Public Media Arts Hub

64th Annual GRAMMY Awards - Show
Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelenskyy appears in a video message during the 64th Annual Grammy Awards at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images

'Fill the silence with your music,' Zelenskyy says in Grammys message

LAS VEGAS — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy appeared in a video message at the Grammy Awards to ask for support in telling the story of Ukraine's invasion by Russia.

During the message that aired on the show Sunday, he likened the invasion to a deadly silence threatening to extinguish the dreams and lives of the Ukrainian people, including children.

"Our musicians wear body armor instead of tuxedos. They sing to the wounded in hospitals, even to those who can't hear them," he said. "But the music will break through anyway."

The Recording Academy, with its partner Global Citizen, prior to the ceremony highlighted a social media campaign called "Stand Up For Ukraine" to raise money and support during the humanitarian crisis.

WATCH: In bunkers and at evacuation points, music uplifts a nation under siege

"Fill the silence with your music. Fill it today to tell our story. Tell the truth about the war on your social networks, on TV, support us in any way you can any, but not silence. And then peace will come to all our cities," Zelenskyy said.

Following Zelenskyy's message, John Legend performed his song "Free" with Ukrainian musicians Siuzanna Iglidan and Mika Newton, and poet Lyuba Yakimchuk, as images from the war were shown on screens behind them.

Support Canvas

Sustain our coverage of culture, arts and literature.

Send Us Your Ideas
+
Let us know what you'd like to see on ArtsCanvas. Your thoughts and opinions matter.