you" to become "and I'm laughing into you," and switched "you kill me boy, XO" for "just kiss me boy, XO."
Beyoncé's performance was followed by opening remarks from Vanessa Bryant. Bryant put together two different speeches that touched on the more personal side of Kobe and Gianna.
Along with Beyoncé, superstar athletes like Michael Jordan, LeBron James, Russell Westbrook, Diana Taurasi, Shaquille O'Neal, and more were in attendance. Livestream Kobe and Gianna Bryant's celebration of life below.
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