Mika Newton sang of an “Angel” at Eurovision as Ukraine’s representative in 2011. Now the singer has focused a light on those in her country who need such care and guardianship by appearing at the 2022 Grammy Awards.
The star performed with American singer John Legend as he premiered his new single “Free”.
Mika Newton and John Legend support Ukraine at the Grammys
Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, was given the opportunity to speak at the 64th Annual Grammy Awards ceremony via a video message. He hoped to gain more international support for Ukraine as the country continues to fight Russia’s invasion.
This speech was followed by a performance from John Legend, Mika Newton, Ukrainian poet Lyuba Yakimchuk and instrumentalist Siuzanna Igidan. Performing Legend’s new song “Free”, the artists shined a light on the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Ukraine.
Photos of refugees were shown at the end, whilst a message asking for donations was also shared.
It was an honor to perform FREE tonight along with Lyuba Yakimchuk, Siuzanna Iglidan, Mika Newton, and our incredible choir. pic.twitter.com/7zYHep1mJG
— John Legend (@johnlegend) April 4, 2022
Speaking on her Instagram story, Mika Newton noted she was dedicating the performance to her sister and other Ukrainian soldiers currently fighting:
“I’m dedicating this night to my sister who is serving in the Ukrainian army for 23.5 years. To all the Ukrainian soldiers who are fighting for our country, to all the Brave Ukrainian People!!!! I’m so proud to call myself Ukrainian. I’m with you!”
Meanwhile, in a Twitter thread, John Legend shared details on what inspired “Free”:
“It can be paralyzing to see war being waged by big nation-states with expensive weapons. I wrote FREE after a week of seeing the horrific images of the senseless, brutal invasion of Ukraine by a regime with no moral justification, no right to kill, dominate and subjugate the Ukrainian people, no right to silence the will of the people in a democratic nation.
“I know I can’t end any wars with a song, but I had to write this song as my prayer, my contribution to the chorus of voices calling for peace and freedom for all people. I hope each of us can find our own way to contribute to this chorus.
“May we drown out the voices and forces of hate, bigotry and authoritarianism. May we make our world truly FREE.”
Were you surprised to see Mika Newton at the Grammy Awards 2022? What did you make of her performance of “Free” with John Legend? Share your thoughts below.
I’m (not really) sorry to do this. But for everyone commenting that RUSSIANS, themselves, are not to blame, please watch this video of multiple Russians insulting Ukrainians, their language, and their culture. Please note, one of the comments is from a Russian who states that the majority of Russia now believes in the eradication of Ukraine as a culture.
https://www.reddit.com/r/ukraine/comments/tzq6do/interesting_the_blood_of_the_ukrainian_children/
Sure, go on to r/Ukraine and see them saying the exact same thing about Russians, if not worse. In fact, Russia has the same video but the other way round, even before the war started. There is no right side in this, sadly.
an absolutely Ukrainian girl from Western Ukraine, for many years Mika pretended to be a “russian” star… now she seems to be a more mature and decent person
I didn’t get why Zelenskyy appeared at the Grammys. What does it achieve politically? It’s not like these musicians are actually going to contribute and grab a gun and sacrifice their lives on the Eastern front.
I strongly feel like most people get the point at this rate and only politicians and leaders can really contribute or do anything right now. Most people have been brainwashed into believing one way or the other.
Well, his speech was mentioned in any news report I’ve seen, read or heard about the Grammys, so it already fulfilled its purpose. With the war raging for weeks now, I think he wants to keep the world’s attention on the matter so they put some pressure on their national politicians and make them help Ukraine. Don’t forget, people get bored fast these days. But it’s important they don’t forget about the Ukrainian sacrifices and Putin’s war crimes or shut their eyes from it. And therefore, every stage Selenskiy can use to get his message across matters. Even those who… Read more »
His job is not to let it become the Syrian war, where nobody already cares what Russia and Assad are doing for many years now. He needs it to be on top of everybody’s mind until it’s over. Besides, those musicians are millionaires, they can contribute with money.
Presence matters. Just think about your own life. There is an old saying, “Out of sight out of mind.” He should be everywhere all the time. The man is a world class citizen, idol, hero, and defender of freedom.
It’s a beautiful performance Mika, Lyuba, Siuzanna we stand with Ukraine ?? ??