Courtesy of The Wrap
On Sunday, March 29, Fox aired the iHeartRadio Living Room Concert, hosted by Elton John. Artists like Billie Eilish, Alicia Keys and more from all over the country contributed from their own homes. Other stars such as Ellen DeGeneres and Melissa McCarthy shared messages of hope in this time of uncertainty, urging people to donate to Feeding America and the First Responders Children’s Foundation. Evidently it worked; this concert was able to raise $8 million for these charities.
Filtered between performances were messages from first responders. These included hospital workers, cleaning staff, police officers and anyone who must continue to work, putting their lives at risk. Many of them begged citizens to stay home. One woman working in a hospital was crying on video, explaining to viewers that this is the hardest thing she has ever had to do; she is working unbearable shifts caring for multiple patients in critical condition by herself for hours at a time. She concluded by saying that she loves her job and wants to help, “but please, for the love of God, stay home.”
There was also a performance by doctors playing the piano and singing John Lennon’s “Imagine.” This performance was by far the best of the night, showing a raw and emotional yearn for change and peace.
Many other performers stripped down their songs to create a more vulnerable and personal message for viewers. Sam Smith sang a beautiful a capella rendition of “How Do You Sleep.” Billie Eilish also rid her song “Bad Guy” of all bells and whistles, singing an acoustic version. Alicia Keys saluted first responders with her all-too-fitting song, “Underdog.” Dave Grohl from the Foo Fighters sang an acoustic rendition of his emotional song, “My Hero.”
All of the performers took out all stops, even from their homes. It is amazing to see how the artistic community can come together in this time of fear to create something beautiful, which is exactly what the world needs. Singers, musicians, actors, comedians and talk show hosts are doing what they can to spread messages of hope and action. America’s artists are really pushing through to bring forth what matters most right now: humanity. Although it may seem like the world is stuck in a state of fear and confusion, there are bright spots to be found, and there is always a way to help those who need it.
