On April 19, all eyes and ears tuned in to Global Citizen’s One World: Together at Home. The showcase of the planet’s best performances was broadcasted across all US’ prime channels and various online platforms, made in thoughts of the unwavering heroism of the medical front-liners who bravely faced their toughest challenge yet.
In collaboration with Lady Gaga, who campaigned for and curated the performances, Global Citizen dedicated this movement for funding what the health sector currently needs the most: masks, gloves, personal protective equipment and test kits that would help alleviate the possibilities of the contagion.
Apart from the singers, comedians, celebrity couples, and politicians joined in to highlight the cause. Calls to donate had started even before One World, with a six-hour showcase that sounded like a preamble to the luminous display of talent and love. Philanthropists and sponsor companies had already promised their donations even before Lady Gaga asked viewers to “Put your wallets away…and sit back and enjoy the show you all deserve.” During the show, fans across the globe made their response tangible by giving their contributions anyway.
Crooning with all their hearts, artists picked a song to convey their admiration and tribute to those face to face with the virus. Here are some of our favourite showcases.
Billie Eilish sings Bobby Hebb’s Sunny
With her equally genius musician brother Finneas on their home piano, Grammy-awarded Billie Eilish croons with the jazzy notes of Sunny, giving the song a deserving modern rendition.
Taylor Swift unleashes Soon You’ll Get Better
Nothing is as Swift-esque as Taylor’s raw vocals and the haunting echoes of her piano, harmonizing in a glorious tearjerker.
John Legend and Sam Smith collide in Stand By Me
John Legend and Sam Smith may not be in the same room, but their voices did not miss a beat, ringing with the hopeful refrain with Legend showing off his mastery behind the ebonies and ivories.
The Rolling Stones starts rolling again
These legends show that talent never fades, whether live or via tech, for the rock heroes jammed in their own hit You Can’t Always Get What You Want in their individual homes.
Lady Gaga brings out a Smile
The curator behind the Global Citizen’s concert, it is only fitting that Lady Gaga opens the show with her luxurious vocal tones, belting with a fun rendition of Smile.
Camilla Cabello and Shawn Mendes serenades with What a Wonderful World
The nostalgic hymn gets a romantic twist with Shawn and Camilla behind the piano, warbling the familiar lyrics with their raspy voices and natural harmony.
Elton John sings I’m Still Standing
Moving out of his walls, Elton John plopped his piano in his garden, surrounded by leafy walls that offer a refreshing vista to those stuck in their apartments.
Lizzo promises that A Change is Gonna Come
Blues and gospel become Lizzo’s performance, a firework of her vocal prowess that bursts after a slow burn.
Kacey Musgraves lights a Rainbow
Inspired by the symphony of colours that signal the end of a sad rain, Kacey Musgraves offers her own kind of Rainbow, a lovely lullaby that showcased her crystal-clear voice.
Billy Joe Armstrong sings a Green Day favourite
Like a long dream, the coronavirus has put cities to sleep, and Billy Joe Armstong wistfully sings Wake Me Up When September Ends while pictures of empty streets are shown on screen.
Celine Dion, Andrea Bocelli, Lady Gaga, Lang Lang, John Legend perform “The Prayer
One World: Together at Home was a concert by Global Citizen made in collaboration with Lady Gaga. The show has successfully raised $128 million dedicated to the World Health Organization’s Solidarity Response Fund dedicated to providing medical relief supplies all over the world. ◼
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© This article was first published online in Apr 2020 – World Travel Magazine.