Amid all the Pope Francis madness, there were a few minutes of calm as pop star Shakira performed an acoustic version of “Imagine” following the Pope’s speech at the United Nations.
It was a rather solemn and intimate occasion for a performance, particularly when compared to the other massive musical events the Pope has attended in his visit. But Shakira was an appropriate performer selection. A UNICEF goodwill ambassador who is vocally committed to improving the lives of disadvantaged children, Shakira prefaced her performance with a brief speech.
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“We live in a world in which many of those who are born poor will die poor,” she said.
“And it is up to us to be the first society to eradicate poverty and bring justice and equality to the most disenfranchised people on earth,” she adde0d, before specifically addressing children’s rights.
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Then, she launched into “Imagine,” with only a piano accompaniment behind her.
Did you miss Shakira’s performance? Watch it here.