On Saturday night (June 27), artists, celebrities, medical experts, and leaders alike banded together to help bring an end to COVID-19 (coronavirus).
Global Citizen and the European Commission joined forces to launch “Global Goal: Unite for Our Future — The Summit & The Concert” to recognize those striving to find a treatment for the widespread novel virus impacting the world.
The initiative, launched in May, garnered over $6.9 billion pledged in grants and loans by world leaders, philanthropists, and corporates to support COVID-19 relief.
Actor Dwayne Johnson hosted the entertainment event, which featured performances by some of the biggest names in the industry such as Coldplay, Usher, Miley Cyrus, Shakira, Jennifer Hudson, and many more.
In case you missed the show, scroll down for a quick recap of the biggest moments from “Global Goal” below.
Jennifer Hudson Opens Show With Gladys Knight Classic
The American Idol winner kicked off the event with a moving rendition of Gladys Knight & the Pips’ “Where the Peaceful Waters Flow” on a boat sailing down Chicago River.
The For Love Choir Covers Beyoncé’s “Freedom”
The For Love Choir danced while delivering a haunting, socially-distanced cover of Queen Bey’s song “Freedom” in a valley in Santa Clarita, California.
Miley Cyrus Takes On The Beatles At Iconic Stadium
Center stage at Rose Bowl Stadium, Miley dedicated her cover of the Beatles song “Help!” to medical professionals seeking to end COVID-19.
Original Hamilton Cast Sings "Helpless" with Jimmy Fallon & The Roots
Lin-Manuel Miranda and the original cast of Hamilton united with Jimmy Fallon and The Roots for a spirited at-home a cappella version of “Helpless.”
Kerry Washington & Opal Tometi Urge Parents To Combat Racism For Their Children
“When our children ask what we did to have an impact, I want to be able to tell them that I was a part of the fight for liberation, freedom, and equality for all people,” the Scandal actress said. “That I answered the call — that is what I will say to my kids. What will you tell yours?”
Washington went on to introduce Black Lives Matter co-founder, Opal Tometi, who added, “We can’t afford to behave naively and believe the idea that resources will trickle down to Black communities.”
Usher Emotionally Live-Debuts New Social Justice Song At Global Goal
Usher unleashed a heartfelt first-time live performance of his new song “I Cry,” which is inspired by the Black Lives Matter protests as of late in the wake of the myriad Black citizens losing their lives to racial injustice.
Additionally, proceeds for the song will be donated to Local Initiatives Support Corporation to support women-owned small businesses as well as those run by people of color.
Shakira Delivers Powerful Message With "Sale el Sol"
The Latinx pop star delivered a moving interpretation of her uplifting song “Sale el Sol,” and followed the performance with a critical message about the impact of COVID-19 in foreign countries.
“Latin America is now the hardest-hit region of this pandemic, and experts say Africa will be next,” she said.
“We must do everything we can to help them avoid catastrophic damage," she continued. "Thousands of lives could be endangered by the virus itself and other life-threatening effects of poverty such as hunger. We can all do something about it and that’s why we’re here today."
Billy Porter Remembers Black Activists In History
Porter walked viewers back through time with a tribute dedicated to Black activists before him. “From Miss Rosa Parks to Malcolm to Martin as well as transgender activist Marsha P. Johnson, who boldly stood on the front lines at Stonewall in 1969 — I’ll forever be grateful to those who fought for us to be where we are today,” the Pose star started. “It is up to the current generation to keep fighting to make the world a better place for everyone.”
Coldplay Dedicates “Paradise” Performance to Elijah McClain
The pop band delivered an emotional performance of their song “Paradise” for the late Elijah McClain, the 23-year-old Black man who was killed by police in Aurora, Colorado while walking back home from the store with an iced tea.
J Balvin Enlists Lagos Dreamcatchers For “Que Calor” & “Mi Gente”
The Reggaeton musician recruited the members of the Lagos Dreamcatchers for a stunning, dreamy visual performance of two of Balvin’s hottest bops.
Chloe x Halle Blast Into Outer Space For "Rest of Your Life”
The R&B sisters paired their beautiful vocals with a bright, futuristic presentation of their song, “Rest of Your Life,” from their latest album Ungodly Hour.
Bill Gates’ Short Film Sparks Inspiration Amid COVID-19
Despite the devastating impact of COVID-19, the philanthropist’s uplifting short film How We Have Won in the Past reminded viewers that the world can defeat coronavirus.
“That’s what we want to see here with COVID, is the world working together, helping each other, getting to the end of this disease,” the public health advocate said.
Photo: YouTube/Global Citizen