The Benefit for Hurricane Relief, Hand in Hand, reunited A-listers in a telethon with the intention to help those who may be affected by Hurricane Irma in addition to those affected by Hurricane Harvey, raising more than $44 million.
The one-hour special started with singer Stevie Wonder addressing the climate change issue in a very strong and political tone if you will, but also comforting the people who lost it all during the storms. "We come together today to love on people that have been devastated by the hurricanes," said Wonder, who sang "Lean on Me." "When love goes into action, it preferences no color of skin, no ethnicity, no religious beliefs, no sexual preferences, and no political persuasions. It just loves," he continued.
Using harsh words for climate change deniers, he said, "Anyone who believes that there is no such thing as global warming must be blind or unintelligent," he said.
Besides Wonder, other celebrities expressed the importance of unity and referenced to politic situations. Beyoncé, a Houston native, pointed out that, "It’s impossible to watch the news without seeing violence or racism in this country."
"Just when you think it couldn’t possibly get worse, natural disasters take precious life, do massive damage, and forever change lives, leaving behind contaminated water, flooded hospitals, schools, and nursing homes and countless families are now homeless," she continued. “Natural disasters don’t discriminate. They don’t see if you’re an immigrant, black or white, Hispanic or Asian, Jewish or Muslim, wealthy or poor. It doesn’t matter if you’re from Third Ward or River Oaks; we’re all in this together.”
She also remembered other natural disasters that have taken place around the world in the past few weeks, including the earthquake in Mexico. Wonder also discussed the issue, and had harsh words for climate change deniers.
Stars like Oprah Winfrey, Cher, Sean “Diddy” Combs, Selena Gomez, among others, told stories of those who were directly impacted by the hurricanes. In several locations around the country music superstars sang support anthems to all the communities.
Find below performances from Usher and Blake Shelton, Luis Fonsi and Tori Kelly, Brad Paisley, Demi Lovato, Darius Rucker, Cece Winans and others great moments.
- Tori Kelly & Luis Fonsi - Hallelujah
- Usher and Blake Shelton - Stand By Me
- Demi Lovato, Brad Paisley, Cece Winans and Darius Rucker - 'With A Little Help From My Friends'
Justin Bieber, Sofia Vergara, Oprah Winfrey, Julia Roberts, Gerardo Ortiz, J Balvin, among others, were answering phones during the telethon. All the donations will be managed by Idol Gives Back, and will distribute them to organizations.
Watch the full special below.
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