Grammy winner John Legend will speak — and maybe sing — in Arlington in May

by Sarah Blaskovich

He is speaking at the University of Texas at Arlington's graduation ceremony. But you can go if you're not a college student.

ARLINGTON — The University of Texas at Arlington snagged Grammy winner John Legend to speak at this May's graduation celebration. The event is at Levitt Pavilion in Founder’s Square at 8 p.m. May 13.

Legend has won nine Grammy Awards, worked with tons of R&B artists like Alicia Keys and Lauryn Hill, and caught our attention with the single "Ordinary People" in 2004.

While Legend isn't performing a concert at the Arlington graduation ceremony, don't be surprised if he breaks into song, said Kristin Sullivan, assistant vice president for media relations, via email. Legend is officially there to deliver a speech on a topic of his choosing. University officials don't know what the topic is, but Sullivan hints that it will probably be similar to this 2009 speech at University of Pennsylvania, Legend's alma mater, titled "Finding Your Truth: Living a Soulful Life":

Tickets are not required. Reserve seating will be available in mid-April for graduating students and their families. In case of rain, the event will take place at Texas Hall on the UT Arlington campus.

Shannon Sutlief contributed to this story.