Just a week after starring in the most-watched Super Bowl halftime show ever, Katy Perry took the stage at the Grammys on Sunday. She sang "By the Grace of God," a ballad from her most recent album, "Prism."
Perry's emotional rendition came just after Brooke Axtell, an Austin-based activist who fights against domestic violence and sexual assault, performed a spoken-word piece. "It's an honor to collaborate with Katy in this way," she told People magazine before the Grammys. "She has been very devoted to various aspects of female empowerment." She also told Slate that Grammys executive producer Ken Ehrlich asked her to perform on Sunday.
Axtell and Perry followed a televised message from President Barack Obama, who spoke to Grammy viewers about ending sexual and domestic violence. “It’s on us -- all of us -- to create a culture where violence isn’t tolerated, where survivors are supported, and where all our young people -- men and women -- can go as far as their talents and their dreams will take them," Obama said.
Read Axtell's powerful speech in full:
Authentic love does not devalue another human being. Authentic love does not silence, shame or abuse. If you are in a relationship with someone who does not honor and respect you, I want you to know that you are worthy of love. Please reach out for help. Your voice will save you. Let it extend into the night, let it part the darkness. Let it set you free to know who you truly are -- valuable, beautiful, loved.
Before You Go
