During the 64th Annual Grammy Awards, Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky delivered an emotional message urging viewers to speak up on Russian leader Vladimir Putin invading Ukraine.
Zelensky’s pre-taped speech touched on war silencing music and how music can end a war. Following his message, singer John Legend performed with various Ukrainian artists.
“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,” Zelensky said. “We defend our freedom. To live. To love. To sound.
“On our land, we are fighting Russia which brings horrible silence with its bombs. The dead silence. Fill the silence with your music. Fill it today, to tell our story. Support us in any way you can. Any, but not silence. And then peace will come.”
Oscars rejected Zelensky
Zelensky was previously in talks to appear at the Oscars, but nothing materialized in the end. Some artists, including Sean Penn, vowed to boycott the ceremony if the Academy didn’t allow Zelensky to speak.
Penn went so far as to say he would publicly smelt his two Oscars statuettes if Zelensky was not given time on the telecast. The actor has yet to confirm if he went through with his threat.
Marca
