Entertainers Raise Money, Cancel Live

Events for Virus

From benefit concerts to canceled events,

here's a look at some of the ways the
entertainment industry is reacting to the
coronavirus.

Elton John Home Concert

On March 29, Elton John led a benefit concert
that featured Billie Eilish, Mariah Carey and
Alicia Keys, raising nearly $8 million to fight the coronavirus.  The musicians
performed from their homes for the hour-long event that aired on Fox and
iHeartMedia radio stations. The money will go to Feeding America and First
Responders Children's Foundation.

Rihanna Gives Again

Rihanna's Clara Lionel Foundation is donating $1 million to COVID-19
response – a number that is being matched by Jay-Z's Shawn Carter
Foundation. The combined $2 million will support undocumented workers, the
children of health workers and first responders, and the incarcerated, elderly
and homeless populations in New York City and Los Angeles.

At the end of March, the Clara Lionel Foundation gave $5 million to food banks,
virus testing, healthcare worker training, virus prevention and distributing
respiratory supplies.

Songwriters Hall of Fame Gala Postponed

Mariah Carey, The Isley Brothers and the Eurythmics will have to wait a year
before they get inducted into The Songwriters Hall of Fame.  The Hall has
rescheduled its annual gala from June 11 this year to June 10, 2021.

CMA Fest Canceled

The Country Music Association (CMA) announced that it will not hold its annual
CMA Fest in Nashville this year. The festival, which has been held for more
than 40 years, draws thousands of country music fans over a four-day weekend
in June.

The CMA Fest website said that those who purchased passes for this year can
use them for next year's festival or request a refund.

Discussion
1.
Do you listen to any of the musicians mentioned in the article? If so,
which ones? If not, why not?
2.
Have any events in your country been cancelled due to COVID-19?
Please explain your answer.
3.
How are celebrities in your country helping during the coronavirus
pandemic?
4.
Are there any celebrities that you particularly admire? Please explain
your answer.
5.
If you were a celebrity, what would you do to help those in need?
Please explain your answer.

Further Discussion
1.
Do you think you'd enjoy working in the entertainment industry? Why?
Why not?
2.
What's the best concert you've ever been to? Please share your
experience.
3.
If you could attend any concert in history, which would you choose and
why?
4.
What musicians do you hope to see live someday? Please explain your
answer.
5.
Which of your favorite musicians would you most like to meet? Why?