Undoubtedly the largest and the most iconic virtual gathering of significant recording artists from all around the globe was Saturday’s One World: Together at a home concert(April 18), held for a momentous purpose of thanking the frontline healthcare workers helping the infected and the WHO, fight the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The World Health Organization is committed to defeating the coronavirus pandemic with science and public health measures, and supporting the health workers who are on the frontline of the response,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of WHO. “We may have to be apart physically for a while, but we can still come together virtually to enjoy great music. ‘The One World: Together at home’ concert represents a powerful show of solidarity against a common threat.”
The very special broadcast was curated by none other than Lady Gaga in alliance with the Global Citizen and the WHO. And was hosted by top anchors like Jimmy Fallon, Jimmy Kennel and Stephen Colbert. The Livestream lasted for a duration of 2 hours broadcasting performances of prominent artists like Elton John, John Legend, Billie Eilish, J Balvin, Kacey Musgraves, Lizzo, Maluma, Maren Morris, Celine Dion, Shawn Mendes, Camila Cabello and much more exciting lineup of musicians.
Also, celebs like Priyanka Chopra, Shahrukh Khan, Tim Gunn, Jennifer Lopez, Jason Segal, Idris Elba and others joined the fun at the event, aiming to lift the spirits of the audiences while educating them on the latest around COVID-19. The show featured music performances, comic bits and personal stories from the lives of all the celebrities.
Most of the celebrities, including Priyanka Chopra and Shahrukh Khan, spoke about COVID-19 and it impacts on the world. Priyanka Chopra took a global stand and spoke about the 17 million displaced in refugee camps who are in an unliveable condition as even practising social distancing is a distant vision there, as she has witnessed the similar overcrowded situations at first hand in places like those. As a preventative measure, to curb the spread, she urged the people to have the three very basic needs: healthcare, clean water and sanitation. She also said that in the long journey of fighting this crisis, none should be left behind.
Shahrukh Khan, on the other hand, elaborated on the population of India and how we have been dealing with the virus. He said, “India is currently facing one of the biggest challenges in her history. With a population of over a billion citizens, the spread of COVID-19 is bound to have a negative impact. Battling this crisis is going to take a toll and this is the time to take action. Right now, I am working with a team of people who are working on providing the protective equipment, quarantine centres, food and essentials to patients in hospitals and homes.” And also added that the world needs to come together as one, to beat the devastating pandemic.
The concert raised funds of about $127 million for coronavirus relief efforts and would be later split between the World Health Organization and charities.
