By Laura French
NEW YORK — FOX and iHeartMedia will present a special music event on Sunday to pay tribute to the front-line first responders of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The “Living Room Concert for America” will be hosted by Elton John and broadcast on the FOX network and iHeartMedia radio stations Sunday, March 29, in lieu of the iHeartRadio Music Awards. Donations from viewers and listeners will be contributed to the First Responders Children’s Foundation, according to a press release from the foundation.
The contributions will go toward the foundation’s #FirstRespondersStrong COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund, which was established through the support of CSX’s Pride in Service initiative, a year-round commitment to support the nation’s military, veterans and first responders.
The event aims to provide entertainment relief and support for Americans who help fight the spread of the COVID-19 virus and to celebrate the resilience and strength of the nation during the pandemic. Performing from their own homes, artists will be filmed with their personal cellphones, cameras and audio equipment, to ensure the health and safety of all involved.
Artists scheduled to perform include Alicia Keys, the Backstreet Boys, Billie Eilish, Billie Joe Armstrong, Camila Cabello, Dave Grohl, H.E.R., Mariah Carey, Sam Smith and Tim McGraw with guest appearances from Ciara, Demi Lovato, Lizzo, Russell Wilson and more.
In addition to the performances, the hour-long concert will also recognize the front-line health professionals and first responders who are fighting the spread of the virus. The benefit will encourage viewers to participate in the First Responders Children’s Foundation’s #FirstRespondersStrong campaign to thank first responders.
The concert will air 9-10 p.m. ET/6-7 p.m. PT on FOX and on iHeartMedia radio stations nationwide as well as via the iHeartRadio app. The event will also be available across all of FOX’s digital platforms.
“It’s during challenging times like these that we see people from across the country step up and show our first responders that we are here to support them in the same way that they are here for us 365 days a year,” said First Responders Children’s Foundation President Jillian Crane. “We would like to thank iHeartMedia, FOX, the artists performing, and all those who have come together to produce this benefit in support of #FirstRespondersStrong for giving thanks and raising financial support for our first responders who put their lives on the line for us today and every day.”
First Responders Children’s Foundation encourages first responders who need financial assistance to apply for COVID-19 Emergency Response grants. The First Responders Children’s Foundation COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund provides emergency financial assistance to first responders facing financial hardship due to tragic circumstances and is prepared to address critical needs within the first responder community.
The COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund is supported through corporate partnerships and individual donations to the Foundation’s #FirstRespondersStrong fundraising campaign. Contributions to the fund can be made by visiting www.1stRCF.org, and messages of thanks can be shared on social media using hashtag #FirstRespondersStrong and tagging First Responders Children’s Foundation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
For more information on the event, visit iHeart.com/LivingRoomConcert.