CLEVELAND — As people around the world mourn the death of basketball legend, Kobe Bryant, the Grammys were not shy in addressing the tragedy that had taken place earlier in the day. The awards show started with a touching tribute from Alicia Keys and Boyz II Men honoring him with a performance of the song, "Its So Hard To Say Goodbye"
On the red carpet, artists discussed Bryant and his contribution to his sport and the world, and the tragedy that is his untimely death. Before the show went live, a moment of silence was observed in Staples Center Arena, where Bryant played throughout his tenure as a Los Angeles Laker.
Rapper Nipsey Hussle was also honored during the ceremony after having passed away in late march. Hussle was also awarded two Grammy's posthumously for his songs "Racks in the Middle" and "Higher." Award winning director Ava Duvernay introduced the tribute to the late artist which featured prominent musicians such as John Legend, DJ Kahled, and Meek Mill.
Two big winners also honored the lost icon that was Kobe Bryant; during their performance of their hit single, Old Town Road, Lil Nas X and Billy Ray Cyrus featured a Bryant "24" Jersey as a prop on stage to pay homage to the basketball star. Later on in the night, after winning grammys for both best music video and best pop duo/group performance, Cyrus said that he wrote something on his guitar to honor Bryant.