The Grieving Grammy Stage
The 62nd Annual Grammy Awards ceremony was held on January 26, 2020, at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. However, earlier that day, Legend Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna and seven others tragically died in a helicopter crash. The Grammys, held at the Staples Center, is where Bryant spent most of his N.B.A. career.
The Grammys as a whole, and the celebrities announcing and performing the award show honored Bryant beautifully throughout the night. Alicia Keys was the host of the evening, and she took a moment to address the tragedy and honor Kobe Bryant. “We’re all feeling crazy sadness right now,” Keys said. “We’re literally standing here, heartbroken, in the house that Kobe Bryant built.” Lizzo, Grammy nominee and performer announced “Tonight is for Kobe.” Throughout the night, Bryant’s jersey appeared during performances. A moment of silence was held for Bryant during the show’s pre-telecast ceremony. The Academy posted on Twitter: “Remembering Kobe Bryant tonight while we honor music in the house that he built.” Throughout the night, Bryant’s jersey appeared during performances, including Aerosmith and Run DM and Lil Nas X. On the red carpet,Diplo, called the deaths “devastating.” he says Bryant “transcends iconic, so he’s going to live forever.” A moment of silence was held for Bryant during the show’s pre-telecast ceremony.
Although the death of Bryant is horrible and tragic news, the Grammys covered it very well. They knew it was something that must be addressed, and they did so in an honorable way. It definitely puts a positive light on the situation since celebrities were able to share their feelings with the world. No one was able to forget that Kobe is a legend, and his memory will live on forever. The Grammys became a platform of bringing people mourning together, and celebrate life through music.
The overall message that the Grammys portrayed was that life is something we cannot take for granted. We fortunately have things like music to bring us together in tough times. They addressed the unfortunate circumstance properly and honorably. The sudden death of a legend, being celebrated in the arena he spent the majority of his career is chilling. Performers, nominees, announcers all addressed this with honor and respect.
This really aims for an audience of music fans and those who watched the Grammys. However, this is something that sports fans can resonate with as well as any human being mourning over the loss of the 9 victims. This death is something the whole world can resonate with, as it was so tragic and sudden. The public’s perceptions of the Grammys should be nothing but respect and love. The Grammys Public Relations team should be proud of how they handled crisis. The event went on smoothly and as planned, but they were able to properly address and handle the loss of Bryant.
New York Times Article
By Aimee Ortiz
January 26, 2020
Kobe Bryant Is Honored at the Grammys With Tributes and Jerseys
Music Section
Company/Business involved: Grammys