On Friday night, MusiCares -- the philanthropic arm of the Recording Academy that focuses on assisting music industry members with mental health and financial hardship -- held its annual star-studded fundraising event, with artists including Elton John Zooming in for the cause.
"This year's mission feels more urgent," the British legend said of the normally black-tie gala that also was shifted online.
Ringo Starr, Mick Fleetwood, Shakira, Bonnie Raitt, and Gloria Estefan were among the music greats urging donations to the fund after a year that left the industry in freefall.
The event relied on a mix of recorded performances from past years, from the likes of Lady Gaga, Paul McCartney, and Bruce Springsteen, along with fresh shows from artists including John Legend, and Album of the Year nominees Haim and Jhene Aiko.
Grammys organizers are plugging performances as a reason to tune in Sunday, bringing in heavyweights including Cardi B, Swift, Eilish, Lipa, Harry Styles, South Korean boy band sensation BTS, and rapper DaBaby to light up screens.
Latin trap superstar Bad Bunny will also appear, as well as country stars Brandi Carlile, Maren Morris, and Mickey Guyton -- the first Black woman ever nominated in the country category.
Comedian Trevor Noah is set to host Sunday's show, which the Academy has dedicated to the resilience of the music industry as well as frontline workers combatting the spread of Covid-19.
"All these months... it's been so hard on everyone," interim Recording Academy president Harvey Mason Jr said during the MusiCares event.
"But as we know music brings us together, lifts our spirits, and has the power to heal."
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