The three artists joined other performers at the show, including Dave Matthews, The Roots, Chris Stapleton and surprise guest Chris Martin.
- Sep 25, 2017
AceShowbiz - A number of music stars lent their power during A Concert for Charlottesville: An Evening of Music and Unity in Virginia over the weekend. They united at the benefit concert, which was hosted by Dave Matthews Band, to raise money for charity and promote unity in the aftermath of white nationalist rallies earlier this summer.
Pharrell Williams was one of the headliners. Backed by The Roots, the singer showed off his commanding aura while performing some of his smash hits, including "Feels", "Get Lucky", "Freedom", "Happy" and "Blurred Lines". The packed crowd at University of Virginia's Scott Stadium sang along with him and grooved to the music during the lively set.
Despite the cheerful vibes, there was a touching moment during Pharrell's set. The R&B star showed his stance against racism as he dropped to his knees onstage in the middle of his performance. "If I want to get on my knees right now for the people in my city...for the people in my state--that's what that flag is for," he said.
Pharrell kneeling at the show came just a few days after some football, baseball and tennis players knelt or sat during the playing of the National Anthem as a protest to police brutality and injustice towards people of color. The gesture was recently criticized by president Donald Trump.
Coldplay's frontman Chris Martin surprised fans as he suddenly appeared onstage during the concert. Joined by guitarist Jonny Buckland, Chris played a piano while belting out some of Coldplay's hit songs, including "Viva La Vida".
Ariana Grande also took the stage that night. Looking adorable in olive cargo pants, a gray sports bra and blue hoodie, she delivered epic performances of her songs, including "Side to Side", "Be Alright", "One Last Time" and "Dangerous Woman".
"I want to thank you guys for coming together," she told the crowd. "[I'm proud] to be part of a generation who's passionate about making a change and refuses to be silent. Keep using your voices and making this a safer place for each other...and let's have a good-a** time tonight."
Wrapping up her set, Ariana introduced the next performer, Justin Timberlake. The former member of NSYNC opened his set with a gorgeous rendition of Sam Cooke's "A Change Is Gonna Come". Looking dapper in a black suit jacket and matching fedora, the singer then belted out "My Love", "Suit & Tie", "Holy Grail", "Cry Me a River", "Rock Your Body" and "Can't Stop the Feeling".
Country star Chris Stapleton also showed his support at the show. After performing "Sometimes I Cry", the crooner told the crowd, "Thank you for allowing us to be a part of this tonight. Charlottesville is a very special place to us." He added, "Virginia is for lovers, and so is this song," before belting out "Tennessee Whiskey".
While Chris and Justin performed solo at A Concert for Charlottesville, the two joined forces in the previous day when sharing the stage at the Pilgrimage Music and Cultural Festival in Franklin, Tennessee. They teamed up for stunning crossover renditions of "Tennessee Whiskey" and "Cry Me a River".
