Jennifer Hudson comes with an ode to Kobe Bryant during competition

The American singer Jennifer Hudson brings a musical ode to Kobe Bryant on Sunday during the All Star competition. The 69th edition of the annual match between the best players from the NBA is overshadowed by the tragic death of the former top basketball player of Los Angeles Lakers and his daughter Gianna. The helicopter containing father and daughter Bryant and seven others crashed on January 26 near LA.

Jennifer is from Chicago. She sang the song Will You Be There in 2009 during the Michael Jackson memorial service in Los Angeles. The American is not only a singer, she has also received an Academy Award and Golden Globe Award for her acting performances in recent years. The 38-year-old opens the evening on Sunday with an ode to Kobe, after which the players enter the field.

Ten-time Grammy winner Chaka Khan then sings the American national anthem, singer-songwriter Tenille Arts performs the Canadian national anthem. Halfway through the All Star competition, Lil Wayne and DJ Khaled, among others, take the stage.