Some of the biggest names in music and entertainment came together to livestream from their homes as part of a special telethon in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic last night, attracting millions of views. No, we’re not a bit late to Lady Gaga’s One World: Together at Home event; this was the Chinese answer to that show: Believe in the Future.

Streamed on some of China’s biggest video and social media platforms, the Gao Xiaosong-organized extravaganza kicked off last night. The first of two shows on back-to-back evenings featured legendary singer Faye Wong, “little fresh meat” pop star Luhan, TF Boy Karry Wang and idol show group The Rocket Girls 101 all carrying a message of hope for those tuning in.

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Article Apr 21, 2020

The livestreamed event is taking place after China failed to allow live broadcasts of Lady Gaga’s version, which featured Chinese pianist Lang Lang, as well as Hong Kong-based singers Eason Chan and Jacky Cheung. Folk singer Lao Lang had provided the spark for a Chinese version of the fundraiser two weeks ago after an apparently impromptu call-out for his friends to send videos of themselves playing songs on WeChat went viral in China while most of the world was watching the likes of Beyoncé, Billie Eilish, Michelle Obama and Stephen Colbert.

Although there doesn’t appear to have been an official stream of Believe in the Future on YouTube, various videos from part one of the show have made their way to the site regardless. They include pop diva Faye Wong (Wang Fei) performing a short-but-sweet, slightly reworked version of classic set-closer “Mortal World” with Chang Shilei at the piano:

Then there’s mildly nervous-looking ex-Exo heartthrob Luhan doing “Time Stopped”:

And if that’s a bit saccharine for you, check out this collection of folk-rock heroes — from Su Yang and Zhang Weiwei to Lao Lang and Wan Xiaoli — covering “Love Song 1980” by Taiwanese Mandopop star Lo Ta-yu:

Or if you just want to watch the whole two-and-a-bit-hours, part one is available in full here:

Part two — featuring singer and Rap of China judge GEM, folk-rocker Pu Shu and pop star Cai Xukun — took place on May 5 at 7.30 PM China time, with broadcasts on most major Chinese music streaming platforms and Sina Weibo. You can watch that here: