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‘I’m here because I love him’: Beyonce gives moving performance of Kobe Bryant’s favourite song at memorial


Caption: Beyonce performs at Kobe Bryant memorial, Staples Center, Los Angeles

Beyonce took to the stage at the memorial for the late Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna Bryant at the Staples Centre.

Kobe, 41, and Gianna, 13, were killed in a helicopter crash last month along with seven others.

The singer, wearing an all yellow suit, opened proceedings with a heartfelt performance of two of her songs, XO and Halo, telling the crowd that XO was one of his favourite songs.

She said: ‘I’m here because I loved Kobe and this was one of his favourite songs. ‘

Ending her performance with Halo, she changed the lyrics to say: ‘He will be your halo. She will be your halo.’

At the end of the performance she blew a kiss upwards and smiled at Kobe’s wife Vanessa who was in the audience.

The singer performed at the Staples Centre (Picture: YouTube)
She sang XO, one of Kobe’s favourite songs, and Halo (Picture: YouTube)
Beyonce wore a yellow suit in tribute to Kobe (Picture: YouTube)

Among the celebrities in the audience were Jennifer Lopez – who had tears streaming down her face – Dwayne Wade and Gabrielle Union and Kim Kardashian, Kanye West, Khloe Kardashian and Kris Jenner.

Talk show host Jimmy Kimmel broke down in tears while speaking about the sport star.

He said: ‘This is a sad day but it is also a celebration of life, of their lives, and of life itself in the building where those of us who are fans celebrated so many of the best times of our lives.

Kobe Bryant and daughter Gianna were killed in a helicopter crash last month (Picture: Getty Images)
Kobe’s wife Vanessa gave an emotional speech about her late husband and daughter (Picture: Getty)

‘I’m honoured to have been asked to speak here. Everywhere you go you see his face, his number, Gigi’s face and Gigi’s number.

‘There are hundreds of murals painted by artists who were inspired because Kobe was an artist too, and not just in LA but across the country and Kobe’s home town. In places where he would be booed on the court Kobe is missed.’

He introduced Vanessa to the stage who gave a moving speech about them both.

Talking about Gianna, she told those present: ‘She was always thoughtful, always kissed me good night and good morning.

‘She knew how much her kisses meant to me and she was so thoughtful. She was daddy’s girl but I know she loved her momma. She was one of my very best friends.’



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