
Global Citizen/World Health OrganizationThis week, Guinness World Records revealed that the One World: Together at Home broadcast — which included performances by Paul McCartney, The Rolling Stones, Elton John and dozens more artists and was presented by Global Citizen and the World Health Organization in support of COVID-19 relief efforts — has set not one but two records.
The event, which was curated by Lady Gaga, featured performances by 72 artists in total over eight hours: six hours online, and two hours on primetime television. In addition to Macca, The Stones and Elton, the primetime lineup included Pearl Jam‘s Eddie Vedder, Green Day‘s Billie Joe Armstrong, Coldplay‘s Chris Martin, Stevie Wonder, Bille Eilish, Lady Gaga, Taylor Swift, Celine Dion, Lizzo, Sam Smith, John Legend and Jennifer Lopez. Annie Lennox and Sheryl Crow were among performers who took part in the streaming portion of the special.
The event now holds the record for the most musical acts of any remote music festival, and it also has set the record for the most money ever raised for charity via a remote music festival.
The One World: Together at Home broadcast, which raised nearly $128 million for the World Health Organization’s COVID-19 relief efforts, was conceived to honor, inspire and support front-line healthcare workers and bring families together.
WHO director general Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus says in a statement, “What these record titles signify is the commitment by many international artists, including Lady Gaga, philanthropists, corporations and humanitarians to come together in a global show of solidarity to help people overcome COVID-19.”
By Andrea Dresdale
Copyright © 2020, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.