Logic's Grammy Performance Put Suicide Attempt and Loss Survivors on a National Stage

Sunday night’s 2018 Grammy Awards featured a performance from Logic, Khalid and Alessia Cara of their suicide prevention song “1-800-273-8255” — titled after the number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Suicide attempt and loss survivors stood on stage with the trio wearing shirts with the number and message, “You are not alone.” The performance began in front of a picture of Linkin Park singer Chester Bennington, who died by suicide in July 2017, ending the “In Memoriam” segment of the show.

Logic performing 1-800-273-8255 immediately after showing Chester Bennington’s photo in the In Memoriam has me bawling my eyes out. #GRAMMYs

— anabelle (@anabe11ee) January 29, 2018

We feel the power and impact of “1-800-273-8255” #GRAMMYs

— Recording Academy / GRAMMYs (@RecordingAcad) January 29, 2018

YES LOGIC ???? #GRAMMYs pic.twitter.com/3VvRCQgMSy

— ✰ n a t a l i e ✰ (@NataliieAlvarez) January 29, 2018

Since its release last year, “1-800-273-8255” has become a relatable anthem for many dealing with suicidal thoughts, those who have survived attempts and those who have lost loved ones to suicide. Its music video also touched many, as it tells the story of a young gay black man navigating rough waters when his parents find out about his sexual orientation. The song was nominated this year for both Song of the Year and Best Music Video. It did not win either, but the performance of it was a monumental moment — it’s not every day suicide prevention is so candidly talked about on national television.

In August last year, the trio performed the song at the MTV Video Music Awards. Suicide attempt and loss survivors wore shirts on stage during the performance with the Lifeline’s phone number on them.

Near the end of his performance, Logic added a powerful statement:

I just want to take a moment right now and thank you all so much for giving me a platform to talk about something that mainstream media doesn’t want to talk about. Mental health, anxiety, suicide, depression and so much more that I talk about on this album. From racism, discrimination, sexism, domestic violence, sexual assault and so much more. I don’t give a damn if you’re black, white or any color in between. I don’t care if you’re Christian, you’re Muslim, you’re gay, you’re straight, I am gonna fight for your equality because I believe that we are all born equal, but we are not treated equally and that is why we must fight. We must fight for the equality of every man, woman and child regardless of race, religion, color, creed and sexual orientation. So I say here and now if you believe in this message and my message of peace, love and positivity and equality for all, then I demand that you rise to your feet and applaud not only for yourselves but for the foundation we are laying for our children.

If you or someone you know needs help, visit our suicide prevention resources page.

If you need support right now, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255, the Trevor Project at 1-866-488-7386 or reach the Crisis Text Line by texting “START” to 741741.