We don’t want to overstate, but this was probably the most beautiful memorial service we have ever seen.
On Monday, 2/24, the world got a chance to say goodbye together to Kobe Bryant, Gianna Bryant, and the other seven people who died in that devastating helicopter crash in January.
Related: Vanessa Bryant Has Filed A Wrongful Death Lawsuit
It was a time not just to mourn but also to celebrate — those we lost, what they gave us, how they impacted the world.
Some very special guest speakers and performers brought high emotion to the event. Here they all are in case you missed any:
Beyoncé
The memorial opened about as strong as possible with a performance by the peerless Beyoncé.
She began by telling the crowd:
“I’m here because I love Kobe and this was one of his favorite songs so I want to start that over but I want us to do it all together and I want you to sing it so loud that he hears your love.”
And with that she performed one of Kobe’s favorites, XO, directly to Kobe — respectfully changing the lyric “crashing into you” to “laughing into you” since they were friends and not lovers.
She followed that up with the powerful emotion of Halo.
Beyoncé and Kobe go way back.
Big fans of either Bey or Kobe may remember his very brief hip hop career, which included a guest rap verse on a remix of the Destiny’s Child hit Say My Name.
Jimmy Kimmel
A few years ago Jimmy Kimmel might have seemed an odd fit to host a memorial service. But in emotional speeches following his son’s health scare, he proved to the world he’s more than just a comedian; he has a big heart and a skillful way of getting across simple, strong messages through the tears.
These skills came into play as he couldn’t help but cry while talking about his fallen friend and hero, as well as the others who perished before their time.
Hear his thoughts about the beauty of life and community — and a couple NBA jokes for the biggest fans (below):
Jimmy continued to present throughout the event and brought a real sincerity to the role of MC.
Vanessa Bryant
Vanessa Bryant had the hardest job of the evening. She wasn’t saying goodbye to a star, to a hero, even to a friend. She was saying goodbye to her husband and to her daughter.
Her entire speech is incredibly heartbreaking and full of the little details about Kobe and Gigi that no one else could say.
Alicia Keys
This performance was particularly special not because Alicia Keys is one of the biggest, most soulful musicians on the planet — which is also true — but because of the choice of music.
Vanessa brought up in her speech how romantic Kobe was and how his gift-giving was always fresh and imaginative. Well, one thing he got her was teaching himself to play the piano — specifically her favorite piece of music — by ear.
That piece is the incomparable Moonlight Sonata by Beethoven. By all accounts Kobe’s rendition wasn’t half bad — and exceptional for someone who didn’t play piano. But in the hands of Alicia Keys, it is one of the most beautiful things we’ve ever heard.
Michael Jordan
A goodbye from one basketball legend to another…
Michael Jordan immediately got emotional speaking about his “little brother” and how at first he was aggravated at all of Kobe’s late night phone calls, intent on grilling the greatest to ever play the game; however, that aggravation turned to respect for Kobe’s passion:
“This kid had passion like you would never know… he wanted to be the best basketball player that he could be. And as I got to know him, I wanted to be the best big brother that I could be.”
So sweet! See the entire tear-filled speech (below):
Christina Aguilera
In honor of Kobe and Vanessa’s Catholic faith, Christina Aguilera lent her powerful pipes to a rendition of Ave Maria, Schubert‘s musical version of the Latin prayer commonly known as a Hail Mary.
So incredibly moving.
[Image via Los Angeles Times/YouTube.]
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