In a powerful cry for peace, singer and actress Annie Lennox calls for a ceasefire following her performance at the 2024 Grammys. 

While images of popular musical artists who have passed flash behind her, Lennox performed the song “Nothing Compares 2 U” by the late singer Sinead O’Connor. At the end of her performance, Lennox raised her fist and declared: “Artists for ceasefire! Peace in the world!” 

Lennox is known for her extensive activism, specifically empowering women and preventing violence against minorities. Having found the NGO The Circle to address these subjects, publicly scrutinizing global issues is not new for this artist. 

The declaration, “Artists for Ceasefire” is a call-back to Lennox’s involvement in the political movement Artists4Ceasefire. Joining more than 350 other artists, Lennox signed an address to the President of the United States and Congress to “call for an immediate de-escalation and ceasefire in Gaza and Israel before another life is lost.”

The movement began with 57 individuals writing an open letter to President Biden, but it has since grown to include popular artists and actors such as Cate Blanchett, Frank Ocean, Jenna Ortega, Kristen Stewart, and Selena Gomez. 

The letter includes statements such as: “We stand for freedom, justice, dignity and peace for all people—and a deep desire to stop more bloodshed.”

Lennox’s performance was not only delivered in tribute to O’Connor’s passing, but it also paid homage to O’Connor’s beliefs of advocacy and political action. Sinead O’Connor was a notable activist, bringing awareness to HIV/AIDS, opposing racism in the industry, and fighting for pro-choice objectives. 

AAU student Ella Wilson recalls Lennox’s declaration as “powerful,” an act that Sinead O’Connor would’ve deeply appreciated. 

“It’s important [for those] with a big platform to talk about [current events] to prevent misinformation,” said Wilson.

Lennox’s message against the violence in Gaza and Israel reminds us of the role that public figures have in bringing awareness to current events. Her Grammy performance emphasizes her focus on activism, and the acknowledgment of O’Connor further contributes to the discourse surrounding events occurring in the Middle East.