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 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 U.S. 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 healthcare workers, the medical
workers, all the grocery store workers and delivery people, the
postal workers, all the other nonprofits that are working so
hard," said Gaga, who helped organize the event.
"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.
The event, led by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the
nonprofit group Global Citizen, told the personal stories of
teachers and healthcare, grocery, delivery, postal and other
workers.
It showed social media postings and news clips of doctors and
nurses being applauded by communities around the world, deserted
world landmarks, families greeting each other through windows,
and acts of kindness in support of those who are isolated and
frail.
"We aren't asking for money tonight," said Stephen Colbert who
hosted the broadcast alongside his U.S. late night television
rivals Jimmy Kimmel and Jimmy Fallon.
Instead of seeking public funds, the event encouraged
philanthropists and companies to contribute to the WHO's
COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund. Corporate and other donors
have already contributed some $150 million, organizers said.
"What I'd like tonight, if I can, is to give you the permission
for the moment to... 'Smile'," said Gaga, kicking off the
evening by launching into a version of the ballad made famous by
Nat King Cole.
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Beyonce did not perform but sent a video message in which she noted
the disproportionately high death rates from COVID-19 in the black
community.
"This virus is killing black people at an alarming rate in America,"
she said, urging viewers to protect themselves.
Swift, on piano, gave an emotional rendition of her ballad "Soon
You'll Get Better," which was originally written during her mother's
battle with cancer.
he Rolling Stones, filmed in four separate locations, sang "You
Can't Always Get What You Want," with Mick Jagger and Keith Richards
playing acoustic guitars.
"We all appreciate the healthcare workers but never like now,"
Winfrey said in a video message. "They truly are the best of us...
We need to ensure that governments step up now and provide
healthcare workers with the equipment and the funds they need."
Wonder played the late Bill Wither's classic "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
livestream 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.
(Reporting by Jill Serjeant; Editing by Bill Berkrot, Sonya
Hepinstall and Richard Pullin)
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