Luke Bryan, Kelly Clarkson, Jennifer Hudson, One Republic and HER to perform at the 2020 NFL draft
In a telling sign of how much things have changed in the modern world thanks to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, the 2020 NFL draft will be held online instead of at a physical location for the first time in NFL history. But although the mood is bound to be a bit sober given the current lockdown circumstances, there will be some much-needed musical entertainment, thanks to stars like Luke Bryan, Kelly Clarkson, Jennifer Hudson, One Republic, and HER making special appearances.
The 2020 NFL Draft event will commence on Thursday night as originally scheduled and will be conducted virtually, with potential players, NFL teams, and network analysts all participating from their homes. The draft was originally scheduled to take place in Las Vegas from April 23 onwards, but will now be held at locations around the country via satellite link feeds. The three-day event will begin on April 23, Thursday, at 8 pm ET (the most important day, when all the best players get picked in the first round) and the seven rounds of the draft will go on till 12 pm ET on Saturday, April 25.
'American Idol' alumni and Oscar-winner Jennifer Hudson will be performing on Thursday. The star posted a promotional picture for her performance on social media, saying "Don’t miss it! Watch on @nflnetwork and @espn April 23rd."
'American Idol' winner and 'The Voice' star Kelly Clarkson also revealed via social media that she will be performing her new single 'I Dare You' during the NFL Draft preshow on her birthday, April 24 at 6 pm ET. The new track features Clarkson and five other singers from all over the world who sing in different languages. "It's basically I dare you to love instead of fear, instead of hate," Clarkson recently revealed on the Today show. "Even though we're from all different parts of the world and different religions, politics, whatever, you know at the end of the day we’re all the same human race."
'American Idol' judge and country music star Luke Bryan will be closing out the NFL event on Saturday, after performances by pop music icons One Republic and HER on April 25. Bryan will be performing his hit 'Play It Again' as part of Verizon's #PayItForwardLIVE series, which aims to support fans' local businesses by encouraging viewers to make online purchases.
"When I heard about the Pay It Forward program Verizon was doing to support local small businesses I loved the idea of doing my part to help raise awareness for it," Bryan revealed in a statement. "These are the people who wake up every day living out their dreams and passions and bringing them into our communities. Let's all continue to do right, support each other and... Pay It Forward." Make sure you catch these amazing performances by these talented musicians during the NFL Draft!