The 2020 Grammys were full of bittersweet moments as the world continued to reel from the death of Kobe Bryant. But the annual awards show wasn’t remiss in acknowledging the pain felt by so many on Sunday night and did so in a way only artists could. 

In addition to a touching tribute to Bryant, Usher and FKA Twigs offered a moving tribute to Prince, Tyler, The Creator took home his first Grammy and the legacy of the late Nipsey Hussle was honored. Here are six of the best Black Grammy moments: 

1. Lizzo welcomed us to the Grammys, bitch.

The freshly minted Grammy winner brought down the house once again with her performance. She started her set by dedicating “Cuz I Luv You” to Kobe Bryant before she belted her heart out. Then a thick, dark-skinned ballerina wearing a du-rag appeared and by the end of the set, there were several of them. After such a sad day, Lizzo gave us a much-needed burst of energy.

2. Alicia Keys put Kobe’s death in perspective.


Like most Grammy hosts, Alicia Keys gave an introductory monologue. Kobe Bryant’s death happened only hours earlier, so her intro became a makeshift tribute. Despite the turn of events, the “Fallin” singer didn’t miss a beat when it was time to give her speech.

"Here we are together on music's biggest night celebrating the artists that do it best, but to be honest with you we're all feeling crazy sadness right because earlier today, Los Angeles, America and the whole wide world lost a hero," Keys said. Her next statement summed up the depth of Bryant’s legacy.

"And we're literally standing here heartbroken in the house that Kobe Bryant built," she added, referring to The Staples Center, where the Grammys were hosted and the Lakers play. When she was done, she brought out Boyz II Men for a heart-wrenching performance of the group’s song “It’s So Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday."

3. Usher gave us the Grammy tribute we’ve been waiting for as FKA Twigs put her pole skills to werk. 

Since Prince’s untimely death, we’ve gotten a variety of lackluster Prince tributes on major platforms. Thankfully, we can put those behind us because Usher, affectionately known as Ursher, made us go crazy. His renditions of “Little Red Corvette,” “When Doves Cry” and “Kiss” would have made the Purple One proud. The talented FKA twigs showed off her dancing skills and left us in awe.

4. Tyler, The Creator won his first Grammy.

Tyler, The Creator took home his first Grammy for IGOR and wasn’t shy about how far he’s come. 

“To my mother, you did a great job raising this guy,” the rapper said alongside his tearful mother. 

In addition to the victory, Tyler also performed “NEW MAGIC WAND” on the Grammys stage earlier in the night where he was joined by Charlie Wilson, whom he worked with on his award-winning album. 


5. Lil Nas X, Big Nas and friends took us down to the Old Town Road.

Lil Nas X gave us the ultimate “Old Town Road” remix for the Grammys. He started his performance strumming a mandolin in a living room set with a Kobe Bryant jersey placed across a chair. The living room was actually part of a revolving set, and every time the set changed another performer appeared. The rapper was joined by K-pop sensation BTS, Diplo and Mason Ramsey, the yodeling kid, per The Hollywood Reporter. Billy Ray Cyrus also made an appearance, of course, because he’s gonna ride this song till he can’t no more. The highlight of the whole set came after he brought out rap OG Nas to perform his new single “Rodeo.”


6. Nipsey Hussle’s marathon is still going.

Nipsey Hussle received several big ups during the show. Several artists did a tribute set for him including DJ Khaled, YG, Meek Mill, Kirk Franklin, Roddy Ricch and John Legend. He also won two posthumous awards: Best Rap Performance for "Racks in the Middle" and Best Rap/Song Performance for "Higher" with DJ Khaled and Legend. Nip was also honored during the In Memoriam montage. 

Congrats to the winners, including those who weren't there to see their victories. 

2020-GrammysKobe-bryantLizzoNipsey husslePrince,