During the biggest concert night, John Legend and the Recording Academy took some time to honor the victims of the current war in Ukraine. President Volodymyr Zelensky Speak to the crowd in a pre-recorded message from UkraineHe told the audience the importance of music and the continued support of Ukraine.
“War does not allow us to choose who survives and who remains in eternal silence,” Zelensky said in a pre-recorded message. “Our musicians wear body armor instead of uniforms. They sing for the wounded in hospitals. Even for those who can.” You don’t hear them, but the music will spread anyway.”
During the message, 12-time Grammy Award winner John Legend performed the song “Free” accompanied by three Ukrainian artists Souzana Eglidan, Mika Newton and Lyuba Yakimchuk.
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Next to Legend, Iglidan played the Bandura, a Ukrainian folk instrument considered the national musical instrument, CBS Denver reports.
“We are defending our freedom,” Zelensky added. “To live. To love. To hear. On our land, we are fighting Russia which brings terrible 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 community. Networks and TV..but not silence.”
Zelensky appeared on “Face the Nation” earlier on Sunday, telling host Margaret Brennan Russian invasionNow in its sixth week, he talks about the “extermination and extermination” of more than 100 nationalities in his country.
“Indeed, this is genocide – the extermination of the whole nation and the people,” said Zelensky.