Legend to perform for Nobel winners

NEW YORK — The Nobel Peace Prize winners will be serenaded by John Legend on Monday and for that they can thank Legend’s infant daughter — and a second baby on the way.

The Grammy winner will take the stage at the Telenor Arena in Oslo, Norway, on Dec. 11 for the Nobel Peace Prize Concert, a gig he takes mindful of the world he’d like to leave for his children.

“Having kids puts in context for me the kinds of things kids need to be successful and healthy and happy. And realizing that far too many kids don’t have that,” the singer-songwriter said by phone from Los Angeles. “That’s what being a father has done for me.”

Legend, who performed at the 2006 peace prize concert, said he’s honoured to celebrate the same award that was handed to the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and former U.S. president Barack Obama. “I’m glad it’s being given to a group who is dedicated to actually making the world safer for everybody,” he said.

Other performers include Zara Larsson, Sigrid, Matoma and Lukas Graham. Actor David Oyelowo will host. Its likely Legend will sing Glory from the film Selma starring Oyelowo as King. It can be seen live online.

Late last month, Legend and his wife, Chrissy Teigen, announced they were expecting their second child. Their daughter, Luna, was born in 2016. He said he goes to the concert this year mindful of his new role as a father.

“It puts a little more focus on what the world is going to be. You want it to be safe. You want it to be peaceful. You want people to have opportunity. You want people to have justice.”

Legend has lately found himself more vocal politically, backing a protesting NFL player, pushing for reforms in the criminal justice system and aiding marchers in New York demanding justice for a man who died in police custody.