Inside the Staples Center on Monday afternoon, Beyonce opened the Kobe Bryant memorial celebration with a stunning rendition of two of her most popular songs.
Backed by a choir, Beyonce started her tribute to Kobe, Gianna and the seven others who lost their lives in a helicopter crash with one of Kobe’s favorite songs, “XO.” The lyrics took on a new meaning as Beyonce sang the song in memory.
“We don’t have forever /baby, daylight’s wasting/you better kiss me/ before our time has run out,” Beyonce sang.
In addition to “XO,” Beyonce also sang the refrain from “Halo,” another song that hit differently in the context of the memorial.
“I’m here because I love Kobe,” she said.
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