"It was definitely a crazy feeling because literally minutes before we were going to do something else, and we had to really figure out how can we properly honor him in his house on this night," the singer said on Wednesday's 'Ellen DeGeneres Show.'
Keys said that they had to "properly honor him in his house." The ceremony took place at the Staples Center, where the legendary athlete played with the Los Angeles Lakers until his retirement from the NBA in 2016. "I was literally backstage, I put on my meditation music, I just was thinking and I called some of my closest people that helped me really find the truth in the moment," the singer continued. "It just so happened Boyz II Men was there already that night and we wanted to do something special, create just something that felt like it was the right thing, and we pulled it together and it was just beautiful. It was like that magic that happens when it’s necessary.
The producer added that Boyz II Men, who joined Keys on stage for the tribute performance, were already at the show to perform with Tyler, the Creator. After he broke the news to Keys, they began to brainstorm ideas for a tribute.
aliciakeys Just say no to narcissism
aliciakeys Fucking gross- apparently the reaction is now greater than the death itself.
aliciakeys She was on fire. Much love and respect to aliciakeys
aliciakeys Who’s she kidding?
aliciakeys The most soulful and heartfelt Grammys ever. Thank you aliciakeys
aliciakeys She was exactly what the country needed that night.
She did great job as host.