Hollywood A-listers honored the essential workers providing invaluable services amid the coronavirus pandemic.
United We Sing: A GRAMMY Tribute to the Unsung Heroes, aired Sunday (June 21) on CBS, where celebs like Brad Pitt, Sandra Bullock, Jamie Foxx, Orpah Winfrey, Renee Zellweger, and more spoke to essential workers around the city of New Orleans to thank them for their service. The special was hosted by Harry Connick Jr., who noted at the beginning of the show that it was filmed before the demonstrations that occurred in the wake of George Floyd’s death.
“Just so you know, this special was filmed a few weeks ago and since that time our world has changed,” Harry said during the special. “Our focus has broadened from the coronavirus to include a painful dialogue about racism in America.”
Harry went around his hometown of New Orleans, with his celebrity pals joining them remotely via Zoom, to thank the essential workers who have continued to render services amid the coronavirus pandemic. His daughter, Georgia, also pitched in to help film some parts.
Each star got to talk to workers from different sectors – Brad chatted with a sanitation worker named Darnell Rudolph; Sandra spoke with a public transportation worker named Joy Palmer; Oprah talked to the workers at her Boys and Girls Club; Jamie Foxx gave props to environmental workers; Renee thanked grocery store employees and more.
“Man, I love the work you’ve done after Katrina,” Darnell told Brad, referring to the hurricane that devastated New Orleans back in 2005.
“That’s so appreciated, I’ve got such a love for that city, and we so appreciate what you’re doing,” Brad responded, and went on to ask about his family.
Sandra also had a touching message for Joy, who had lost her husband to COVID-19. “I think in isolation a lot of times people don’t realize how bright their light is, and I just wish you so much love and peace and understanding that your destiny’s a lot bigger than I think you imagined,” the actress said.
