Elton John hosting TV, radio ‘living room’ concert to lift spirits during pandemic

Alicia Keys, Billie Eilish, Mariah Carey, the Backstreet Boys, Tim McGraw and Billie Joe Armstrong are scheduled to take part in the event airing at 8-9 p.m. Sunday on Fox TV and on iHeartMedia radio stations.

SHARE Elton John hosting TV, radio ‘living room’ concert to lift spirits during pandemic
Elton John performs “(I’m Gonna) Love Me Again” nominated for the award for best original song from “Rocketman” at the Oscars in February.

Elton John performs “(I’m Gonna) Love Me Again” nominated for best original song from “Rocketman” at the Oscars in February.

AP

LOS ANGELES — Elton John is hosting a “living room” concert aimed at bolstering American spirits during the coronavirus crisis and saluting those countering it, iHeartMedia and Fox said Wednesday.

Alicia Keys, Billie Eilish, Mariah Carey, the Backstreet Boys, Tim McGraw and Billie Joe Armstrong are scheduled to take part in the event airing at 8-9 p.m. Sunday on Fox TV and on iHeartMedia radio stations.

The artists will be filmed with cell phones, cameras and audio equipment in their homes “to ensure the health and safety of all involved,” according to a statement. The event will take the time slot that was to belong to the iHeartRadio Music Awards, which became part of a wave of public-event postponements and cancellations because of the pandemic.

Besides performances, the commercial-free concert will honor health professionals, first responders and others who are “putting their lives in harm’s way to help their neighbors and fight the spread of the virus,” the media companies said.

Viewers will be asked to support two of the charitable organizations aiding victims and first responders during the pandemic: Feeding America and First Responders Children’s Foundation.

Fox’s digital platform also will carry the concert.

For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia and death.

The Latest
The incident occurred during the Critical Mass group bike ride, a monthly event where cyclists meet at Daley Plaza on the last Friday of every month and ride throughout the city.
Tony Maticic was doing his rounds when he saw about 2 feet of water cascading out the door of the Heartland Animal Shelter. His quick action helped save the lives of 101 dogs and cats.
‘Savor After Hours,’ the African/Caribbean International Festival of Life, the Chicago Craft Beer Fest and Keith Urban in concert at NASCAR Chicago are among the highlights in the week ahead.
The Times also highlighted Bungalow’s home-made wine in a story earlier this year.
The San Diego-based chain is planning to open eight 24-hour restaurants in the city and suburbs in 2025 and 2026. One will be near Midway Airport, and the rest in the suburbs.