Before the NBA’s best took the court in Chicago, some music icons stole the show at the NBA All-Star Game.
Jennifer Hudson sang “For All We Know (We May Meet Again)” during a pre-game tribute to Kobe Bryant, who died in a plane crash along with his daughter in January. Photos of Bryant’s life appeared on a video screen behind Hudson as she sang.
.@IAMJHUD delivers a powerful pregame performance to honor Kobe #NBAAllStar pic.twitter.com/XwdSes5w97
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) February 17, 2020
The rapper Common then performed verses about the host city, Chicago, titled “If This City Could Talk.” Common also honored Bryant, at one point rapping, “You’ll bring out the best and the greats and inspire others like 23 did for eight,” a reference to Chicago Bulls great Michael Jordan and Bryant.
“And that’s dedication and that’s the fight, so even in the darkest times, you’ll feel Kobe’s light,” Common added.
.@common honors the city of Chicago and Kobe Bryant with his opening tribute at #NBAAllStar pic.twitter.com/NFBpKwicB3
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) February 17, 2020
There were other performances as well, but Hudson and Common in particular drew adulation both from fans watching at home and the players themselves.
“That show before the game. That was amazing.” - Giannis to Common
— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) February 17, 2020
pic.twitter.com/NgvRhntMu8 https://t.co/WkJj4vE22T
WOW! I can’t find the words to describe what I’m feeling after watching that performance by @common Just a kid from Chicago with a ball and a dream. Thank you for that honor @NBAonTNT @NBA
— DWade (@DwyaneWade) February 17, 2020
Listen🗣 This intro was the best Ever! Don’t @ me! I said what I said… Thanks @common for blessing us with this 🙏🏾 Chicago you were a great host! ✌🏾 https://t.co/x3eJhQquUS
— Swin Cash (@SwinCash) February 17, 2020
That Jennifer Hudson Kobe tribute was everything. Utterly speechless. Blessed to have experienced that in person. #RIPMamba
— J.E. Skeets (@jeskeets) February 17, 2020
Jennifer Hudson singing with Kobe Bryant pictures in the background got me in my feels#NBAAllStarGame #NBAAllStar pic.twitter.com/X4Mz9sogaq
— Siobhain (@summer0001) February 17, 2020
Common is LEGENDARY, a lyricist of his own class. His song was an INCREDIBLE gift to basketball tonight, and these #NBAAllStar intros are unrivaled 🔥
— Rachel Hopmayer (@rachelhopmayer) February 17, 2020
• Adam Zielonka can be reached at azielonka@washingtontimes.com.
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