Millions watch star-studded ‘One World’ coronavirus charity concert
- Coronavirus benefit concert dedicated to the brave health workers who are fighting the pandemic
- Included performances by the Rolling Stones, Lizzo, Billie Eilish, Elton John, Paul McCartney, Jennifer Lopez and Pharrell Williams
Lady Gaga, Taylor Swift, Paul McCartney, The Rolling Stones, Beyoncé and Oprah Winfrey on Saturday headlined a special broadcast of music, comedy and personal stories celebrating those around the world on the front lines of the coronavirus pandemic.
The two-hour “One World: Together at Home” event, broadcast across multiple television channels in the United States and overseas, featured a Who’s Who of pop culture in the biggest celebrity gathering so far to mark the effects of the virus.
Contributions, all filmed in their homes, also came from Elton John, Jennifer Lopez, Stevie Wonder, British soccer star David Beckham, former US first ladies Michelle Obama and Laura Bush, Andrea Bocelli, Celine Dion, Billie Eilish, Bill Gates and dozens of others.
“I’m so grateful for the health care workers, the medical workers, all the grocery store workers and delivery people, the postal workers, all the other non-profits that are working so hard,” Gaga said.
“This is really a true love letter to all of you all over the world, and I hope a reminder of the kindness that’s occurring right now,” she added.
Hosted by three of the biggest late night television show hosts in the United States – Jimmy Kimmel, Stephen Colbert and Jimmy Fallon – the special paid tribute to teachers and health care, grocery, delivery, postal and other workers.
“We aren’t asking for money tonight,” said Colbert.
The event, organised by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the non-profit group Global Citizen, was the biggest celebrity effort so far to mark the coronavirus pandemic that has killed more than 150,000 people worldwide.
It is also aimed at encouraging philanthropists and companies to contribute to the WHO’s Covid-19 Solidarity Response Fund. Corporate and other donors have already contributed some $150 million, organisers said.
“What I’d like tonight, if I can, is to give you the permission for the moment to … Smile,” said Gaga launching into a version of the ballad made famous by Nat King Cole.
Beyoncé did not perform but sent a video message in which she noted the disproportionately high death rates in the black American community due to Covid-19.
“This virus is killing black people at an alarming rate in America,” she said, urging viewers to protect themselves.
The Rolling Stones, appearing in four separate locations, sang You Can’t Always Get What You Want, with Mick Jagger and Keith Richards playing acoustic guitars.
Wonder, in a tribute to Bill Withers who died two weeks ago, played Lean on Me, while McCartney, recalling that his mother was a nurse and midwife, sang Lady Madonna.
“You know the coronavirus is trouble when a Beatle gets involved,” quipped Kimmel.
Earlier on Saturday, pop, classical and rap musicians from the United States, Asia and the Middle East took part in a six-hour live-stream that featured Latin star Luis Fonsi, R&B singer Jennifer Hudson, Hong Kong singer Eason Chan, India’s Vishal Mishra and Emirati musician Hussain Al Jassmi.
Celebrities called on people to stay at home, wash their hands regularly, practice social distancing and put pressure on their political leaders to introduce widespread testing for the disease.
