LOS ANGELES: Taylor Swift performed an emotional song about her mother’s battle with cancer during the ‘One World: Together at Home’ aimed to support healthcare workers battling the coronavirus pandemic.
The historic global event aimed at celebrating and supporting health care and essential workers all over the world was launched by Lady Gaga in collaboration with Global Citizen.
Swift sang ‘Soon You’ll Get Better’ which she previously said she wouldn’t perform because of how difficult it is for her to “emotionally deal” with the song’s meaning. It was the first time Swift performed the song live featured on her latest album titled Lover.
‘One World: Together At Home’ featured more than 70 celebrities and singers including Billie Eilish, Elton John, John Legend, Keith Urban and Lizzo. Lady Gaga kicked off the show with a performance of her sing ‘Smile’. The show aired on all major networks and digital streams on most major social media platforms, including Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube.
Late-night television hosts Jimmy Fallon, Jimmy Kimmel and Stephen Colbert hosted the concert. The show raised almost $128 million in response to the coronavirus pandemic. More than $55 million will go toward the COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund and $72.8 million to local and regional responders.
The star previously discussed the emotional resonance of the song, having been written about her mother Andrea’s fight with cancer. She said: “I don’t know if I’ll ever play it live. It’s just really difficult for me. It was hard to write. It’s hard to sing. It’s hard to listen to for me. But sometimes, music is like that. Sometimes it’s not just about stuff that was pleasant to feel.”
Her mother had battled with breast cancer after being diagnosed in 2015 before it returned last year. Taylor opened up about her mother’s health condition revealing that a brain tumour was discovered as she underwent chemotherapy.
The singer said: “And the symptoms of what a person goes through when they have a brain tumor is nothing like what we’ve ever been through with her cancer before. So it’s just been a really hard time for us as a family.”
Swift revealed how important her mother is in her life and her closest advisor. “Almost every decision I make, I talk to her about it first,” she confirmed. Taylor is believed to be currently self-isolating at home as the coronavirus pandemic continues and has canceled all shows and appearances for the year.
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