Lizzo Opens 2020 Grammys With A Promise That 'Tonight Is For Kobe'

Lizzo opened up the 2020 Grammys on Sunday (January 26) with a promise to honor late legend Kobe Bryant.

Before belting out her single "Cuz I love You," the 31-year-old entertainer announced to the crowd in the Staples Center in Los Angeles that "Tonight is for Kobe."

Lizzo — who is the most nominated artist this year, with eight Grammy nominations — then transitioned into her performance, which included her singing atop a mountain-like structure in a black embellished gown.

When that portion of her set was complete, durag-wearing ballerinas hit the stage for a solo performance of their own. It wasn't long before a changed Lizzo returned to the stage in a futuristic neon outfit to perform her hit "Truth Hurts."

As fans know, no Lizzo performance is complete without an appearance from Sasha Flute as Lizzo, who is a classically-trained flutist, played the instrument while dancing.

"Welcome to the Grammys, b*tch!" Lizzo shouted as she brought the audience to its feet.

The 2020 Grammys were held hours after news of Kobe's passing. The legendary basketball player and his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna, died in a tragic helicopter crash early Sunday morning.

The former Los Angeles Laker was traveling in a private helicopter when reportedly a fire broke out. TMZ stated that emergency personnel responded, but nobody on board survived the incident in Calabasas, California.

Eyewitnesses told TMZ they heard the helicopter's engine sputtering before it went down. The official cause of the crash is currently under investigation. Reps for Kobe told the outlet Kobe and Gigi were on their way to the Mamba Academy for a basketball practice when the crash occurred.

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