The Coronavirus pandemic has stopped people all around the world from doing things they love, including going to concerts. Everyone has been stuck inside, running out of things to entertain them. People could only imagine getting a “free concert” from all of their favorite celebrities. However, this imagination became a reality when One World: Together at Home had an event where an abundance of singers and stars came together to provide support for everyone going through this pandemic.  

The One World: Together at Home event was placed on April 18, 2020, and was hosted by Jimmy Fallon, Jimmy Kimmel, and Stephen Colbert in order to raise money and relief for the Coronavirus pandemic. The purpose was to honor front-line healthcare workers for all of their hard work while fighting the Coronavirus and risking their lives for the welfare of others. The event included A-list celebrities who talked about the virus or performed in order to give viewers a sense of happiness during this time. 

This event was a collaboration between the WHO and Global Citizen, an international advocacy organization. Lady Gaga curated the event and helped bring the performing lineup come to life. There were many notable singers such as Jennifer Lopez, Billie Eilish, Paul McCartney, Stevie Wonder, John Legend, Taylor Swift, and more. “With social distancing measures in place, the musicians, of course, didn’t gather in a stadium or concert hall but instead performed separately in various locations. Many of the performances were stripped down, without the typical concert technology, special effects, and camera work, which was in many ways refreshing.”(Forbes).

The event also featured many healthcare workers who shared their insight into the virus. They explained what effect it could have on the country and gave advice for everyone going through the pandemic. Another person to give information on the virus was Beyonce. “Beyoncé, who voiced support for, among others, essential workers across healthcare, sanitation, said: ‘Black Americans disproportionately belong to these essential parts of the workforce that do not have the luxury of working from home, and African American communities at large have been severely affected by this crisis … this virus is killing black people  in an alarmingly high rate here in America.’ She cited a report that found 57% of fatal cases in her home city of Houston were African American.” (The Guardian).

Global Citizen announced that the event had raised $127 million in commitments to date in support of health care workers in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. This was a major achievement for the organization and they will now be able to have more of a place in finding a solution. 

It’s not every day that the world sees so many top musicians come together to honor health care professionals. But 2020 has not been the typical year. This year the sacrifices and risks are even greater for many, especially with horrendous shortages of needed personal protective equipment (PPE) such as masks and the need to stay separate from family and friends. So it can make a difference to know that people are listening.