Annie Lennox made an appeal for peace when calling for a ceasefire, on Sunday (4), during the 66th edition of the Grammy Awards.
In one of the few moments of the night that evoked global events, Lennox concluded his tribute to Sinéad O'Connor with a performance of “Nothing Compares 2 U”, raising his fist and shouting: “Artists for a ceasefire! World peace!”
Lennox is among more than 300 artists, actors and advocates who in late October first published a letter urging the U.S. Congress and President Joe Biden to call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and Israel.
America Ferrera, Jordan Peele, Gracie Abrams, Jennifer Lopez, Ben Affleck, Amanda Gorman, Dua Lipa, Jon Stewart and Drake are among the other artists who signed the letter.
“We are here to lend our voices and our platforms to amplify the global call for an immediate and permanent ceasefire, the safe return of all hostages and the immediate delivery of humanitarian aid to civilians in Gaza,” reads a statement from Artists4Ceasefire website.
“We defend our common humanity and a future rooted in freedom, justice, dignity and peace for all people. We cannot remain silent. Compassion must prevail.”
Also on Sunday, Harvey Mason Jr., chief executive of The Recording Academy, recognized the victims of the Nova Music Festival who were attacked by Hamas on October 7.
“Music should always be our safe space,” Mason said, as a string quartet made up of musicians of Palestinian, Israeli and Arab descent, according to Mason, played together on stage.
“When this is violated, it strikes at the core of who we are.”
Mason referenced the 2017 bombing after an Ariana Grande concert in England, the terrorist attack at the Bataclan club in Paris in 2015, the fatal mass shooting at the Route 91 Harvest music festival, then cited the festival massacre in Israel.
“That day, and all the tragic days that followed, were terrible for the world to endure as we mourn the loss of all the innocent lives,” Mason said. “Music must continue to be the common ground on which we all stand together in peace and harmony.”
Check out the winners of the 66th Grammy Awards
Source: CNN Brasil
I’m Robert Neff, a professional writer and editor. I specialize in the entertainment section, providing up-to-date coverage on the latest developments in film, television and music. My work has been featured on World Stock Market and other prominent publications.
