Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky made a surprise appearance at the Grammys on Sunday, appearing in a pre-taped video urging support for his country and appealing for the industry's top artists to "fill the silence with your music."
Mr Zelensky delivered his message ahead of a performance from John Legend, who was joined by Ukrainian singer Mika Newton and poet Lyuba Yakimchuk.
Mr Zelensky said: "What is more opposite to music? The silence of ruined cities and killed people. Our musicians wear body armour instead of tuxedos. They sing to the wounded in hospitals - even to those who can't hear them. But the music will break through anyway."
He continued: "We defend our freedom to live, to love, to sound.
"On 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."
The Recording Academy, which holds the annual awards ceremony, partnered with the Global Citizen organisation for the broadcast.
The body said it wanted to offer viewers a chance to "take action and contribute" to the global Stand Up For Ukraine campaign.
The online effort, prompted by a recent appeal by President Zelensky, includes a global social media rally on April 8 and a pledging event on April 9.
Harvey Mason Jr, chief executive of the academy, said: "We are heartbroken by the situation in Ukraine, yet still moved by the resilient spirit on display there every day.
"We hope the segment inspires our worldwide audience to get involved to support these critical humanitarian efforts."
Mr Zelensky has directly blamed leaders in Moscow for the "torture" and "killings" of civilians.
"Tell the truth about the war on your social networks, on TV.
"Support us in any way you can - any, but not silence," he said in his Grammy message. "And then peace will come.
"To all our cities the war is destroying - Chernihiv, Kharkiv, Volnovakha, Mariupol and others: They are legends already, but they have a dream of them living, and free.
"Free like you, on the Grammy stage."
Global Citizen chief executive Hugh Evans added: "History has shown us that conflict and poverty are closely interconnected, resulting in the weakening of the rule of law, a collapse in economic development and often catastrophic humanitarian situations.
"There is no doubt that the conflict in Ukraine has led to a humanitarian crisis – members of Global Citizen saw this ourselves at the Ukrainian-Polish border.
"Millions have fled their homes, with millions more likely on their way. Global Citizen has a history of responding rapidly to humanitarian crises, and this is no different.
"We're calling for an immediate end to this crisis and the provision of immediate financing to support refugee relief efforts, not just in Ukraine but around the world."
Source: Press Association
