A young adult male performer in a dark gray suit jacket, possibly at an indoor memorial service. Large floral tributes with the number '24' are prominently displayed in the background. 4:48
ESPN channel icon ESPNOriginal creator 2.5M views Save

Usher sings "Amazing Grace" for Kobe Bryant

Before a single speech at the Staples Center tribute to Kobe Bryant, Usher stood on the Lakers' floor and sang "Amazing Grace." more

Kobe and his daughter Gianna died in a plane crash on January 26. Sports fans all over the world took the news hard. On February 24, the Lakers and their fans gathered to honor the man who wore number 24.

Usher opened the day. He wore a dark gray suit jacket and stood on the hardwood, with flowers and a big 24 behind him. Then he began the old hymn that so many families know by heart.

He didn't try to make it big. There were no showy runs and no shouting, just a smooth voice and the plain old words. His feelings came through anyway.

A young adult male performer in a dark gray suit jacket, possibly at an indoor memorial service. Large floral tributes with the number '24' are prominently displayed in the background. The headline runs in white letters across the lower third.Save
Before a single speech at the Staples Center tribute to Kobe Bryant, Usher stood on the Lakers' floor and sang "Amazing Grace."

An organ carried the music under his voice. The top reaction from listeners is praise for the organist, and one fan wants to know who was playing.

Many people admit they knew they would cry and listened anyway. One dad wrote that he let his four girls see him cry, then told them he loved them and gave each a kiss. Another parent hugged 12-year-old twins and cried the whole time.

Again and again, people say the same thing. For a few minutes, a basketball arena felt like church.

#singing