US $8 million raised by Elton John, Alicia Keys, Mariah Carey, and other artists performing from their homes

A weekend benefit broadcast featuring recording stars performing live music online from home, raised nearly US $8 million for two charities serving first responders and Americans facing economic hardship amid the coronavirus crisis.

The Sunday night show, hosted by Elton John from his kitchen, featured Billie Eilish, the Backstreet Boys, Lizzo, Alicia Keys, Mariah Carey, Lady Gaga and Tim McGraw - all appearing by way of smartphones, home cameras or online platforms.

The Fox broadcast network carried the hour-long show, dubbed the “iHeart Living Room Concert for America,” live without commercial interruption, drawing 8.7 million television viewers.

The songs were interspersed with short personal stories from nurses, doctors, truckers, grocery staff, and other essential workers as millions of Americans entered a second full week subjected to stay-at-home orders designed to curb the spread of coronavirus.

[Source: Reuters]