The 64th Annual Grammy Awards included many show-stopping performances, with superstars like Lady Gaga, Olivia Rodrigo and Billie Eilish all taking the stage. However, there was one moment of the ceremony that was particularly emotional.
During one powerful instance, the producers took the opportunity to recognize the people of Ukraine, which started with a pre-filmed video featuring Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy. In the video, Zelenskyy talks of the attacks that have been brought upon his country, saying, “The war. What is more opposite of music? The silence of ruined cities and killed people.”
The president ended his message by saying, “Our musicians wear body armor instead of tuxedos. They sing to the wounded in hospitals. Even to those who can’t hear them. But the music will break through anyway. We defend our freedom. To live. To love. To sound. On our land, we are fighting Russia which brings horrible silence with its bombs. Fill the silence with your music. Fill it today. Tell our story. Tell the truth about the war on your social networks and TV. But not silence.”
This was followed by a moving performance John Legend, who sang a new song, titled “Free.” During the number, Legend was joined by Ukrainian performers, including singer Mika Newton, musician Siuzanna Iglidan and poet Lyuba Yakimchuk.
