Alicia Keys and Boyz II Men open Grammys with touching tribute to Kobe

The Grammy Awards are typically a night of celebration the annual event opened on a somber note following the death of NBA legend Kobe Bryant. Lizzo’s triumphant and high energy opening performance set the tone for the evening, with the singer declaring, “Tonight is for Kobe” at the beginning of her set. Returning host Alicia Keys took the stage next and dedicated her opening remarks to Bryant, with Grammy-winning Boyz II Men joining her for an emotional musical tribute.Hosting for the second year in a row, Keys admitted that it was difficult to enjoy a night of celebration when only hours before the world lost one of the greatest athletes of all time. “To be honest with you, we’re all feeling crazy sadness right now,” said Keys. "Earlier today Los Angeles, America, and the whole wide world lost a hero,” said Keys, who touched on the bittersweet irony of the Grammys taking place in the Staples Center, which is home to Bryant’s former team, the L. A. Lakers. “We're literally standing here heartbroken in the house that Kobe Bryant built."

Remembering Kobe Bryant tonight while we honor music in the house that he built. Thank you @aliciakeys and @BoyzIIMen for the tribute. ? pic.twitter.com/lKlml9gF8H

— Recording Academy / GRAMMYs (@RecordingAcad) January 27, 2020

Keys went on to say that Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter Gianna, who was also confirmed to have died today in a helicopter crash along with seven other people, were on everyone's minds, hearts and prayers. She asked the packed arena to take a moment of silence before beginning an a capella rendition of G. C. Cameron’s “It’s So Hard To Say Goodbye To Yesterday,” which was popularized in 1991 when it was released by Boyz II Men.The R&B trio, including Nathan Morris, Shawn Stockman and Wanya Morris, joined Keys on stage in casual outfits of jeans and sweaters that were in stark contrast to Keys' sparkling silver gown and acted as a visual reminder of just how quickly the last-minute tribute likely came together with news of Bryant’s death only a few hours old.The emotional tribute immediately resonated on social media, with many viewers agreeing that the host was doing her best at the seemingly impossible task of opening a night of music and entertainment in the wake of a tragedy.

That was a beautiful opening to the @RecordingAcad @TheAwards2020 @aliciakeys @lizzo and @BoyzIIMen made me cry!!!! It’s gonna be a beautiful show. ???❤️??music heals

— P!nk (@Pink) January 27, 2020

Alicia Keys is doing such a beautiful thing. It's an impossible job tonight and she's actually doing the impossible. #GRAMMYs

— Reggie Aqui (@reggieaqui) January 27, 2020

Alicia Keys can do no wrong. I could hear her talk/sing/preach/lift spirits, etc. all day #GRAMMYs

— Pam Chvotkin, Storyteller (@reddusfoximus) January 27, 2020

Alicia Keys is really guiding us through the sadness, y’all.

She is really handling this award show while the world grieves very gracefully. #Grammys— Alex Holley (@AlexHolleyFOX29) January 27, 2020

The gentle nature and spirit of Alicia Keys is exactly what I need right now. #Kobe

— jordan cornette (@jordancornette) January 27, 2020

For a list of all of the night's Grammy winners, head here and get a look at who stunned, and shunned, on the red carpet.[video_embed id='1858207']RELATED: Here’s why Alicia Keys missed her first Grammy win[/video_embed]