Jennifer Lopez and Shakira Reflect on Kobe Bryant’s Death Plus Their Plan To Honor The Basketball Great
With their Super Bowl Halftime Show appearance this Sunday night, superstars Jennifer Lopez and Shakira met with the press yesterday to officially stir up even more excitement for the event. The two artists have most definitely created a buzz for the halftime show that hasn’t been this anticipated in quite a while.
During their meeting with the press, Lopez and Shakira became emotional speaking about the recent death of Kobe Bryant.
Here’s what they had to say.
Kobe Bryant’s death has affected everyone
Bryant’s death almost one week ago shocked the world, from those in sports to the entertainment world. Even for those who don’t follow sports, it was heartbreaking to know that this family man, as well as others flying to the youth basketball game, perished in a seemingly preventable accident.
Apple CEO Tim Cook, who Bryant enjoyed calling and said influenced him a great deal, shared on Twitter his disbelief at the basketball legend’s death, mirroring the sentiments of so many.
“Devastated and heartbroken by the passing of Kobe Bryant,” Cook wrote. “I admired his athletic prowess from afar and his humanity close up. He was an original. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and fans. RIP.”
Lopez and Shakira’s press conference
Yesterday’s press conference to kick off the Super Bowl halftime show brought Lopez and Shakira together to share their excitement and enthusiasm for what is sure to be Sunday night’s electrifying performance.
Announced in September, the duo’s pairing for the show was a double surprise: the rumor that Lopez might headline the halftime break became reality and then Shakira was confirmed as co-headliner.
Lopez issued a statement at the time saying, “Ever since I saw Diana Ross fly off into the sky at the Halftime Show, I dreamed of performing at the Super Bowl. And now it’s made even more special not only because it’s the NFL’s 100th anniversary, but also because I am performing with a fellow Latina. I can’t wait to show what us girls can do on the world’s biggest stage.”
Shakira and Lopez got emotional about Kobe Bryant
Both Shakira and Jennifer Lopez are mothers, in committed relationships with their partners. Their families come first for them, so it’s not that hard for either of them to imagine what Vanessa Bryant is living through right now. The Latin artists shared that it’s important to them to honor Bryant’s memory during the halftime show, and that’s just what they plan to do.
“I think about Vanessa as a mom and losing her best friend and partner, and losing her child,” Lopez said at the press conference. “I think how awful that must be for her right now…I’ve just been praying that God guides her through every moment because she has three more babies to take care of.”
Shakira then added, “”Life is so fragile and that’s why we have to try to live every moment as intensely as we can. I think we will all be remembering Kobe on Sunday and we’ll be celebrating life and celebrating diversity in this country,” Shakira told the audience.
Read more: Super Bowl LIV: Who Will Jennifer Lopez and Shakira Bring Out As A Guest? Twitter Has Voted!
