This year's Super Bowl is one for the ages, with the San Francisco 49ers squaring off against the Kansas City Chiefs in Miami Gardens, Florida. However, the promised action on the gridiron was preceded by a touching and heartfelt tribute to another athletic icon, recently deceased basketball legend Kobe Bryant.
On Thursday, per CBS Sports, Super Bowl 2020 halftime performers Shakira and Jennifer Lopez made it clear that they would see their planned performance as an homage to the departed basketball superstar. During that same presser, Shakira spoke of a desire to include themes concerning diversity, while Lopez detailed the very emotional moment that her husband -- baseball great Alex Rodriguez -- tearfully brought the tragic news to her.
Lopez promised a truly "heartfelt" tribute for Kobe, one which sports fans from across the globe could look forward to.
A solemn air swept over the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens as thousands observed this moment of silence, the names of the deceased juxtaposed against a photo of Kobe and Gianna on the jumbotron.
Shakira and Lopez would go on to deliver a boisterous and inclusive performance during the halftime show. The crowd was extremely energetic throughout, with the commentators calling the game poking a little fun at panelist Michael Strahan for moving his body to the pounding beats of the music. Pyrotechnics of all colors of the rainbow illuminated the night sky to punctuate the proceedings, and the audience roared their approval throughout the lively musical medleys.
