Celebrities Brave Torrential Rain in Central Park for Climate Change Charity Concert
Despite torrential rain, celebrities and thousands of fans gathered in New York City’s Central Park for the Global Citizen festival, a music event aimed at raising awareness for climate change and other global issues. A-listers such as Anitta, Lauryn Hill, and Charlize Theron braved the downpour to perform and show their support for philanthropic causes.
Charlize Theron took to the stage and joked about the wet crowd, saying, You all look really good wet! She thanked the audience for coming out in the rain and expressed her admiration for their determination. The five-hour concert featured an impressive lineup including the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Lauryn Hill, and BTS member Jungkook.
The Global Citizen festival has become an annual event since its debut in 2012, combining speeches by activists and dignitaries with musical performances by global celebrities. Tickets to the festival are free, but attendees must complete actions that benefit the planet to obtain them.
However, leading up to the show, there were some unexpected twists. Headliner Megan Thee Stallion dropped out last minute due to a scheduling conflict with an invitation from Beyoncé to perform at another event. K-pop group Stray Kids also had to cancel their performance due to a recent car accident, but their ancillary group filled in for them.
As fans made their way to Central Park, they were disappointed to learn that umbrellas were not permitted. Despite the discomfort, the event started with a series of impactful speeches advocating for sustainability, anti-poverty initiatives, and equality.
Brazilian pop star Anitta opened the concert, passionately advocating for the Amazon rainforest and urging support for Indigenous communities protecting it. She performed a selection of her energetic hits, including Girl from Rio, which incorporates the classic Girl from Ipanema.
Other performers such as Conan Gray and Sofia Carson entertained the drenched crowd with their pop hits and messages of unity and equality. However, it was Jungkook of BTS who took the stage with a charismatic solo set, showcasing his talent and earning praise from the audience. He also performed a medley of BTS songs, delighting fans.
Throughout the event, surprise performers joined the stage, including Busta Rhymes, Big Daddy Kane, and Common, paying tribute to the 50th anniversary of hip-hop. The highlight of the night came with Ms. Lauryn Hill’s performance, celebrating the 25th anniversary of her iconic album The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill. She even surprised the audience with a Fugees reunion, joined by Pras and Wyclef Jean.
As the concert came to a close, Chris Rock made an appearance and announced the Red Hot Chili Peppers, who delivered a high-energy performance of their greatest hits, despite the ongoing rain.
Apart from the music, the event achieved notable charitable actions, with attendees and viewers contributing to various causes. French President Emmanuel Macron announced a $150 million commitment to the International Fund for Agricultural Development, and Norway’s Minister of International Development pledged $90 million.
Despite the relentless rain, the Global Citizen festival continued to be a platform for raising awareness and making a positive impact on global issues. As the rain fell, the crowd remained resilient in their support for a sustainable and equitable world.
