The Rolling Stones, Taylor Swift, Lizzo and Lady Gaga join WHO chief and First Ladies Michelle Obama and Laura Bush for star-studded One World: Together At Home coronavirus concert (74 Pics)

The world's biggest pop stars worked together to pull off a unique concert filmed partially via cell phone on Saturday.
Dedicated to health workers battling to save lives amid the coronavirus pandemic, the eight-hour long YouTube extravaganza ended in a two-hour long primetime show screened on multiple U.S. television channels.
Old timers such as The Beatles star Paul McCartney and The Rolling Stones joined the latest music sensations, from Lizzo, to Taylor Swift and Billie Eilish.
Their performances were interspersed with messages of hope, encouragement and advice, with everyone from Beyonce to WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, UN sec general Amina J. Mohammed and former First Ladies Michelle Obama and Laura Bush speaking out.  



Show-stopper: Celine Dion, Lady Gaga, Lang Lang, Andrea Bocelli and John Legend gave the show a riveting finale with their take on Dion and Bocelli's 1999 duet The Prayer
Show-stopper: Celine Dion, Lady Gaga, Lang Lang, Andrea Bocelli and John Legend gave the show a riveting finale with their take on Dion and Bocelli's 1999 duet The Prayer 
A true Legend: John Legend made his second appearance of the night in the show's grand finale
A true Legend: John Legend made his second appearance of the night in the show's grand finale
All star lineup: Celine Dion [pictured] joined the show's curator and star Lady Gaga for the showstopping finale
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Not so Shallow: Gaga helped arrange the evening's star-studded lineup of performers
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All star lineup: Celine Dion  joined the show's curator and star Lady Gaga for the showstopping finale
Lady Gaga, 34, who curated the event, kicked things off with a stirring rendition of the Nat King Cole classic Smile.
'What I'd like to do tonight, if I can, is just give you the permission to, for a moment - smile,' she said as she broke into a rendition of Nat King Cole's Smile.'
NBC, ABC and CBS teamed up to broadcast the historic event with late night talk show hosts Jimmy Kimmel, Jimmy Fallon and Stephen Colbert together hosting the show. 
During their opening monologue, the trio told viewers to 'put your wallets away' as the evening was not about fundraising. 
Even before going to air, the Global Citizen event had already raised more than $50million. 
Co-host Jimmy Fallon joked that most of that money was raised by 'holding [Amazon founder] Jeff Bezos upside down and shaking him for loose change'. 
Curator and star: Lady Gaga opened her own One World: Together At Home musical event in spectacular style on Saturday night
Curator and star: Lady Gaga opened her own One World: Together At Home musical event in spectacular style on Saturday night
Goals: Gaga said the evening was not about raising money but giving people 'permission to smile'
Goals: Gaga said the evening was not about raising money but giving people 'permission to smile'
Powerful: Gaga, 34, who curated the event, kicked things off with a stirring rendition of the Nat King Cole classic Smile
Gaga performs in her home studio
Powerful: Gaga, 34, who curated the event, kicked things off with a stirring rendition of the Nat King Cole classic Smile
Home again: After the emotionally draining show was over, Gaga returned to the 'love of my life' Michael Polansky [pictured]
Home again: After the emotionally draining show was over, Gaga returned to the 'love of my life' Michael Polansky [pictured]
A new start: The tech CEO and the pop diva were first sighted together on New Years Eve in 2019
A new start: The tech CEO and the pop diva were first sighted together on New Years Eve in 2019
Following Gaga was musical legend Stevie Wonder, who performed Lean On Me and Love's In Need of Love Today.
Wonder dedicated Lean On Me to that song's writer, the recently deceased Bill Withers. 
Sitting at his home piano, Wonder first shared a few thoughts about Withers, who passed way from heart complications on March 30 at the age of 81.
'During hardships like this, we have to lean on each other for help,' he began with obvious emotion. 'My friend, the late Bill Withers, has the perfect song for that, and I want us to remember him tonight.'
And on this night, with people all over the world watching and in need of comfort during these uncertain times, the Michigan native gave a stirring version of the timeless 1972 classic.   
Musical titan: Following Gaga was legend Stevie Wonder, who performed Lean On Me and Love's In Need of Love Today
Musical titan: Following Gaga was legend Stevie Wonder, who performed Lean On Me and Love's In Need of Love Today
Emotional times: Partway through Lean On Me, Wonder transitioned to his tune, Love's In Need Of Love Today
Emotional times: Partway through Lean On Me, Wonder transitioned to his tune, Love's In Need Of Love Today
Paying tribute: Sitting at his home piano, Wonder first shared a few thoughts about his late friend Bill Withers, before delivering a rendition of his classic 1972 song Lean On Me
Paying tribute: Sitting at his home piano, Wonder first shared a few thoughts about his late friend Bill Withers, before delivering a rendition of his classic 1972 song Lean On Me
Following Stevie was The Beatles star Paul McCartney, who tipped his hat to medical workers fighting tirelessly during the pandemic.  
Speaking before his performance of Lady Madonna at his home, Paul said: 'I'm very honored to be part of this program that celebrates healthcare workers.
'As this COVID-19 pandemic is a global crisis, let's tell our leaders we need them to strengthen the healthcare systems all around the world. My mother, Mary, was a nurse and midwife before and during World War II. I have a lot of time for healthcare workers. We love you, thank you.' 
Paul sadly lost his mother, Mary, when he was 14-years-old in 1956. She tragically passed away from an embolism after an operation for breast cancer. 



Living legend: Paul McCartney tipped his hat to medical workers fighting tirelessly during the pandemic
Living legend: Paul McCartney tipped his hat to medical workers fighting tirelessly during the pandemic
Proud: Also taking to his piano was Paul McCartney with a stellar performance from his home
Sweet: He paid tribute to his late mother, who worked as a nurse and midwife
Proud: Also taking to his piano was Paul McCartney, who took a moment to pay tribute to his late mother, who worked as a nurse and midwife
Still got it: The Rolling Stones performed You Can't Always Get What You Want via a four-way split screen Zoom call
Still got it: The Rolling Stones performed You Can't Always Get What You Want via a four-way split screen Zoom call
Moves like Jagger: Mick [pictured] and bandmate Keith Richards seen here in their split screen Zoom call
Richards is co-founder of The Rolling Stones
Moves like Jagger: Mick [L] and bandmate Keith Richards seen here  in their split screen Zoom call
Lover: One of the final acts was Taylor Swift, who performed an acoustic version of her song Soon You'll Get Better
Lover: One of the final acts was Taylor Swift, who performed an acoustic version of her song Soon You'll Get Better
Talented: Taylor also played the piano during her riveting performance
Talented: Taylor also played the piano during her riveting performance
Flawless: The musical superstar's picture perfect appearance showed no sign of quarantine fatigue
Taylor, 30, famously signed her first record deal at age 15
Flawless: The musical superstar's picture perfect appearance showed no sign of quarantine fatigue
Changes: Lizzo belted out a cover of Sam Cooke's A Change Is Gonna Come
Changes: Lizzo belted out a cover of Sam Cooke's A Change Is Gonna Come
Message of hope: 'I love you. We got this. We’ll get through this together,' the 31-year-old told viewers
Lizzo 's real name is Melissa Viviane Jefferson
Message of hope: 'I love you. We got this. We’ll get through this together,' the 31-year-old told viewers
Stars align: The event, meant to raise awareness of the impact of the coronavirus pandemic sweeping the globe, will see performances and appearances from stars including Elton John
Stars align: The event, meant to raise awareness of the impact of the coronavirus pandemic sweeping the globe, will see performances and appearances from stars including Elton John
Still standing: Elton performed his 1983 hit I'm Still Standing
Still standing: Elton performed his 1983 hit I'm Still Standing
Lovers: Musical power couple Shawn Mendes and Camila Cabello, who are self-isolating together amid the pandemic, performed a duet for the One World event
Lovers: Musical power couple Shawn Mendes and Camila Cabello, who are self-isolating together amid the pandemic, performed a duet for the One World event
Wonderful indeed: The aesthetically-blessed couple performed a duet of What a Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong
Wonderful indeed: The aesthetically-blessed couple performed a duet of What a Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong
Mick Jagger also appeared ageless despite his 76 years as he delivered the classic You Can't Always Get What You Want, as his fellow Stones played from their respective homes, including a grinning Charlie Watts on the air drums 
One of the final acts was Taylor Swift, who performed an acoustic version of her son Soon You'll Get Better, which the pop phenom wrote about her mother's struggles with cancer.
Passionate: Beyonce put forth a passionate speech about how COVID-19 has 'severely affected' African American communities during her stint on the One World: Together at Home concert on Saturday

Passionate: Beyonce put forth a passionate speech about how COVID-19 has 'severely affected' African American communities during her stint on the One World: Together at Home concert on Saturday
Using her voice: The 38-year-old singer explained to viewers that African Americans make up a 'disproportionate' part of the essential workforce and 'do not have the luxury of working from home'

Using her voice: The 38-year-old singer explained to viewers that African Americans make up a 'disproportionate' part of the essential workforce and 'do not have the luxury of working from home'


Meanwhile, Beyonce put forth a passionate speech about how COVID-19 has 'severely affected' African American communities during her appearance on the show.
The 38-year-old singer explained to viewers that African Americans make up a 'disproportionate' part of the essential workforce and 'do not have the luxury of working from home.'
'This virus is killing black people at an alarmingly high rate here in America,' said Knowles. 'Those with preexisting conditions are at an even higher risk.' 


J-Lo: The pop star channeled Barbra Streisand in her rendition of the song People
J-Lo: The pop star channeled Barbra Streisand in her rendition of the song People
Jenny from the backyard: The Bronx-born hitmaker performed from a 'makeshift stage' at her home
Jenny from the backyard: The Bronx-born hitmaker performed from a 'makeshift stage' at her home
You light up my life: J-Lo was backlit with Christmas lights for her solo performance
Picture perfect: Lopez's brunette tresses fell in glorious waves throughout her song
You light up my life: J-Lo was backlit with Christmas lights for her solo performance 
'Makeshift stage': J-Lo's fiance Alex Rodriguez gave a behind the scenes glimpse into the pop diva's performance on social media
'Makeshift stage': J-Lo's fiance Alex Rodriguez gave a behind the scenes glimpse into the pop diva's performance on social media
According to Beyonce, a recent report out of her hometown of Houston, Texas revealed that 57per cent of COVID-19 fatalities within Houston City limits have been of African American descent.
'Please protect yourselves. We are one family and we need you. We need your voices, your abilities, and your strength all over this world,' urged the Halo singer.
Beyonce then made a broader statement, when she listed out various essential worker roles and expressed her gratitude for their continued service.
'Tonight we celebrate true heroes, those who are making the ultimate sacrifice to keep us all safe, fed and healthy...we continue to pray for your safety.
Duet: John Legend [pictured] and Sam Smith crooned their way through a rendition of Stand By Me
Duet: John Legend [pictured] and Sam Smith crooned their way through a rendition of Stand By Me
Winner: Sam Smith won the Academy Award for Best Original Song in 2015 for Writing's On The Wall
Winner: Sam Smith won the Academy Award for Best Original Song in 2015 for Writing's On The Wall
All that glitters: Eagle-eyed viewers could spot Sam's Oscar behind them as they performed
All that glitters: Eagle-eyed viewers could spot Sam's Oscar behind them as they performed
EGOT one too: John Legend's own awards were on full display during the performance. Besides an Oscar, John also has an Emmy, a Grammy and a Tony award
EGOT one too: John Legend's own awards were on full display during the performance. Besides an Oscar, John also has an Emmy, a Grammy and a Tony award
She continued: 'To those in the food industry, delivery workers, mail carriers, and sanitation employees who are working so we can be safe in our homes, we thank you for your selfless service.' 
In regards to the importance of staying indoors as a means of deterring the spread of the virus, Beyonce empathized with the difficulties of the act, while encouraging viewers to remain strong.  
'I know it is very hard, but please be patient, stay encouraged, keep the faith, stay positive, and continue to pray for our heroes.
'Goodnight and God bless you,' concluded Beyonce, before blowing a kiss to the camera.  
Brother and sister act: Billie Eilish was accompanied by her brother Finneas on the organ for a performance of Bobby Hebb’s Sunny
Brother and sister act: Billie Eilish was accompanied by her brother Finneas on the organ for a performance of Bobby Hebb's Sunny
A room with a view: A garden could be seen outside of the home where the Los Angeles native siblings performed
A room with a view: A garden could be seen outside of the home where the Los Angeles native siblings performed
On a high: Eilish is coming off a career hot streak, including winning five of six awards for which she was nominated at the 2020 Grammy Awards
On a high: Eilish is coming off a career hot streak, including winning five of six awards for which she was nominated at the 2020 Grammy Awards
Bond girl: The singer-songwriter was recently tapped to sing the theme song for the forthcoming James Bond film No Time To Die
The look: Eilish rocked her trademark two-toned hair for the song
Bond girl: The singer-songwriter was recently tapped to sing the theme song for the forthcoming James Bond film No Time To Die
The TV special celebrated community health care workers and support the WHO's global fight to end COVID-19.
The broadcast special included local and regional charities that provide food, shelter, and healthcare to those that need help most during this time. 
There were also educational portions to inspire people around the world to take meaningful actions that increase support for the global COVID-19 response as well as cameos from the worlds of music and arts, sports and comedic sketches. 
Showstopper! Keith Urban's performance on Lady Gaga's Global Citizen One World: Together at Home concert proved to be memorable as it streamed on Sunday morning in Australia
Showstopper! Keith Urban's performance on Lady Gaga's Global Citizen One World: Together at Home concert proved to be memorable as it streamed on Sunday morning in Australia
Seeing triple! The 52-year-old pre-recorded multiple takes of his cover of Higher Love, and used an editing trick to clone himself, with three Keiths rocking out together
Seeing triple! The 52-year-old pre-recorded multiple takes of his cover of Higher Love, and used an editing trick to clone himself, with three Keiths rocking out together
What's going on! Bizarrely, wife Nicole Kidman (right) appeared at the end of his performance, hugging one of the Keiths - as another Keith spoke to viewers of the COVID-19 relief concert
What's going on! Bizarrely, wife Nicole Kidman (right) appeared at the end of his performance, hugging one of the Keiths - as another Keith spoke to viewers of the COVID-19 relief concert
British invasion: Chris Martin of Coldplay fame also made an appearance
British invasion: Chris Martin of Coldplay fame also made an appearance
British actor Idris Elba - who was diagnosed with and recovered from coronavirus - also took part.
'Tonight, through the universal language of music, we salute the bravery and sacrifice of health heroes and others,' said UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres in a clip played during the broadcast.
'And please join our call for a global ceasefire to focus on our common enemy - the virus.' 
Another actor making a cameo was Nicole Kidman, who joined her husband Keith Urban as he finished his performance of Higher Love.
Superstar: Kacey Musgraves gave a powerful performance of Rainbow during her segment
Superstar: Kacey Musgraves gave a powerful performance of Rainbow during her segment
Sharing the love: Hosts Jimmy Fallon, Jimmy Kimmel and Stephen Colbert told viewers to 'put your wallets away' as the event was not a fundraising exercise
Sharing the love: Hosts Jimmy Fallon, Jimmy Kimmel and Stephen Colbert told viewers to 'put your wallets away' as the event was not a fundraising exercise
Green Day: Billie Joe Armstrong of Green Day also contributed his talents to the evening
Green Day: Billie Joe Armstrong of Green Day also contributed his talents to the evening
Praying: Earlier in the day, Kesha performed acoustic versions of her hit songs Rainbow and Praying
Praying: Earlier in the day, Kesha performed acoustic versions of her hit songs Rainbow and Praying
Bold choice: Jennifer Hudson had earlier in the day chosen to perform her solo, Memory, from the widely derided movie Cats
Bold choice: Jennifer Hudson had earlier in the day chosen to perform her solo, Memory, from the widely derided movie Cats
Swoon: Morris performed a virtual duet with fellow artist Hozier of her 2019 hit The Bones
Swoon: Morris performed a virtual duet with fellow artist Hozier of her 2019 hit The Bones
Super dad: Miley Cyrus' father and Old Town Road hitmaker Billy Ray Cyrus also took to the mic in his home studio
Super dad: Miley Cyrus' father and Old Town Road hitmaker Billy Ray Cyrus also took to the mic in his home studio
Burn baby burn: English singer-songwriter Ellie Goulding played her 2013 hit Burn from the comfort of her couch
Burn baby burn: English singer-songwriter Ellie Goulding played her 2013 hit Burn from the comfort of her couch
One Direction: Bandmates Niall Horan [pictured] and Liam Payne both lent their time to the show
Payne performed a duet with Rita Ora
One Direction: Bandmates Niall Horan [L] and Liam Payne both lent their time to the show
The multi-hour TV special also streamed live on YouTube, Apple, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and more platforms.
An edited version of the event will be broadcast on BBC One for UK audiences on Sunday 19 April.
The BBC One programme will feature highlights from the live event, as well as exclusive performances from UK artists and interviews with frontline workers. 
First Ladies: Michelle Obama [pictured] and Laura Bush were just two of the political voices speaking out during the show
Laura Bush speaks from her home
First Ladies: Michelle Obama [L] and Laura Bush [R] were just two of the political voices speaking out during the show
Polarizing figure: The show also featured a message from WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, whom Gaga called 'a superstar' on Friday
Polarizing figure: The show also featured a message from WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, whom Gaga called 'a superstar' on Friday
Big names: Deputy Secretary-General of the UN Amina J Mohammed also made a statement during the One World event
Big names: Deputy Secretary-General of the UN Amina J Mohammed also made a statement during the One World event
Oprah: Gaga said she plans to raise more money and explained that the TV special is not a fundraiser: 'Put your wallets away ... and sit back and enjoy the show you all deserve'
Oprah: Gaga said she plans to raise more money and explained that the TV special is not a fundraiser: 'Put your wallets away ... and sit back and enjoy the show you all deserve'
Triple threats: NBC, ABC and CBS teamed up to broadcast the historic event with late night talk show hosts Jimmy Kimmel [L], Jimmy Fallon [R] and Stephen Colbert coming together to host the show
Triple threats: NBC, ABC and CBS teamed up to broadcast the historic event with late night talk show hosts Jimmy Kimmel [L], Jimmy Fallon [R] and Stephen Colbert coming together to host the show
Gaga said she plans to raise more money and explained that the TV special is not a fundraiser: 'Put your wallets away ... and sit back and enjoy the show you all deserve.'
The U.S. death toll from the novel coronavirus topped 38,000 on Saturday.
White House medical experts have forecast that between 100,000 to 240,000 Americans could be killed in the pandemic, even if sweeping orders to stay home are followed.
Following the epic eight-hour One World: Together at Home extravaganza, Global Citizen and Lady Gaga announced that a whopping $127 million had been raised in support of the COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund for The World Health Organization. 
Good guy: Fresh off his recent spate of generously giving back to his community, Tyler Perry also made a video statement
Good guy: Fresh off his recent spate of generously giving back to his community, Tyler Perry also made a video statement
Alright alright alright guy: Matthew McConaughey recorded a message of support from his home in Austin, Texas, where the actor is currently self-isolating
Alright alright alright guy: Matthew McConaughey recorded a message of support from his home in Austin, Texas, where the actor is currently self-isolating
Tough times: Idris Elba and wife Sabrina Dhowre Elba both recently tested positive for COVID-19
Tough times: Idris Elba and wife Sabrina Dhowre Elba both recently tested positive for COVID-19
Awkwafina: The quintuple threat, also known as Nora Lum, spoke from where she too is self-isolating
Awkwafina: The quintuple threat, also known as Nora Lum, spoke from where she too is self-isolating
More stars: Alicia Keys [pictured] and Kerry Washington also lent their voices to the cause
Scandal star Kerry Washington spoke from her home
More stars: Alicia Keys [L] and Kerry Washington [R] also lent their voices to the cause
Cool: LL Cool J also spoke about the cost of the pandemic. The U.S. death toll from the novel coronavirus topped 38,000 on Saturday
Cool: LL Cool J also spoke about the cost of the pandemic. The U.S. death toll from the novel coronavirus topped 38,000 on Saturday
Big-hearted: Philanthropists Bill and Melinda Gates shared their words of support, too
Big-hearted: Philanthropists Bill and Melinda Gates shared their words of support, too 


The Rolling Stones, Taylor Swift, Lizzo and Lady Gaga join WHO chief and First Ladies Michelle Obama and Laura Bush for star-studded One World: Together At Home coronavirus concert (74 Pics) The Rolling Stones, Taylor Swift, Lizzo and Lady Gaga join WHO chief and First Ladies Michelle Obama and Laura Bush for star-studded One World: Together At Home coronavirus concert (74 Pics) Reviewed by Your Destination on April 19, 2020 Rating: 5

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