Who's performing at Lady Gaga's 'One World' global telecast to benefit frontline workers?

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ll have seen that Lady Gaga has been all over the news this week. Usually, you’d expect her to have dropped a new song or album, like her industry-rescuing pop sensation.

However, after appearing on a televised Facetime call with Jimmy Fallon, Gaga announced something rather more spectacular.

One World: Together At Home will be a global benefit telecast for health and front-line workers supporting the world during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Unlike similar charitable shows, Gaga insists our money is not needed: ‘Put your wallets and credit cards away – this is not a fundraiser – money will have already been raised. So just sit back and watch.’

Sounds great! Seeing as the BBC have already acquired rights to broadcast highlights in the UK, this is set to be quite the big deal. According to Gaga, $35million (£28million) has already been raised, including a hefty $10million tip from Apple CEO Tim Cook.

Gaga’s actual role in the show itself is as yet uncertain: although she is named as a co-curator along with Global Citizen and the World Health Organisation (!!), there’s been no word thus far on her actual role on the show.

But, considering her upcoming album Chromatica was due for imminent release but postponed last week, surely the 21st Century’s answer to the Queen of Pop would find a spot on the global stage most opportune. New single, maybe? (PLEASE!)

So without further ado, let’s break down the lineup announced thus far – there’s so much fame and talent on one page, it’s not easy to digest it properly.

The Hosts

One World will be hosted by the most famous of USA hosts: Jimmy Fallon himself, along with Jimmy Kimmel and Stephen Colbert. We’ve all seen their clips on YouTube on the suggestions, let’s be honest.

Three hosts is a pretty big deal, though – perhaps this show will be more like a marathon.

The Talent

Alanis Morissette

If you don’t know who this Canadian-American legend is, listen to “Ironic”. Then you’ll remember who she is. With a string of hits in the 90s, as well as over five million monthly listeners on Spotify, she has quite the loyal fan base.

Having sold more than 75 million records worldwide, she’ll have plenty of content to choose from her 8 albums. It’ll be great timing for her to reintroduce herself internationally, ahead of her 9th studio album release in September.

Andrea Bocelli

Perhaps Italian opera singer Bocelli needn’t much persuasion to sing his heart out for charity. Plans for his own concert in Italy have just made the rounds in the UK national media.

His “Music for Hope” concert will be live streamed from Milan’s Duomo cathedral on his YouTube channel. Of course, there will not be an audience in attendance.

On the joys on live music, he said: ‘Thanks to music, streamed live, bringing together millions of clasped hands everywhere in the world, we will hug this wounded Earth’s pulsing heart.’

I wonder if he’ll say the same thing at One World!

Billie Eilish

What a SNATCH! 18 year-old Eilish has absolutely stolen the show from every popstar this last year. After winning all four general field categories at the 2020 Grammy’s, she became the first person since 1981, let alone the youngest and first female ever to do so.

With over 51 million monthly listeners, she ranks as the 7th most popular artist on Spotify. Her song “Bad Guy” has over 1.3bn views. So yeah – good going, Gaga!

Billie Joe Armstrong

AKA lead vocalist, primary songwriter AND lead guitarist of Green Day. Having confessed to writing six new songs for Green Day in lockdown, perhaps we’ll see some new material.

Recently, his cover of Tiffany’s “I Think We’re Alone Now” has made it on to the Bilboard 200 – faring much better than attempts from the likes of Girls Aloud.

Honestly, wake me up when the wait for this show ends!

Burna Boy

Bringing in some Nigerian representation, singer-songwriter Burna Boy burst on to the scene with “Like to Party” in 2012, and hopefully he’ll be bringing that same energy to the stage later this month.

In 2019, he released his fourth studio album, African Giant, which received a Grammy nomination for Best World Music Album.

Chris Martin

Lead singer and co-founder of rock band Coldplay will be one of the Brits taking to the stage at One World. This is looking to be quite the lineup!

He has also been advocating for staying at home, having recently performed for fans at home through his Instagram page.

David Beckham

Our first non-singer is none other than our Becks, who is quite possibly the most famous footballer in the UK. According to YouGov, he’s the 11th most famous person in the UK of all time (Gaga is at #7, apparently).

It is unsure as to what exactly he’ll be doing – volleying on stage, perhaps? – but it sure is exciting to have some variety at the show.

Recently, Gaga and Beckham teamed up for Tudor’s #BornToDare campaign, in what must be most random collaboration of all time. Still, I’m sure it made it a whole lot easier for Gaga to call him up!

Eddie Vedder

Known for his powerful baritone vocals, Eddie Vedder is lead vocalist, one of three guitarists, and lyricist of rock American rock band Pearl Jam.

There’s quite a lot of rock going on at the moment, but very different styles. One World is going to let avid rock fans absolutely have it!

Elton John

I had to do a bit of research on this one – I wasn’t sure who he was. Said no one, ever!

Considering he announced his retirement a couple of years ago, it must come as a delight to fans that the “Rocket Man” himself will be gracing the stage.

What with his star studded biopic having grossed just shy of $200million (£160million), the Elton John fever is still very much alive.

His relationship with Gaga is very personal, too – he has publicly defended her against Madonna’s previous toxicity towards the younger star. Not to mention, Gaga is the godmother to his two children.

Finneas

Singer-songwriter, producer and actor Finneas O’Connell, known mononymously as Finneas, is the genius behind many global smash hits, including those of sister Billie Eilish.

Perhaps they’ll perform as a duo? If not, Finneas has plenty of songs under his own name which he could showcase to the world.

Idris and Sabrina Elba

Idris Elba has confirmed he has tested positive for coronavirus and gone into self-isolation

Having recently recovered from COVID-19 themselves, the cause will mean so much more Idris and wife Sabrina. It is therefore unsurprising that they would want to be involved with this global benefit concert.

A real superstar in Hollywood, Idris in one of the 20 highest earning stars in Hollywood. He is known for internationally recognised acting roles in The Wire, the eponymous Luther, and all three Thor films.

As for him and his actor/model wife Sabrina’s performance at the show, perhaps they’ll be talking candidly about their own experiences with the pandemic.

J Balvin

Latin powerhouse singer J Balvin will cha-cha his way on to the stage. He’s certainly earned his stripes in his time: he’s a winner of five Bilboard Latin Music Awards and four Latin Grammy Awards.

He insists on singing almost exclusively in Spanish in his music in the effort to bring Spanish-language music to a global audience. One World will be most definitely be a rung in the ladder for him.

Known for his eccentric and colourful fashion sense, hopefully he’ll be serving us some decent fashion!

John Legend

Much like Chris Martin, the Legend that is John has actively encourage his fans to stay indoors, in a live stream, at-home concert on his Instagram.

With a string of ballads and pop hits under his belt, One World can only be that little bit more legendary (sorry).

Kacey Musgraves

Six-time Grammy award winning singer-songwriter Kacey Musgraves will be giving country fans all over the world some much needed representation.

More than just a singer, Musgraves is able to play the mandolin, harmonica, banjo and guitar. Perhaps we’ll get some music lessons!

Keith Urban

Fellow country singer New Zealand-Australian Keith Urban has released nine albums in total and headlined over ten tours. He’s also opened for The Eagles.

TV and YouTube fans may also recognise him as a judge on American Idol Australia’s The Voice.

Kerry Washington

Widely known for her role as Olivia Pope in Scandal, Kerry Washington was included in the Time 100 list of 2014. She’s also the 8th highest-paid television actress, so she’s a woman who knows her own worth, alright.

Washington is no stranger to philanthropic affairs: she is a member of the Creative Coalition, which tackles issues pertinent to modern society; she’s also a part of V-day, which raises awareness for violence against women and girls.

Lang Lang

Chinese concert pianist Lang Lang has performed with leading orchestras internationally. He’s been listed before on Time‘s “100 Most Influential People in the World”.

Generally recognised as one of the most exciting pianists of the 21st Century, his act will appeal to lovers of classical music, and anyone who appreciates raw musical talent.t

Lizzo

2019 saw the astronomically triumphant rise of trailblazer Lizzo. Last year’s Cuz I Love You spawned internationally successful singles such as “Juice” and “Tempo”. New fans obviously recognised their failure of support, as 2016’s “Good as Hell” began to climb the charts again, and is now probably her most popular song.

Without a doubt, Lizzo will bring her infectious energy to One World. Hashtags at the ready, Twitter!

Maluma

Colombian singer-songwriter Maluma has had numerous singles reach the top 10 of Bilboard Latin Music. He is known for his work with massive pop stars, such as fellow Colombian Shakira, and none-other-than Madonna, who he collaborated with to make “Medellin”, which served as the lead single from her latest album Madame X.

With all the beef between Gaga and Madonna in the past, perhaps her invitation was lost in the post.

Paul McCartney

Yes, that’s right – a man responsible for shaping the music industry to the way it has been since the 1960s – Paul McCartney will be in attendance.

Along with John Lennon, Liverpudlian McCartney was behind most of The Beatles’ hits, including “Let it Be”, which occurred to him in a dream about his mother.

As if The Beatles wasn’t enough, Paul McCartney’s band Wings also became one of the most successful groups of all time. More recently, he hits number 1 worldwide with Rihanna and Kanye West on stripped back classic “FourFiveSeconds”.

Priyanka Chopna Jonas

Indian singer, actress, film producer and winner of Miss World 2000 Pageant Priyanka Chopna Jonas will also be in attendance.

A prominent voice on many social causes, Jonas was appointed national and global UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador for women’s rights in 2010 and then again in 2016.

Speaking of One World, Jonas told CBS News that it that virtual festival will ‘put pressure’ on the private sector and governments to be supporting communities dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic.

Shak Rukh Khan

Known as SRK, he has been dubbed “King of Bollywood”. He has a loyal following in Asia and the Indian diaspora worldwide.

In moments of crisis, he has provided health care and disaster relief, making him a perfect representative for the concert.

Stevie Wonder

Topping off the list is one of the most successful artists in the history of music, Stevie Wonder. A child prodigy, he had his first USA number 1 at age 13. He has sold over 100 million records worldwide, and won 25 Grammy awards.

In 2009, he was named a United Nations Messenger of Peace. Respected by all demographics internationally, his appearance will help bring viewers in by the millions.

And there we have it – the meteoric powerhouse of One Voice will serve as the united front against the Coronavirus pandemic, bringing people together remotely, and emphasising the kindness of the human spirit.

I’ll be watching, that’s for sure!

You can watch the live international stream here. UK fans can watch One World: Together At Home highlights on Sunday 19th April on BBC1.