Ukrainian President Zelensky delivers a message at the Grammy Awards

 

 

Volodymyr Zelensky, the president of Ukraine, made an unexpected cameo at the Grammy Awards in 2022, delivering an encouraging message before urging viewers to share Ukraine’s narrative on social media.

 

As host Trevor Noah presented President Zelensky, who gave a message in English to the viewing audience, the 64th Annual Grammy Awards took a minute to commemorate the hardship of the Ukrainian people. The live studio audience at the Grammys erupted in applause as he delivered his message, while spectators at home tweeted their emotions.

 

Zelensky’s performance at the Grammys comes only a week after he was rumored to be appearing at the 2022 Academy Awards, but Amy Schumer’s request for him to appear was apparently denied by Oscars organizers.

 

At the Grammy Awards, President Zelensky spoke for more than a minute before John Legend sang a homage to the people of Ukraine with his song “free.”

 

During his speech, Zelensky urged those in attendance to use music to “fill the silence” in Ukraine and to convey their stories on social media and on television.