'Dear Class of 2020': When and where to watch virtual graduation ceremony featuring Barack and Michelle Obama
The coronavirus pandemic might have thrown a spanner in your graduation plans, but don't you lose heart. Here's a solution to this upsetting problem. Michelle and Barack Obama will headline 'Dear Class of 2020', YouTube Originals' virtual commencement event to celebrate graduates worldwide. The date was pushed from June 6 to June 7, 3 pm ET, in honour of George Floyd's memory.
The ceremony will commence with Lizzo and the New York Philharmonic performing 'Pomp and Circumstance', followed by a few remarks from Alicia Keys. As the event concludes, Katy Perry will lead the graduates in the monumental tassel toss. Viewers can join in the fun of the virtual ceremony by watching the live stream on the YouTube Originals channel and the Learn@Home website. Apart from that, graduates can also digitally connect with up to 99 of their classmates and family members during the ceremony and set up a watch party on Google Meet.
According to reports, former US president Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama will each deliver commencement speeches, accompanied by a joint speech. Apart from the Obamas, other commencement speakers include K-pop boy band BTS, Lady Gaga, former secretary of Defense Robert M Gates, Google CEO Sundar Pichai, former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and Nobel Laureate and activist Malala Yousafzai.
Don't worry, it's not just all speeches. You can brace yourself for some power-packed performances too. The other artists who are scheduled to take part in this event are Lady Gaga, Maluma, Megan Thee Stallion, Doja Cat, Keys, Lizzo, Jennifer Lopez, Demi Lovato, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Zendaya, Camila Cabello, Kerry Washington, Ciara and husband Russell Wilson, Yara Shahidi, Chloe x Halle, Finneas, Antoni Porowski, the cast of 'Euphoria' and the cast of 'Riverdale'. Lana Condor, Kelly Rowland, Billy Porter, Misty Copeland, Jenna Bush Hager, Natalie Morales, Hasan Minhaj, CNCO, Phoebe Robinson, Andy Cohen, Emma Chamberlain and Jackie Aina are among the others who will be present.
The event is a collaboration between YouTube and Reach Higher, the initiative that Michelle had started at the White House.
So get ready to tune into YouTube Originals channel, and toss your graduation cap with style.