If there’s anything better than a concert featuring some of the greatest artists in the world, it’s one that also serves as a “moment of global unity” amid a pandemic. Lady Gaga is bringing together some of the best-known names in music for a live-streamed and televised coronavirus benefit concert. Dubbed One World: Together at Home, the event is in support of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund and to recognise health workers’ valiant efforts around the world.
#TogetherAtHome @WHO @GlblCtzn https://t.co/9nxv0J96JC pic.twitter.com/3mXi6d5tbF
— Lady Gaga (@ladygaga) April 7, 2020
The multi-talented star is busy curating the must-watch extravaganza, which is taking place on April 18. She has partnered with the WHO and the social action platform Global Citizen to produce the event featuring music legends like Elton John, Paul McCartney, John Legend and Stevie Wonder. Youngsters will also be able to enjoy music from today’s chart toppers, including Billie Eillish, J Balvin, Lizzo and yes, Lady Gaga herself. Country music fans and classic music lovers are not left behind as Andrea Bocelli, Lang Lang, Keith Urban and Kacey Musgraves are set to give enthralling performances. Other celebrity contributors include David Beckham, Idris and Sabrina Elba, Kerry Washington and Priyanka Chopra Jonas, although it’s not known how they will be involved.
US talk show host favourites Jimmy Fallon, Jimmy Kimmel and Stephen Colbert will host the event that is to be broadcast live across several US television networks at 8 p.m. EST. An adapted version of the mega musical affair will also be screened on the UK’s BBC One the next day, while anyone can stream it digitally on platforms like Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
During a recent WHO press conference, Lady Gaga confirmed $35m had already been raised. This was done with the help of Global Citizen, which launched a Together at Home series last month featuring performances from artists like Shawn Mendes and Camila Cabello while in isolation. The funds will help the WHO buy protective equipment for health workers and support efforts to develop drugs and vaccines.
Lady Gaga announces #TogetherAtHome virtual global special (part 1): pic.twitter.com/0aTU31YE5v
— Gaga Media (@GagaMediaDotNet) April 6, 2020
"My heart is very achy and warm for those who are ER doctors as well as nurses who are sleeping in cars to make sure they don’t infect their families or their patients," Lady Gaga, whose real name is Stefani Germanotta, said.
"What you are doing is putting yourself in harm’s way to help the world and we all salute you.
"What’s very important is three things happening for all of us. That we celebrate and we highlight the singular kind global community that is arising right now.
"Two, we want to highlight the gravity of this historical, unprecedented cultural movement. And three, we want to celebrate and encourage the power of the human spirit."
The Bad Romance singer clarified One World, was not a fundraising telethon and is more about entertainment and messages of solidarity. "We wanted to raise the money before we go live so when we do air on April 18, you can put your credit cards away, wallets away, and sit back and enjoy the show.” Philanthropists and businesses have been asked to donate to the Covid-19 Solidarity Response Fund ahead of the event.
One World: Together At Home line-up
- Lady Gaga
- Alanis Morissette
- Andrea Bocelli
- Billie Eilish
- Billie Joe Armstrong
- Burna Boy
- Chris Martin
- Eddie Vedder
- Elton John
- Finneas
- J Balvin
- John Legend
- Kacey Musgraves
- Keith Urban
- Lang Lang
- Lizzo
- Maluma
- Paul McCartney
- Stevie Wonder
