In a surprising second on the 2022 Grammys, Ukraine president Volodymyr Zelensky appeared in a video handle to talk in clipped, drastic phrases concerning the humanitarian disaster Ukrainians are experiencing because of Russia’s brutal assaults.
“Our musicians put on physique armor as an alternative of tuxedos,” mentioned Zelensky, in his attribute stark method. “They sing to the wounded, in hospitals.”
The Grammys, much more than different award reveals, are recognized for a lighthearted occasion really feel, glitz and excessive slits and palms within the air. Launched by an unusually somber host Trevor Noah, Zelensky’s look on display felt barely surprising. Simply final week on the Oscars, calls from some actors to have Zelensky seem in particular person or on display have been unheeded, and understandably—Zelensky is main his individuals by means of a brutal struggle that may doubtless decide Ukraine’s independence as a rustic. However on Sunday night time, the previous comic and actor-turned celebrated world chief discovered time to talk to a largely American, youthful viewers.
Critics will definitely name it a gambit on the a part of the liberal-leaning leisure world to pay lip service to emergencies overseas. However there’s one thing to be mentioned for bringing pressing world information to a big, captive viewers made up of people that could not really feel well-informed about geopolitics. In his quick speech he in contrast the hazard and cultural destruction in Ukraine to the liberty of performers and followers experiencing the Grammys, and exhorted viewers to “inform the reality about this struggle in your social networks, on TV.”
All through this struggle, a part of Zelensky’s approaches has been to beg international leaders and other people to point out compassion to his individuals. To not flip away from violence and injustice, despite the fact that it is extremely far-off. “The struggle. What’s extra reverse to music?” he requested in his Grammys handle. “The silence of ruined cities and killed individuals. Our kids draw swooping rockets, not taking pictures stars. Over 400 kids have been injured and 153 kids died. And we’ll by no means appear them drawing. Our dad and mom are joyful to get up within the morning. In bomb shelters, however alive. Our family members don’t know if we shall be collectively once more. The struggle doesn’t allow us to select who survives and who stays in everlasting silence.”
Zelensky’s transient handle was adopted by a efficiency by John Legend, who was joined by three Ukrainian ladies artists: Suzzana Iglidan, Mika Newton, and Luba Yakimchuk. The looks of an emotional president on the 2022 Grammys, sandwiched in between jokes by a comic and a efficiency by Woman Gaga, was unusual. However maybe its complete absence would have been more odd.
Jenny Singer is a workers author for Glamour. You may follow her on Twitter.
Supply: Glamour