Celebrities continue to come together for a good cause – while staying in their own living rooms!
With Elton John hosting and an all-star line-up of music artists performing their hits from their respective homes, iHeart Living Room Concert for America was a virtual gathering of musical talent to help raise funds for Feeding America and First Responder Children’s Foundation – which are helping with the coronavirus outbreak, as well as to encourage fans to stay home and flatten the curve.
“Here we are, all together at home. You’ve got your family and loved ones. I’m keeping mine close too. We’re taking care of one another, looking out for each other, doing what we can during this crisis,” Elton shared. “There’s a lot of grief out there. Uncertainty and fear. But let me tell you what’s going to keep us together. All the goodness that’s still happening in this world.”
“Those doctors, nurses, and scientists on the front lines. They’re living proof that most super heroes don’t wear capes,” he continued. “Families finding ways to sing happy birthday to loved ones. Teachers writing letters to their students. It’s inspiring. It shows us that once we get through these tough times, better days lie ahead.”
“Since we’re all hunkered down together until those days greet us again, we thought that we’d put on a little show for you for the next hour. Do what we can to lift your spirits. Have some artist friends play a few songs, say hi, and tell you we love you from our homes to yours,” he added.
Kicking things off was Alicia Keys, who performed “Underdog” on the piano. “This song is like a prayer. My hope is that we remember how resilient we are and how we defy the odds,” Alicia said. “I’d like to dedicate this song to all the first responders and medical professionals that are risking their life to keep us safe. So grateful.”
The Backstreet Boys got creative with their impressive performance of “I Want It That Way,” which they filmed from their separate homes.
“I want to thank all of the frontline responders that are donating their time and putting themselves in harm’s way to take care of their fellow citizens,” Bryan Littrel said during their segment. “So stay safe, stay home and protect yourself.”
Billie Eilish, together with her brother and frequent collaborator, Finneas, gave an acoustic performance of “Bad Guy” – they even harmonized on the second verse!
Shawn Mendes and Camila Cabello, who are quarantining together in Miami, teamed up for “My Oh My,” with Camila on vocals and Shawn on guitar.
“Stay safe, stay healthy, stay kind and compassionate with yourselves and with each other and let’s pull through this together, like we always do,” Camila shared before launching into their song.
Demi Lovato hit the piano with a moving rendition of her hit “Skyscraper.” Ahead of her performance, Demi shared an inspiring message for her fans: “When tragedy knocks our neighbors down, we extend our hands to help them up. When sorrow strikes any one of us, we do our best to power through. We can only use the love we have to ease the pain. We are strong, we are decent, we will rise and stand tall. And nothing, absolutely nothing can tear us down.”
The special also featured appearance from Lady Gaga, Dave Grohl, Billie Joe Armstrong, Lizzo, Sam Smith and many more.
Mariah Carey closed out the show with “Always Be My Baby,” giving a shoutout to her twin babies, Moroccan and Monroe: “I want to dedicate this one to them babies for being so patient and staying here with me at home and not complaining too much. I love you guys.”
Many other stars have taken to social media to (1) help those in need to have access to basic necessities such as food, disinfectants, PPEs and more; (2) help bring awareness to the disease; (3) share words of support and encouragement fans around the world to practice social distancing; and (4) provide entertainment online to boost everyone’s morale.
Check out what they’ve been doing – and how you can help, too!
