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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky spoke to viewers about the conflict in his country at the Grammys on Sunday. File Photo by Ukrainian Presidential Press Office /UPI | License Photo
April 3 (UPI) — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky addressed viewers at the 64th annual Grammy Awards on Sunday.
Zelensky spoke about Russia invading his country and the ongoing conflict before John Legend performed “Free.”
“Our musicians wear body armor instead of tuxedos. They sing to the wounded. In hospitals. Even to those who can’t heart them. But the music will break through anyway. We defend our freedom. To live. To love. To sound,” he said.
“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. Tell the truth about this war on your social networks, on TV. Support us in any way you can. Any, but not silence, and peace will come,” Zelensky continued.
Chris Stapleton took the stage to perform “Cold” at the show. The country star received backing from a full band and orchestra.
Baby Keem and Kendrick Lamar’s “Family Ties” won Best Rap Performance. Ludacris presented the award, which Keem accepted alone.
Hip-hop legend Nas donned an all-white outfit and rapped a melody of his most signature songs including “Rare.”
Brandi Carlile performed her song “Right on Time.” Carlile played the piano, guitar and was joined by a full band.
Olivia Rodrigo won Best New Artist, which was presented by Dua Lipa and Meghan Thee Stallion.
Lipa and Meghan The Stallion were wearing matching outfits until fashion designer Donatella Versace came onstage and made adjustments.
“This is my biggest dream come true,” Rodrigo said onstage.
Host Trevor Noah sat down with Silk Sonic and jokingly ignored Bruno Mars while praising Anderson .Paak.
“You are the silk and the sonic,” Noah joked to .Paak.
Billie Eilish paid homage to late Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins while performing her song “Happier Than Ever” inside of a flooded house while wearing a Taylor Hawkins t-shirt.
Eilish then finished off the rest of the song on the roof of the house as it started to rain where she was joined by her brother and collaborator Finneas.
Hawkins died March 25 at the age of 50. Foo Fighters were originally set to perform at the awards show.
Stapleton also won Best Country album for Starting Over and wished his twin children happy birthday.
Lil Nas X performed a number of tracks including “Montero (Call Me By Your Name)” and “Industry Baby” where he was joined by Jack Harlow. The musician had a statue of his face behind him and donned sparkling, marching band attire.
BTS gave a special performance of their hit song “Butter.” BTS delivered a spy-themed performance of the song and wore matching black suits. The segment played out like an action movie mixed with dance moves.
“Butter” has broken several music records, including Spotify’s single-day streams list and fastest music video to reach 200 million views on YouTube.
Silk Sonic opened the show, which is airing live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
The band, which consists of Mars and .Paak, performed their song “777” and wore matching white suits. Silk Sonic made their debut at last year’s Grammys performing “Leave the Door Open.”
Silk Sonic also won Song of the Year for “Leave the Door Open.”
Noah, who is hosting for the second year in a row, took the stage after Silk Sonic’s opening number and poked fun at some of the nominees and at the recent Oscars incident where Will Smith slapped Chris Rock.
“We’re going to be keeping people’s names out of our mouths,” Noah joked, in reference to what Smith told Rock.
Rodrigo performed her hit song “Drivers License” in front of a backdrop of a dark street. Rodrigo started to song off by getting out of a classic Mercedes-Benz.
J Balvin followed Rodrigo and performed “Qué Más Pues?” along with Maria Becerra.
Balvin, who was wearing a red coat, transitioned to his Skrillex collaboration “In Da Getto” while standing on white steps. Balvin was joined by multiple backup dancers who were sitting down and using their hands in a highly choreographed fashion.
Other performers will include John Legend, Carrie Underwood, Jon Batiste, Brothers Osborne, Cynthia Erivo, H.E.R., Leslie Odom Jr., Ben Platt and Rachel Zegler.
Chrissy Teigen (L) and John Legend. Legend will perform at the show. Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
1/5 Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky spoke to viewers about the conflict in his country at the Grammys on Sunday. File Photo by Ukrainian Presidential Press Office /UPI | License Photo April 3 (UPI) — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky addressed viewers at the 64th annual Grammy Awards on Sunday. Zelensky spoke about Russia invading his country and the ongoing conflict before John Legend performed “Free.” “Our musicians wear body armor instead of tuxedos. They sing to the wounded. In hospitals. Even to those who can’t heart them. But the music will break through anyway. We defend our freedom. To live. To love. To sound,” he said. “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. Tell the truth about this war on your social networks, on TV. Support us in any way you can. Any, but not silence, and peace will come,” Zelensky continued. Chris Stapleton took the stage to perform “Cold” at the show. The country star received backing from a full band and orchestra. Baby Keem and Kendrick Lamar’s “Family Ties” won Best Rap Performance. Ludacris presented the award, which Keem accepted alone. Hip-hop legend Nas donned an all-white outfit and rapped a melody of his most signature songs including “Rare.” Brandi Carlile performed her song “Right on Time.” Carlile played the piano, guitar and was joined by a full band. Olivia Rodrigo won Best New Artist, which was presented by Dua Lipa and Meghan Thee Stallion. Lipa and Meghan The Stallion were wearing matching outfits until fashion designer Donatella Versace came onstage and made adjustments. “This is my biggest dream come true,” Rodrigo said onstage. Host Trevor Noah sat down with Silk Sonic and jokingly ignored Bruno Mars while praising Anderson .Paak. “You are the silk and the sonic,” Noah joked to .Paak. Billie Eilish paid homage to late Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins while performing her song “Happier Than Ever” inside of a flooded house while wearing a Taylor Hawkins t-shirt. Eilish then finished off the rest of the song on the roof of the house as it started to rain where she was joined by her brother and collaborator Finneas. Hawkins died March 25 at the age of 50. Foo Fighters were originally set to perform at the awards show. Stapleton also won Best Country album for Starting Over and wished his twin children happy birthday. Lil Nas X performed a number of tracks including “Montero (Call Me By Your Name)” and “Industry Baby” where he was joined by Jack Harlow. The musician had a statue of his face behind him and donned sparkling, marching band attire. BTS gave a special performance of their hit song “Butter.” BTS delivered a spy-themed performance of the song and wore matching black suits. The segment played out like an action movie mixed with dance moves. “Butter” has broken several music records, including Spotify’s single-day streams list and fastest music video to reach 200 million views on YouTube. Silk Sonic opened the show, which is airing live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. The band, which consists of Mars and .Paak, performed their song “777” and wore matching white suits. Silk Sonic made their debut at last year’s Grammys performing “Leave the Door Open.” Silk Sonic also won Song of the Year for “Leave the Door Open.” Noah, who is hosting for the second year in a row, took the stage after Silk Sonic’s opening number and poked fun at some of the nominees and at the recent Oscars incident where Will Smith slapped Chris Rock. “We’re going to be keeping people’s names out of our mouths,” Noah joked, in reference to what Smith told Rock. Rodrigo performed her hit song “Drivers License” in front of a backdrop of a dark street. Rodrigo started to song off by getting out of a classic Mercedes-Benz. J Balvin followed Rodrigo and performed “Qué Más Pues?” along with Maria Becerra. Balvin, who was wearing a red coat, transitioned to his Skrillex collaboration “In Da Getto” while standing on white steps. Balvin was joined by multiple backup dancers who were sitting down and using their hands in a highly choreographed fashion. Other performers will include John Legend, Carrie Underwood, Jon Batiste, Brothers Osborne, Cynthia Erivo, H.E.R., Leslie Odom Jr., Ben Platt and Rachel Zegler. Chrissy Teigen (L) and John Legend. Legend will perform at the show. Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo