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MUSICAL CHARITY: SINGERS JOIN THE FIGHT AGAINST COVID-19
Music has a way of uniting people and creating a sense of community. Now, more than ever, the support of a worldwide community is just what we need. Celebrities and public figures around the world are joining the fight against the coronavirus by making charitable donations and advocating for organizations that are doing their part to battle the spread.
Musicians are helping out, too, by doing what they do best, uniting their fans through music. Performers all around the world are releasing fundraising singles to round up donations for organizations like the National Health Service in the United Kingdom and the World Health Organization.
Even charity hero and war veteran Captain Tom Moore has joined in, becoming the oldest person to top Britain’s music charts. The centenarian appeared on Michael Ball’s cover of “You’ll Never Walk Alone,” raising money for the National Health Service (NHS) Charities Together.
From Ariana Grande to rock band Queen, these philanthropic musicians are counting on fans to "play it forward" during the fight against COVID-19.
ARIANA GRANDE & JUSTIN BIEBER:
Pop superstars Justin Bieber and Ariana Grande are teaming up on a charity single to benefit frontline workers.
The two stars will be collaborating for the first time on a duet that will fund scholarships for the children of health and emergency workers on the frontlines of the coronavirus pandemic.
The duet, called "Stuck With U," was released on May 8, and all net proceeds from streaming and sales of the duet will be donated to the First Responders Children's Foundation. The donation will be used to fund grants and scholarships for the children of those working during the pandemic.
"We hope we make a big difference with this, and we hope it uplifts you and makes you feel happy," Grande said in a statement.
The single is the first in a series from Scooter Braun, who manages both singers, that will benefit charities during the year, Braun said.
AMANDA HOLDEN
Across the pond, “Britain’s Got Talent” judge Amanda Holden has released her debut single, a cover of 'Over The Rainbow,' to raise funds for NHS Charities Together.
Holden had recorded a cover of Judy Garland's classic 'Over The Rainbow' from the 1939 movie 'The Wizard of Oz' for a project last year. She decided to release the recording as a charity single, as a way to give back to the British health service. She credits the NHS with not only saving her life, but also those of her family members over the years.
When asked about the song choice for her debut single, she said, "Life has taken a really funny turn, but one thing that I think has become really clear is that we are all in this together. More than ever, we've reconnected with love and hope during this time.” reasons to be grateful to the NHS and it is brilliant that Amanda has decided to use her profile and talents to raise money in support of the NHS staff, volunteers and patients who are dealing with the crisis right now.
"I love the message of hope in the song, and fingers crossed it will raise lots of money for the appeal."
QUEEN & ADAM LAMBERT
Queen and Adam Lambert have released 'You Are The Champions' to raise funds for the WHO's COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund.
The fundraising rendition of the rock legends' iconic 1977 hit 'We Are The Champions' got its live debut during a performance on Instagram by guitarist Brian May. The lyrics of the classic song are changed to pay tribute to the healthcare workers and "frontline soldiers" around the world fighting to save lives amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Talking about the meaning behind the song, Brian May said: "It seems to me we should dedicate this one to all the frontline soldiers fighting for humanity against the insurgent coronavirus. "Just like our parents, grandparents, and great grandparents who fought for us in two world wars, those brave warriors in the front line are our new CHAMPIONS.
"That means the doctors, nurses, cleaners, porters, drivers, tea-ladies and gentlemen, and all who are quietly risking their lives daily to save the lives of our kin. CHAMPIONS ALL!!! (sic)"
Drummer Roger Taylor's daughter Dr. Rory Taylor, a key NHS worker, is featured in the accompanying music video.
He said: "As a father with a daughter in the front line, I am ultra-aware of the vital work they are doing daily to save us and our society. hundred percent effort by our governments to protect them. They are precious to us all, and they are truly our champions."
Adam Lambert, who has been performing lead vocals in the place of late great frontman Freddie Mercury since 2011, added: "It is with the deepest gratitude to all those on the frontline all over the world that we dedicate our performance.
"Thank you for keeping us safe. We are in awe of your bravery and strength."
The charity rendition is fitting, considering Freddie Mercury originally wrote the anthem as a rallying cry to unite the world. What better way to round up the support of a nation coming together?