Prior to the tip of the 2020 NBA All-Star Game in Chicago, there was a tribute held for Kobe Bryant and former NBA commissioner David Stern.
Los Angeles Lakers great Magic Johnson opened with words about Bryant and Stern in front of the United Center crowd. Johnson then introduced Jennifer Hudson, who has one of the best voices of our generation, pulled off the performance you would expect— flawless, emotional, and moving. She even broke briefly at the start, reminding us how real this situation is. Singing Donny Hathaway’s “For All We Know,” her stunning vocals were backed by photos of Kobe and Gianna Bryant.
But what makes this performance so special and brave, is Hudson is no stranger to tragedy. In 2008, Hudson’s mother, brother, and 7-year-old nephew were murdered by her sister’s estranged husband. In 2012, he was sentenced to life in prison for the murders. On top it of it all? It took place in Chicago, the city where Hudson put on this performance.
All-Star weekend concludes with the 69th NBA All-Star Game on Sunday. Team LeBron, led by LeBron James, will face Team Giannis, captained by reigning MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo. Check out Hudson’s tribute below.
