Dolly Parton
Jon Bon Jovi, Dolly Parton, Meryl Streep and more stars united over livestream on Monday (May 18) for "A Night Of Covenant House Stars," a concert benefiting the Covenant House charity.
Actors like Streep and Diane Keaton read written letters from kids about their experiences with homelessness, while musicians and Broadway talent performed together (remotely). Hosted by Broadway veteran Audra McDonald and 60 Minutes anchor John Dickerson, “A Night Of Covenant House Stars” was part of the initial slate of programming for the new streaming service Broadway On Demand.
Covenant House provides “housing, food and healthcare to children and youth facing homelessness and the heroism of front-line staff working around the clock to keep them safe during the COVID-19 crisis.”
Below, Billboard has rounded up the eight best moments from the virtual event.
Broadway stars teamed up for a gorgeous cover of “Your Song”
Serving as the first big musical moment of the evening, Jeremy Jordan (who will also appear on the upcoming Smash reunion event, "Bombshell in Concert"), Bobby Conte Thornton and Laura Osnes gave a heartfelt performance of Elton John’s 1970 hit.
Jon Bon Jovi offered a message of optimism
From his home studio, Jon Bon Jovi played an acoustic rendition of “Someday I’ll Be Saturday Night,” from Bon Jovi's 1995 album Cross Road. Appropriately enough for the Monday night event, he sang, “I'm feeling like a Monday, but someday I'll be Saturday night.”
Jordan Fisher brought Evan Hansen to our living rooms
Fisher, the fourth actor to play the title role in Broadway's Dear Evan Hansen, poured his heart and soul into a performance of "Waving Through a Window,” one of the most poignant songs in the musical. During his performance, Covenant House kids held up handmade signs about the help and support they’ve received.
Keala Settle was The Greatest Show(wo)man
Superstar songwriting duo Benj Pasek and Justin Paul also appeared via video message to share their support for Covenant House and introduce Keala Settle, who sang “This Is Me” from The Greatest Showman. Obviously, she nailed it.
Audra McDonald wished upon a star
Covenant House board member and Broadway icon Audra McDonald paused her hosting duties to treat viewers to a flawless cover of “Somewhere Over The Rainbow.” Just perfection.
Deborah Cox sang an anthem for those looking forward to a new life
Singer/songwriter Deborah Cox brought the house down with a rendition of "A New Life" from the 1990 musical Jekyll & Hyde.
Stephanie J. Block serenaded her 5-year-old
Broadway actor Stephanie J. Block sang "Not While I'm Around" from Sweeney Todd while holding her young daughter in her arms. That is all.
Dolly Parton encouraged us all to “Try”
There wasn’t a dry eye in the virtual house as the country superstar performed “Try,” a cut from her 2014 album Blue Smoke. “And try to make the most of every moment/ Cause if you never try you never win/ So try each day to try a little harder/ And if you fall, get up and try again,” Parton sang while playing acoustic guitar.