Stars from around the world have taken part in a global event to support frontline workers tackling the COVID-19 outbreak.
Over 100 artists performed songs from their homes in the virtual benefit concert organised by the Global Citizen movement of the WHO and curated by Lady Gaga.
Beyonce, Billie Eilish, Hozier, Taylor Swift and The Rolling Stones were among the stars to take part in the ‘One World: Together at Home’ event.
It was hosted by US talk show hosts Jimmy Fallon, Stephen Colbert and Jimmy Kimmel and included real-life stories from medical staff on the front line of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The event raised $128m (€117.70) for healthcare workers on the frontline.
What a ✨beautiful ✨duet with @Hozier and @MarenMorris
Head to https://t.co/26xVXSb0qy to join our movement of hope #TogetherAtHome pic.twitter.com/cNAPHtsKjn
— Global Citizen (@GlblCtzn) April 18, 2020
Organiser Lady Gaga said: "I feel very honoured to be a part of the WHO and Global Citizen in the fight against COVID-19.
“I care so much about all of the medical workers who are putting their lives at risk for us right now.
“I think of them every day, I pray for them every day and I'm also thinking of all of you who are at home and are wondering when all of this will be different.”
She then sang a piano rendition of Nat King Cole's Smile.
The COVID-19 pandemic has upended the lives of many people around the world. But with the power of collective action, we know change gon’ come. Watch @Lizzo's soulful performance and take action now: https://t.co/26xVXSb0qy. #TogetherAtHome pic.twitter.com/2nSeSAPYCI
— Global Citizen (@GlblCtzn) April 19, 2020
There are now more than 2.3 million confirmed cases of COVID-29 worldwide with more than 161,000 officially recorded deaths.
The US is the worst affected country in the world followed by Italy, Spain, France and the UK.
.@LadyGaga reminds us to “smile” and be compassionate toward one another during these difficult times. Watch her incredible performance for One World: #TogetherAtHome and do your part to fight COVID-19 by taking the pledge to stay home: https://t.co/26xVXSb0qy. pic.twitter.com/01jWBBpexI
— Global Citizen (@GlblCtzn) April 19, 2020
Speaking before her performance, Beyoncé warned that the outbreak was disproportionately affecting black communities in the US.
"African-American communities have been severely affected in this crisis,” she said.
“Those with pre-existing conditions are at an even higher risk. This virus is killing black people at an alarming high rate, here in America.
“Please protect yourselves, we are one family and we need you.
“We need your voices, your abilities and your strength all over this world. I know it's hard but please be patient and continue to pray for our heroes.”
Thanks to @NiallOfficial for the lovely performance! We’re so grateful for your support of @WHO and frontline health workers. Global Citizens, take action now! https://t.co/26xVXSb0qy pic.twitter.com/DblNRX5RL0
— Global Citizen (@GlblCtzn) April 18, 2020
Some $55.1 million of the proceeds will go to the COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund and $72.8 million will go to local and regional responders.
