Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Drake, Justin Bieber and Celine Dion pay tribute to frontline workers on Canadian TV special

Ryan Reynolds, Will Arnett and Amy Poehler were also among the stars urging people to donate to charity

Louis Chilton
Monday 27 April 2020 01:44 EDT
Comments
Justin Bieber and Kendall Jenner face backlash over 'tone-deaf' comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Drake and Justin Bieber were among a host of high-profile celebrities who appeared on Stronger Together, Tous Ensemble, a Canadian TV event to raise money for charity.

Michael Bublé, Celine Dion, Ryan Reynolds, Will Arnett and Amy Poehler also featured on the special, in which they urged people to donate to Food Banks Canada.

Drake used his appearance to pay tribute to the work of frontline workers during the coronavirus pandemic: “Just to see the morale, the smiles, the high spirits on everyone’s face that I got to encounter in that situation, despite everything going on, it’s inspiring to see people leave their families every day and go to work amid this crisis, as dangerous as it is.”

“Thank you for that,” added the “God’s Plan” rapper.

Bieber, meanwhile, confirmed that he was self-isolating, saying: “We are sending our love and prayers. We are going to get through this together.”

The 90-minute-long event began with a live musical performance from Bublé, Barenaked Ladies and Sofia Reyes of a quarantine-focused song called “Gotta be Patient (Enjoy the Confination)”.

Dion was also among those praising the work of frontline workers, saying: “These people have families and loved ones who they’re worried about. And they still go out to serve us and save us. ... Let us take care of each other.”

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in