Kacey Musgraves & Keith Urban Perform on Global Citizen Live Stream

On Saturday night, April 19th, 2020, Global Citizen put together a star-studded live stream concert to benefit COVID-19 relief all around the world, One World Together At Home. Global Citizen, well known for its in-person, free admission festivals, made sure that the event was accessible to everyone, streaming it on twitter and multiple channels on cable TV. Pop superstar Lady Gaga curated the entire event, and Stephen Colbert, Jimmy Fallon, and Jimmy Kimmel hosted. The night was filled with music, public service announcements, and most of all, hope.

Lady Gaga opened and closed the show, and there were multiple performances that were really powerful. Stevie Wonder paid tribute to the late Bill Withers, singing a mashup of “Lean On Me” and “Love Can Make It Right”. He accompanied himself on the piano, his signature instrument, and he sounded as good as ever. Sir Paul McCartney performed as well, telling everyone at home that we need to “strengthen healthcare systems all over the world so a crisis like this never happens again”, and he also gave a “sincere thank you to those risking their lives [to get] people through this crazy time.” The Rolling Stones performed “You Can’t Get What You Want” via zoom, and it was one of the highlights of the night. Between Mick Jagger’s electric vocal performance and Charlie Watts electronic air drum show, it was equal parts impressive and joyful.

One of the standout performances of the night was when Kacey Musgraves sang her reassuringly beautiful song “Rainbow” on the piano. It was the first time fans had gotten to see her play the piano; she usually plays guitar and banjo on stage. It was an extremely vulnerable moment, as the lyrics and the melody made everyone remember that “it’ll all be alright”. While she was singing, there were powerful pictures displayed of people drawing rainbows on their doors and putting post-it notes on their windows, all relaying the universal message that there is beauty out there in the world. “It’s gonna be alright,” Musgraves said, smiling into the camera. “Stay strong.”

There were cameos throughout the night from many famous faces, such as former First Lady Michelle Obama, Beyoncè, Mayor DeBlasio, Billy Ray Cyrus, Oprah, and even Sesame Street character Abby Cadabby. They honored the first responders, healthcare workers, and those working on the frontlines during this other-worldly time.

Keith Urban surprised fans with a cover of Steve Winwood’s hit “Higher Love”, complete with three Urban “clones”, where he harmonized with himself on guitar and vocals. At the end of his upbeat performance, Nicole Kidman stepped into the camera to say her thank-yous to the first responders.

Taylor Swift was one of the last performances of the night, and she sang her deeply personal album cut “Soon You’ll Get Better” on the piano. It was one of the best and most raw performances of the night, and it took a lot of bravery from Swift to sing it. It was clear that she was holding back tears as she sang, “soon you’ll get better… ‘cuz you have to.”

It’s a strange time to be living in the world. It’s not like anything most of us have ever experienced, and luckily, there is music and art that can provide solace and shelter when we need it most. Some artists may choose to push back projects or releases, others are creating more than ever and sharing their art with the world. Music can heal, and it’s proof that nobody’s alone in this right now.

The entire event can be seen below.

Musicares and ACM Lifting Lives are two organizations among many doing amazing work to provide COVID relief. Stay safe, and remember, Kindness Isn’t Canceled.

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