Many of the music world’s biggest stars came together for “Global Goal: Unite For Our Future” on Saturday (June 27), in Global Citizen’s star-studded virtual concert that spanned the globe to recognize communities disproportionately affected by the coronavirus pandemic. Classic songs were covered, huge hits were revisited and repositioned, and superstars spoke out to raise awareness — as well as a whopping $6.9 billion in pledges from the event.
While you can learn more about the “Global Goal” campaign here, watch every musical highlight from the virtual showcase below:
Jennifer Hudson’s Soaring Kick-Off
“The power of unity creates change,” the Oscar winner and R&B star declared at the top of “Global Goal,” and Hudson gave the virtual concert a rousing start with a luxurious performance of “Where Peaceful Waters Flow” while cruising on the peaceful waters of downtown Chicago.
Justin Bieber and Quavo’s Stripped-Down Hit
“Intentions” has been one of the biggest pop hits of 2020, and its creators, Justin Bieber and Quavo, turned it into a sparse, moving ballad while being filmed in grayscale, resulting in a compelling new take on the track.
Christine and the Queens’ Dance Routine
Christine and the Queens has become one of the most mesmerizing live performers in pop, and she brought that energy to her virtual presentation of “La Vita Nuova,” the camera following her as she roamed and shimmied across an empty, domed venue.
Chloe x Halle’s Laser Light Spectacular
Fresh off the release of their great new album Ungodly Hour, the sister duo held nothing back during their performance of “Rest of Your Life,” exhibiting rock-star swagger while surrounded by neon lasers.
Shakira’s Rooftop Words of Wisdom
“Latin America is now the hardest-hit region of this pandemic, and experts say Africa will be next,” the superstar told the camera before an inspiring performance of “Sale El Sol,” expressing an urgency that translated across continents. “We can all do something about it, and that’s why we’re here today.”
For King & Country, Tori Kelly and Kirk Franklin’s Message of Unity
Interspersed between striking footage of global protests, For King & Country, Tori Kelly and Kirk Franklin harmonized on their collaboration “Together,” letting the images speak volumes and they provided a soundtrack against black backdrops.
Miley Cyrus’ Roaring Beatles Rendition
Anyone expecting Miley Cyrus to deliver a conventional performance during “Global Goal” was sadly mistaken: in an empty Rose Bowl Stadium, the pop star covered the Beatles classic “Help!,” glittering as she stood in the center of the exclamation point on the giant ‘HELP!’ on the field.
J Balvin’s Fantasy World
Throughout the past year, J Balvin has paired his global anthems with eye-popping visuals, and he did so while performing “Que Calor” and “Mi Gente” in a dreamy pastel universe while accompanied by members of the Nigerian youth dance group the Dreamcatchers.
The Original Hamilton Cast’s Loving Reunion
One week before Broadway smash Hamilton hits Disney+, Lin-Manuel Miranda and the original cast came together again (virtually, of course) to perform “Helpless,” using toy instruments to demonstrate the chemistry that helped make their show a global phenomenon.
Yemi Alade’s Thrilling Arrival
Nigerian singer-songwriter Yemi Alade may not have the name recognition in the United States of some of the other performers on “Global Goal,” but with her heartfelt, happy-go-lucky performance on “Shekere,” the Afropop star succinctly showcased the talent that demands more U.S. attention.
J’Nai Bridges’ Mind-Blowing Operatics
Joined by the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Youth Orchestra of Los Angeles and conductor Gustavo Dudamel, J’Nai Bridges brought some decadent opera to “Global Goal” with an epic performance of “Heaven” and “He’s Got The Whole World In His Hands.”
Usher’s Emotional New Song
Usher may best be known for his top 40 radio smashes, but just-released single “I Cry” reflects on racial injustice with honesty and raw feeling; his performance on “Global Goal” paired his chart-topping voice with a powerful cause, and the result was deeply affecting.
Coldplay’s Dedication of “Paradise”
After being introduced by a Nelson Mandela quote, Coldplay rocked through “Paradise,” and as Chris Martin’s falsetto tailed off at the end, the words “Dedicated to the memory of Elijah McClain” appeared onscreen, a recognition of another tragic death and example of brutality.
John Legend’s Tribute To Healthcare Workers
During a brief segment, John Legend’s new song “Bigger Love” was used to soundtrack the heroics of frontline workers, in a much-deserved nod to the healthcare leaders in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic.
