Many of Hollywood’s top celebrities came together to help raise funds for the healthcare workers in the frontlines leading the fight against the coronavirus pandemic – and sharing inspiring messages and beautiful music while they’re at it.
The hours-long event, produced in collaboration with Global Citizen in conjunction with the World Health Organization and the United Nations, the show will benefit WHO’s COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund. World Health Organization and the United Nations. A virtual music festival of sorts, with many headliners and festival performers were part of the line-up – from the six-hour pre-show to the two-hour main event – and audiences got a sneak peek into their homes, too!
Late-night show hosts Jimmy Fallon, Jimmy Kimmel and Stephen Colbert led the two-hour special as Lady Gaga, Oprah Winfrey, Taylor Swift, Billie Eilish and many more A-List celebrities gave live performances and speeches from their homes.
Check out some of the show’s highlights below:
Gaga kicked off the main event’s performances with a jaunty piano rendition of Charlie Chaplin’s “Smile.”
“I care so much about all of the medical workers who are putting their lives at risk right now. I think of them every day, I pray for them every day,” she said. “What I’d like to do tonight is just give you, if I have permission, a moment to smile.”
Oprah Winfrey shared a video message in praise of the healthcare workers in the frontlines.
“Nelson Mandela once said that courage is not the absence of fear but the triumph over it. We’re all feeling that right now,” Oprah said. “In every country, in every continent, we’ve seen such phenomenal acts of courage from people who are on the front lines of this fight against coronavirus.”
“I tell you, we all appreciated health care workers, but never like now,” she added. “When their lives are at stake, their first thoughts are not about themselves but for others. They truly are the best of us, and their compassion and their true acts of service is a call to action for all of us.”
Aside from his co-hosting duties, Jimmy Fallon, together with his late-night show band, The Roots, provided a fun moment with their rendition of Men In Hats’ “Safety Dance” – he even got healthcare workers grooving to his tune!
Lizzo covered Sam Cooke’s “A Change Is Gonna Come” – and her soulful take on the song was the performance we never knew we needed. Those vocals!
Sibling-duo Billie Eilish and Finneas chose to perform Bobby Hebb/Boney M’s “Sunny.”
“I love this song,” Billie explained. “It’s always warmed my heart and made me feel good, and I wanted to make you guys feel good, so here we go.”
Kacey Musgraves inspired with “Rainbow,” as the colorful symbol has become a symbol of support for medical workers – displayed in windows in many parts of the world.
“I just wanted to say a sincere thank you to all the people out there that are risking their lives to get everyone through this crazy time,” she exclaimed. “Thank you. It means so much to me.”
“I’ve also really been loving seeing everyone’s rainbows in their windows,” she continued. “It inspired me to sing this song for you.”
John Legend and Sam Smith teamed up for a remote duet of “Stand By Me” – with John on the piano – and they sounded ah-mazing together. Fingers crossed there’ll be more collabs from these two in the future.
Another duet with all the feels is Camila Cabello and Shawn Mendes’ rendition of Louis Armstrong’s “What A Wonderful World.”
Beyonce gave a shout out to all essential workers.
“Tonight we celebrate true heroes, those who are making the ultimate sacrifice to keep us all safe, fed, and healthy,” Beyoncé said. “To the doctors, the nurses, and other health care workers who are away from their families, taking care of ours, we continue to pray for your safety. To those in the food industry, delivery workers, mail carriers and sanitation employees who are working so that we can be safe in our homes, thank you for your selfless service.”
“We are one family, and we need you. We need your voices, your abilities, and your strength all over this world,” she added. “I know it’s very hard, but please be patient, stay encouraged, keep the faith, stay positive, and continue to pray for our heroes. Good night, and god bless you.”
Taylor Swift gave her first-ever live performance of “Soon You’ll Get Better,” which she wrote about her mom’s cancer battles. Singing, “Soon you’ll get better, ‘cause you have to,” the poignant song is timely and appropriate for all the families affected by the COVID-19 outbreak.
Rock legends The Rolling Stones worked Zoom like a pro, virtually reuniting for their performance of “You Can’t Always Get What You Want.”
The show closed with “The Prayer.” The song, usually a duet, became a four-parter, with John Legend and Lady Gaga joining Celine Dion and Andrea Bocelli for the performance. Renowned pianist Lang Lang showed off his skills, passionately pounding those black and white keys as he provided musical accompaniment for the quartet.
After the show, Lady Gaga went on Twitter to thank everyone for watching. “Thank you with all of my heart for watching #TogetherAtHome, sharing in a global moment of kindness with each other, and spreading positive and loving intentions. We love you,” she wrote.
Global Citizen has since announced that the initiative raised $127 Million.
Visit www.globalcitizen.org/togetherathome and find out how you can help those affected by the coronavirus – from the comfort of your home.
For the latest updates, follow Global Citizen on social media: Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Visit the WHO’s website and social media to hear more on the organization’s response to the pandemic, as well as the COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund.
