Powerful start to the memorial: Beyoncé sings one of Kobe's favorite songs

Janelle Griffith
·1 min read

Beyoncé Knowles-Carter opened the memorial being held Monday at the Staples Center in Los Angeles honoring Kobe and his 13-year-old daughter Gianna, as well as seven other victims who died in a helicopter crash last month.

She began her performance with her hit single "XO," from her 2013 self-titled album.

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"I'm here because I love Kobe and this was one of his favorite songs," Beyoncé said while backed by a choir and violinists clad in all-white.

She then delivered a moving rendition of "Halo," drawing applause from Vanessa Bryant.

Kobe Bryant and Beyoncé had been friends for decades. He appeared in the Destiny's Child "Bug A Boo" music video.