05 February 2024 , 04:27
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Singer Annie Lenox used her platform to make a powerful statement at the 2024 Grammy Awards as she called for Gaza ceasefire following a moving tribute to the life of activist Sinéad O'Connor.
During the in memoriam segment of the 66th annual Grammy Awards, Annie took the stage in remembrance of the Irish singer-songwriter by singing a beautiful rendition of her chart-topping hit Nothing Compares 2 U. At the end of her moving performance with millions of eyes on her she raised her left hand and said: “Artists for ceasefire, peace in the world.”
After Annie's performance in memory of Sinead, viewers took to X, formerly Twitter, praising the bold decision to make a political statement during one of the biggest award shows of the year. One fan wrote: "There are times in history when our fight for humanity is more important than our comfort. This is one of those times. Thank you #AnnieLenox and every artist using your platform for the Palestinian people and a just peace." Another agreed: "Only Ms Lennox could have made such a beautiful tribute and a call for peace." And a third added: "Sinéad absolutely would have appreciated this."
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Annie Lenox sings Nothing Compares 2 U in memory of Sinéad O'Connor (Getty Images for The Recording A)
Annie called for Gaza ceasefire during the in memoriam segment of the Grammy's (AFP via Getty Images)Annie is one of the dozens of talented artists who have come together to sign an open letter to President Joe Biden in October of 2023 asking him to "honor all of the lives in the Holy Land and call for and facilitate a ceasefire without delay – an end to the bombing of Gaza, and the safe release of hostages.” The President has still yet to openly support the ceasefire.
Sinéad O’Connor, 56, has died 18 months after her son's tragic death
Annie has also used her own social media platform to advocate for a ceasefire ahead of the Grammy Awards. On Sunday, the singer shared her anger and dismay over the ongoing bombings happening in Gaza. She wrote: “Is there ANY point in posting every day to keep calling for peace and ceasefire, while it’s perfectly obvious that the military objective is to bring about the total decimation of Gaza and her people?” and added: “I find it impossible to witness these appalling atrocities and just be indifferent or silent.”
Sinead O'Connor was a famous Irish singer and passionate human rights activist (Redferns via Getty Images)Annie's brave move comes in memory of the talented and beloved singer Sinéad who passed away in July of 2023 at the age of 56 years old. Sinéad was not only known and loved for her contribution to the music industry but she was also widely recognized for her humanitarian work.
One of Sinéad's most well-known acts as an activist came during a very memorable episode of Saturday Night Live back in 1992. During her guest appearance, Sinéad made a strong protest against the abuse happening in the Catholic Church as she openly ripped up a photograph of Pope John Paul II on live television.