Lady Gaga, Stevie Wonder, Elton John, JLo and more sing at One World concert as Beyonce makes surprise appearance
LADY Gaga kicked off the One World: Together At Home benefit event on Saturday night, thanking essential workers and singing “Smile.”
The virtual concert, organized by WHO and Global Citizen, is supporting the global response to the deadly COVID-19 pandemic.
Following Lady Gaga‘s stunning performance, Jimmy Kimmel – one of the hosts for the night – introduced the iconic Stevie Wonder.
Sitting at his piano, he sang “Lean On Me” and “Love’s In Need of Love Today.”
Paul McCartney quickly followed, and played “Lady Madonna” after thanking healthcare workers.
David and Victoria Beckham thanked those watching, and everything essential workers have done to help those in need before introducing their friend, Sir Elton John.
Shawn Mendes and his pop star girlfriend, Camila Cabello, who have been in quarantine together in Miami, sang “What a Wonderful World” as the Canadian singer played the piano.
Beyonce also made a surprise appearance to talk about how the African-American community has been disproportionately affected by COVID-19.
She said: “We continue to pray for [essential workers’] safety. African-Americans at large have been severely affected by this crisis.
“Please protect yourself, we are one family, and we need you.
“I know it’s very hard but please be patient, stay positive, and continue to pray for our heroes.”
Lizzo then played a stunning acoustic version of “A Change Is Gonna Come.”
She accompanied her amazing vocals by playing the piano from the comfort of her home.
Other celeb performances included Chris Martin, who sang “Yellow”, The Rolling Stones, who played “You Can’t Always Get What You Want”, and Keith Urban – with a surprise appearance by Nicole Kidman – played “Higher Love.”
First ladies, Laura Bush and Michelle Obama, tuned in and joined in thanking those who are helping save lives all around the world.
Michelle commented: “We want to express our overwhelming gratitude to the professionals, those in the front line risking their lives for ours.”
Laura followed and said: “Your strength will carry us through this crisis.”
One of the most awaited performances of the night was Jennifer Lopez‘s, who sang “People”.
She was sitting in her backyard with fairy lights all around her.
She told her fans with a smile: “I miss you.”
John Legend and Sam Smith joined forces to sing “Stand By Me.”
Their performance was followed by Green Day’s Billie Joe Armstrong, who sang “Wake Me Up When September Ends.”
Idris Elba and his wife,Sabrina Dhowre Elba, checked in with viewers after Idris had recently recovered from coronavirus himself.
The actor seemed healthy and in great spirits, as he claimed that he had no symptoms.
Singer-songwriter, Billie Eilish, and Finneas joined together to play the cheery tune, “Sunny.”
Taylor Swift was the penultimate performance as she sang her touching song “Soon You’ll Get Better.”
She originally dedicated the song to her mom, Andrea, who is battling cancer.
The singer has donated millions of dollars to charities, essential workers, and fans faced with coronavirus woes.
And finally, Lady Gaga surprised viewers at home as she sang alongside John Legend, Celine Dion, and Andrea Bocelli.
The four of them performed Celine and Andrea’s song “The Prayer.”
The broadcast has an incredible lineup of stars including Jennifer Lopez and Celine Dion expected to perform later in the broadcast.
The event began on Saturday afternoon with a six-hour live stream on YouTube, featuring performances by Kesha, Andra Day, Liam Payne, The Killers, and many more.
R&B singer Andra Day performed “Rise Up,” Kesha played the piano and sang her comeback song “Praying” and former One Direction members Niall Horan and Liam Payne performed their solo hots for fans at home.
Lady Gaga herself made an appearance towards the end of the YouTube transmission and thanked healthcare workers and essential works.
She said: “We have already raised millions of dollars for the WHO’s solidarity trust fund. We want to get to the other side of this pandemic and know you too. But tonight is not a fundraiser. It’s our love letter to the world.
“The incredible artists we have lined up are here to say thank you.”
Kesha, who has been an advocate for mental health, told those watching the YouTube stream: “It’s Kesha from quarantine day 500.
“I miss my fans so much. I know that there’s so many people working and not sleeping and sacrificing so much to help figure this out for everyone and I just think the vulnerability of us all as human beings right now is really showing a really beautiful side to humanity.
“I’m going to do the main thing I know how to do, which is play some music and hopefully this will just brighten your day, maybe just a little bit.
“That’s my goal.”
Singer Ellie Goulding also talked about how she’s doing in the midst of social distancing and admitted she wasn’t handling it well, despite being someone who has “social anxiety.”
Charlie Puth, who was quarantining with his parents, sang his most popular hits: See You Again and Attention.
And Billy Ray Cyrus dedicated his song to all “the girls in the world.”
Other celebs who made appearances during the YouTube transmission included Samuel L. Jackson, Rita Ora, Matthew McConaughey, Lavern Cox, Don Cheadle, Luis Fonsi, Juanes, Hozier, Jameela Jamil and Jennifer Hudson.
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