Zelensky makes powerful speech at the Grammys—'our musicians wear body armor instead of tuxedos'

President Volodymyr Zelensky made a powerful speech at the Grammy Awards as he called upon artists to share the truth about the war in Ukraine.

The President of Ukraine made a surprise appearance at the Grammy Awards 2022 as he spoke via video call at the music awards ceremony.

In an emotional speech, Zelensky began by saying, “The war. What’s more opposite to music. The silence of ruined cities and killed people. Our children draw swooping rockets, not shooting stars. Over 400 children have been injured and 153 children died. And we'll never see them drawing.”

He continued to add, "Our parents are happy to wake up in the morning, in bomb shelters, but alive. Our loved ones don’t know if we will be together again. The war doesn’t let us choose who survives and who stays in eternal silence."

In an emotional twist, he compared the artists of Ukraine to the artists at the Grammy ceremony. “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," said the President.

The President then called to musicians at the awards ceremony as he told them how to help the people of Ukraine. "Fill the silence with your music! Fill it today. To tell our story. Tell the truth about this war on your social networks, on TV. Support us in any way you can, any, but not silence," said the President.

Following this speech, John Legend and three Ukrainian performers took to the stage to dedicate a performance to Ukraine. Mika Newton sang while, Siuzanna Iglidan played the bandura, a traditional Ukrainian instrument, and Ukrainian poet, Lyuba Yakimchuk, who escaped from Ukraine just days ago, gave a reading of one of her poems. This performance was accompanied by John Legend on the piano and vocals.

Fans of the Grammy Awards appreciated the speech from Zelensky and were impressed by the performance from John Legend and three Ukrainian artists.

"What an incredibly beautiful and inspiring yet poignant song. Wow🙌❤️👏❤️ May it evoke the change needed in hearts around the world," said one commenter.

"Beautiful. This advocacy was needed and appreciated. Loved the Global Citizen resources on the site, too. ❤️❤️❤️," said another.