Chrissy Teigen and John Legend arrive for the 64th annual Grammy Awards, where Legend performed his new song, "Free," after a video by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky delivers a statement during the 58th Munich Security Conference (MSC) in Munich, Germany, on February 19, 2022. File Photo by Ronald Wittek /POOL/EPA
John Legend, seen here with wife Chrissy Teigen (L) on the Vanity Fair Oscar Party red carpet March 27, performed at the Grammys after a pre-recorded speech by Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky. Photo by Chris Chew/UPI
Grammy host Trevor Noah, seen here at the 62nd annual Grammy Awards in 2020. File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI
Singer John Legend attends the premiere of "Space Jam" on July 12, 2021. File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI
April 3 (UPI) -- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky appeared in a video at the Grammys before a performance by John Legend.
Zelensky discussed the ongoing war in a pre-recorded speech.
"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," Zelensky said.
EGOT winner Legend then performed his new song "Free," with appearances by Ukrainian musician Siuzanna Iglidan, Ukrainian singer Mika Newton and Ukrainian poet Lyuba Yakimchuk.