Beyonce took to the stage at the Staples Center on Monday (Feb. 24) to open the memorial event honoring the late Kobe and Gianna Bryant.
The singer performed an emotional rendition of her hit song “XO,” as well as “Halo.”
Wearing a marigold-colored suit jacket, pants and coordinating top, the superstar opened her performance with a few heartfelt words.
“I’m here because I love Kobe, and this was one of his favorite songs,” she shared after singing the first line, before beginning again. “So I want to start that over, but I want us to do it all together. I want us to sing it so loud that we hear the love.”
Beyonce also altered the lyrics of the first verse of “XO” to tribute Kobe, changing the word “crashing” to “laughing.”
Backed by strings and a chorus, with everyone wearing white, Bey belted her heart out before transitioning into “Halo.” Safe to say there wasn’t a dry eye in the house.
Watch a clip below.
Beyoncé sings one of Kobe Bryant's favorite songs "XO" to kick off the #KobeFarewell 💜💛
pic.twitter.com/s4HpYVRlQF— Music News & Videos ➐ (@RapWatchHD) February 24, 2020