Beyoncé has paid tribute to Kobe and Gianna Bryant at their memorial at Staples Centre today, performing two songs accompanied by a choir.
She performed two tracks – 2008’s ‘Halo’ and 2013’s ‘XO’. After singing the verse line of the latter, she paused and asked to start again.
“I’m here because I love Kobe, and this was one of his favourite songs,” she said.
“So I want to start that over, but I want to do it all together. I want you to sing it so loud that he hears your love.”
Complete with choir and strings, drums and piano, the renditions of the songs are beautiful, touching and powerful. As always, Beyoncé performs it with grace, poise and class. You’re going to want to have tissues beside you for this one.
Kobe and Gianna Bryant tragically passed away on January, 26th 2020 in a helicopter crash, killing them and seven others.
Watch Beyoncé’s performance below.
