iHeartMedia and FOX brought the biggest names in music together for the benefit special FOX PRESENTS THE IHEART LIVING ROOM CONCERT FOR AMERICA, a music event to provide entertainment relief and support for Americans to help fight the spread of the COVID-19 virus and to celebrate the resilience and strength of the nation during this pandemic, live on FOX; on iHeartMedia radio stations nationwide and on the iHeartRadio app. Hosted by Elton John, the benefit special featured performances from Alicia Keys, Backstreet Boys, Billie Eilish, Billie Joe Armstrong of Green Day, Camila Cabello and Shawn Mendes, Dave Grohl, H.E.R., Mariah Carey, Sam Smith, Tim McGraw and more, from their own homes.
In Los Angeles, Alicia Keys opened the benefit special with a performance of “Underdog,” saying, “This song is like a prayer. I hope that we remember how resilient we are, and how we defy the odds.” She dedicated the song “To all first responders and medical professionals that are risking their life to keep us safe. We’re so grateful.”
Elton John hosted the benefit special from his house in Los Angeles and greeted viewers at home with a warm welcome, letting everyone know that “We’re taking care of each other, looking out for each other, doing what we can during this crisis. There’s a lot of grief out there, uncertainty and fear, but let me tell you what’s going to keep us together – all the goodness that’s still happening in the world. Those doctors, nurses and scientists on the front lines – they’re living proof that most superheroes don’t wear capes.” He later closed the show by performing a snippet of “Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me.”
Before introducing Billie Eilish, Elton John lightheartedly assured all the parents concerned about homeschooling their kids that Eilish was homeschooled and “…homeschooled kids can grow up to win a bunch of Grammys.” Eilish then performed her hit single, “Bad Guy,” as her brother Finneas played the guitar and sang along.
Backstreet Boys performed “I Want It That Way” from five different locations across the country. Kevin Richardson’s kids even made a cameo appearance to perform alongside their dad.
At home in Miami, Shawn Mendes made a special appearance and played the guitar during Camila Cabello’s performance of “My Oh My.” Before their acoustic set Camila advised, “The best thing we can do right now is stay at home – in order to protect our loved ones, in order to protect each other, in order to protect the people that are most vulnerable.” Shawn chimed in to say “Thank you so much to all the incredible brave nurses and doctors out there working so hard everyday. We’re thinking about you so much – thank you for everything you’re doing.”
Lady Gaga made a special appearance to check in and make sure everyone is “Finding the time to be kind to yourself and doing whatever you can to maintain your mental health – social distancing isn’t easy, but try to chat with your friends remotely.” She continued, “Move your body, meditate when you can and otherwise find joy however you can. For me I try to find joy every day in a moment of gratitude.”
Elton John placed a video call to Lizzo in Palm Springs as they both spread messages of positivity during these trying times.
Mariah Carey performed “Always Be My Baby” from her own home studio in New York while accompanied by her pianist and background singers.
Ellen DeGeneres shared a message of thanks before introducing H.E.R, who performed “Keep Holding On” from her living room in New York and told everyone that “…it’s amazing how I think music can bring us all together, even though we’re all at home.”
Demi Lovato encouraged fans to support Feeding America® and First Responders Children’s Foundation. She also shared a message of hope and resilience before performing a snippet of her triumphant song, “Skyscraper.”
Sam Smith performed their single, “How Do You Sleep,” from his bedroom in London and told fans at home, “Music is making me feel a lot better right now.”
Tim McGraw performed “Something Like That” poolside in Nashville as his daughter filmed the performance. His band also made appearances from their remote locations to play their guitars and piano.
Billie Joe Armstrong of Green Day told fans “…it’s an honor to be playing for everybody right now,” before he performed “Boulevard of Broken Dreams” in West Contra Costa, California, while his dogs crashed his set.
Dave Grohl from Foo Fighters performed “My Hero” from Hawaii, and told fans “If you love someone, let them know. If you’re thankful for someone, tell them.”
In addition to music, the hour-long concert also featured inspirational messages from guests and special appearances from Ciara and Russell Wilson, Demi Lovato Ellen DeGeneres, Ken Jeong, Lady Gaga, Lizzo, Melissa McCarthy and Ben Falcone as well as Ryan Seacrestand more as the benefit special paid tribute to the front line health professionals, first responders and local heroes who are putting their lives in harm’s way to help their neighbors and fight the spread of the virus. The music event also encouraged viewers to support two of the many charitable organizations helping victims and first responders during the panfdemic: Feeding America® and First Responders Children’s Foundation.
YouTube will stream the “FOX PRESENTS THE IHEART LIVING ROOM CONCERT FOR AMERICA” available NOW through Wednesday at 10 p.m. ET oniHeartRadio’s YouTube Channel. Fans can set up a reminder to #StayHome and #TuneIn to the YouTube stream by visiting: