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ABC/Image Group LAMariah Carey kicked off the Rise Up New York! virtual telethon from her home studio Monday night, performing a medley of her 1991 hit “Make It Happen” and 2002 song, “Through the Rain.”
“New York, I know we’re strong enough to get through this,” Mariah expressed at beginning of the performance. “We can do this together.”
The one-hour benefit special raised $115 million for Robin Hood, the New York-based poverty-fighting organization,to help provide food, shelter and services for people in need who have been hit especially hard during the COVID-19 pandemic. That in turn has created a greater demand for relief organizations like Robin Hood, which have seen their resources depleted faster than usual as a result.
Other participans included Hamilton‘s Lin Manuel Miranda, who recruited fellow Broadway alums Idina Menzel and Cynthia Erivo for a passionate yet goofy rendition of “New York, New York.” Additionally, Alicia Keys highlighted front line workers with her soulful ballad, “Good Job.”
Hosted by Tina Fey, Rise Up New York! also featured guest appearances and messages of encouragement from fellow New Yorkers such as Michael Strahan, Governor Andrew Cuomo, Mayor Bill de Blasio, Chris Rock and Trevor Noah, while Spike Lee and a few New York Giants Super Bowl champs gave us hope that sports will return someday soon.
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