A who’s who of locked-down celebrities take part in the global tribute to the the people battling Covid-19 every day

This article is more than 5 months old

This article is more than 5 months old

Lady Gaga, Paul McCartney, The Rolling Stones and Beyonce headlined a global special of music, comedy and personal stories in what Gaga called a “love letter” to frontline workers battling the coronavirus pandemic.

The One World: Together at Home, broadcast across multiple television and streaming channels around the world, featured a who’s who of pop culture. Filmed from their homes, contributors included Elton John, Stevie Wonder, David Beckham and former US first ladies Michelle Obama and Laura Bush.

“I’m so grateful for the healthcare workers, the medical workers, all the grocery store workers and delivery people, the postal workers, all the other nonprofits that are working so hard,” Gaga said.

Facebook Twitter Pinterest Stevie Wonder performs for One World: Together at Home. Photograph: Getty Images/Getty Images for Global Citizen

“This is really a true love letter to all of you all over the world, and I hope a reminder of the kindness that’s occurring right now.”

Hosted by three of the biggest late-night television show hosts in the US – Jimmy Kimmel, Stephen Colbert and Jimmy Fallon – the special paid tribute to teachers and healthcare, grocery, delivery, postal and other workers.

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“We aren’t asking for money tonight,” said Colbert.

The event, organised by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the nonprofit group Global Citizen, was the biggest celebrity effort so far to mark the coronavirus pandemic that has killed more than 160,000 people worldwide.

It is also aimed at encouraging philanthropists and companies to contribute to the WHO’s Covid-19 Solidarity Response Fund. Corporate and other donors have already contributed some $150m, organisers said.

Facebook Twitter Pinterest Rolling Stones members Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Ronnie Wood and Charlie Watts perform for One World: Together at Home Photograph: Getty Images/Getty Images for Global Citizen

“What I’d like tonight, if I can, is to give you the permission for the moment to ... Smile,” said Gaga launching into a version of the ballad made famous by Nat King Cole.

Beyonce did not perform but sent a video message in which she noted the disproportionately high death rates in the African American community from Covid-19.

“This virus is killing black people at an alarming rate in America,” she said, urging viewers to protect themselves.

Play Video 1:34 Beyoncé: coronavirus killing black people at alarming rate in America – video

Elton John performed from his garden in Los Angeles, sitting behind his piano for an uplifting rendition of 1983 hit I’m Still Standing.

He was introduced by David and Victoria Beckham and dedicated the song to those fighting the pandemic: “This is for everyone out there who’s been working on the front line,” he said. “Thank you, thank you, thank you,” he said.

The Rolling Stones, appearing in four separate locations, sang You Can’t Always Get What You Want, with Mick Jagger and Keith Richards playing acoustic guitars.

Wonder, in a tribute to Bill Withers, who died two weeks ago, played Lean on Me, while McCartney, recalling that his mother was a nurse and midwife, sang Lady Madonna.

Facebook Twitter Pinterest Jimmy Fallon (centre) sings with musical group The Roots and frontline medical workers. Photograph: Getty Images/Getty Images for Global Citizen

“You know the coronavirus is trouble when a Beatle gets involved,” quipped Kimmel.

Earlier on Saturday, pop, classical and rap musicians from around the world, took part in a six-hour livestream ahead of the main event.

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The livestream featured the likes of Latin star Luis Fonsi, R&B singer Jennifer Hudson, US women’s soccer player Megan Rapinoe, Hong Kong singer Eason Chan, India’s Vishal Mishra and Emirati musician Hussain Al Jassmi.

The broadcast included social media postings and news clips showing doctors and nurses being applauded by communities around the world, families greeting each other through windows, and acts of kindness in support of those who are isolated and frail.

Celebrities called on people to stay at home, wash their hands regularly, practice social distancing and put pressure on their political leaders to introduce widespread testing for the disease.