‘One World’ coronavirus special kicks off with six-hour livestream

British actress Jameela Jamil on Saturday kicked off an eight-hour global event of music, comedy and personal stories aimed at bringing hope and unity during the coronavirus pandemic.

Pop and classical musicians from the United States, Asia and the Middle East, all performing from their homes, appeared on the "One World: Together at Home" live stream due to run for six hours to pay tribute to frontline workers battling the health crisis around the world.

Jamil, known for her TV series "The Good Place," told viewers the event was meant to be "a moment of respite."

"Put your wallets away. This is not a fundraiser. We are just here to give you an incredible show with amazing live performances," she said.

The livestream's first hours featured the likes of British soccer star David Beckham, American R&B singer Jennifer Hudson, Hong Kong singer Eason Chan, India's Vishal Mishra and Emirati musician Hussain Al Jassmi. That will be followed by a two-hour concert broadcast on Saturday night across multiple television channels and featuring stars including The Rolling Stones, Paul McCartney, Taylor Swift and Billie Eilish.

The event, curated by Lady Gaga and organized by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the nonprofit group Global Citizen, is the biggest celebrity effort so far to mark the coronavirus pandemic that has killed more than 150,000 people worldwide.