As some of the biggest artists and industry players in the music business gathered for the 2022 GRAMMYs, Recording Academy Board Of Trustees Chair Tammy Hurt took a moment to acknowledge the Russia-Ukraine war. At the Premiere Ceremony, Hurt gave a moving speech about the tragedy overseas — and how music has played a pivotal role in bringing peace and healing in times of trouble.
"As we've witnessed these past two months, the world's facing one of the biggest threats since World War II," Hurt said in her speech. "The surreal level of destruction in Ukraine and the madness of this crude reality calls us, once again, to use music as a beacon of peace and to bring hope to humanity."
After a round of applause, she continued, "People can have ideologies so different that they're willing to wage war over them, and yet, in our common humanity, they're singing the same songs from both sides of the battlefield."
Sending a plea to the music creators watching live in the room and around the world, Hurt called for them to keep making music that uplifts and inspires. "Please continue creating lyrics of peace, songs of promise, and music that unites all of us as one in every corner of this planet."
Near the end of her powerful statement, she reminded the crowd that the annual GRAMMYs — as well as the Recording Academy's year-round initiatives — simultaneously recognize music's elite and the important impact their work can have.
"Today, as we recognize the best of the best, we don't take a break from the troubles of the world. Rather, we celebrate music's indispensable role in healing them," Hurt said. "The Recording Academy's mission extends beyond the recognition of excellence through the GRAMMYs. We serve music so that music can serve the world."
Watch Tammy Hurt's impactful speech from the 2022 GRAMMYs Premiere Ceremony in full above.
Check out the complete list of winners and nominees at the 2022 GRAMMYs.
