Celebrities combat COVID-19 by giving back

Shereen Ahmed and Amrita Himmatraopet|May 3, 2020

As people turn to media from their homes, government officials and celebrities have become the face of COVID-19.

Every day when we turn on the news, we realize that life is not how it used to be. It feels like we’re living in an alternate reality. Instead of late-night shows and celebrities on the red carpet, the TV is filled with news of the tragedy and sadness of COVID-19.

However, while these famous figures are not seen on TV, they are still showing their support on social media by holding online concerts and donating towards prevention efforts in order to help fight the virus.

Thanks to NPR News and other programs as well as individual artists, many artists have been doing live streams on various social media such as Instagram and Twitch. These virtual “concerts” have received attention from music lovers of all ages, and many have found them to be pick-me-ups in these difficult times.

Artists such as John Legend, Swae Lee of southern hip-hop duo Rae Sremmurd, Doja Cat and Rex Orange County have been streaming concerts from their homes on Instagram Live, stepping up and encouraging people to stay home.

With many late-night hosts now using YouTube as their new platform, audiences can still be entertained online. Hosts such as Jimmy Fallon are bringing in guests via webcam; he brought in Russel Wilson and Ciara when his daughter lost a tooth, adding some wholesome fun.

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Additionally, many companies such as Facebook have put together events with their platform to provide people more comfort.

On April 11, Facebook Live hosted the “Human to Human” concert featuring artists such as Alec Benjamin, Andrew McMahon, Butch Walker, Grouplove, and Hunter Hayes. Over $50,000 in profit from this show will go toward the Plus 1’s, MusiCares’, and Sweet Relief’s COVID-19 funds.

One week later on April 18, “One World: Together At Home” brought together dozens of artists, including Lady Gaga, Lizzo, Paul McCartney, Jennifer Lopez and Taylor Swift, on the YouTube channel Global Citizen, raising nearly $128 million for various health care efforts.

Many celebrities have also put in money in order to combat the virus. Halsey, for example, donated 100,000 masks to four Southern California hospitals.

The 25-year-old singer said, “If you are on the frontlines, my heart is with you. And I will be continuing the fight to help you get the support and resources you need.”

When New York Governor Andrew Cuomo called for companies to help meet the shortages of healthcare supplies faced by hospitals, many fashion companies also began contributing to hospitals and health care workers. Brands such as Nike and New Balance have been repurposing their shoes into masks, and Carrhartt has been working toward contributing other protective clothing, such as gowns.

Celebrities are not just donating masks and protective gear but also other essential needs such as food. Lady Gaga has donated to the America Food Fund in addition to working with the World Health Organization’s COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund, creating a combined $35 million in profit.

COVID-19 has taken the world by storm, but celebrities have contributed their strength in these difficult times. Many celebrities’ donations have been a sign of their support to the stay-at-home order, encouraging people to follow it in order to stop the spread of the virus. Ultimately, the music and entertainment industry has found a way to keep us all connected, creating a positive community and bringing hope to many people’s lives.