Dua Lipa, Rita Ora and Chris Martin record charity single amid coronavirus crisis

The likes of Dua Lipa, Rita Ora, Ellie Goulding, Sean Paul and Chris Martin are set to take part in BBC Radio 1’s biggest ever Live Lounge as they perform a newly recorded charity single amid the coronavirus crisis.

The Stay Home Live Lounge will be released at midday on Thursday and will see some of the music industry’s biggest stars collaborate on a cover of Foo Fighters’ Times Like These to raise money for charities.

There will be an accompanying video which will receive its world exclusive premiere during BBC One’s The Big Night In.

Also joining the line up are 5 Seconds Of Summer, AJ Tracey, Anne-Marie, Bastille, Biffy Clyro, Hailee Steinfeld, Jess Glynne, Mabel, Paloma Faith, Rag’n’Bone Man, Royal Blood, YUNGBLUD and Zara Larsson.

The Stay Home Live Lounge will be recorded and filmed by artists from their own homes, and produced by Grammy and Ivor Novello award-winning producer Fraser T. Smith.

He is renowned for his work with Stormzy, Adele and many more, and counts seven UK No.1 singles and 18 No. 1 albums among his achievements.

The UK net profits from the charity single will be combined with any funds raised by The Big Night In and split equally between BBC Children in Need and Comic Relief to provide essential support to vulnerable people of all ages and backgrounds across the UK who will be significantly impacted by the COVID-19 crisis.

International net profits will go towards the WHO’s COVID-19-Solidarity Response Fund.

‘I am so proud that we’ve been able to come together to record this track and I can’t wait for everyone to hear it,’ Dua Lipa said. ‘Thinking of everyone around the world at this difficult time. Love you all.’

‘I’m honoured to join such a great line up. More so than ever it’s important to remember the valuable role we each have to play in bringing hope, courage and strength to one another – I hope that this track brings comfort at such a difficult time,’ added Ellie Goulding.

This follows the BBC’s coverage of the UK edition of One World: Together At Home live on BBC One on Sunday night.

Famous faces came together to celebrate front line NHS staff and key workers for all they are doing amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Little Mix kicked off the broadcast with a stunning rendition of their hit song Touch after Perrie Edwards gave a special message of thanks to critical workers.

Claudia Winkleman, 48, Dermot O’Leary, 36, and Clara Amfo, 35, hosted the concert which relived some of the highlights from Saturday’s US version of the show and presented a few never-before-seen performances. 

The trio of hosts stood apart, recognising the UK’s social distancing rules as they revealed that Little Mix, Rag’N’Bone Man, 35, and Tom Jones, 79, would be performing new sets. 

The show began with George The Poet performing a spoken word piece, who was followed by an emotional rendition of Touch by the Little Mix ladies.

Before their socially-distanced performance recorded at their separate homes began, Perrie Edwards said: ‘We really hope you’re staying positive during this weird, weird time that we’re in. 

‘And I think we can agree that the love we all feel for the NHS staff at this time, and key workers – you all deserve such a huge thank you. We all appreciate you so so much.’

‘Everybody, please take care of yourselves, protect your loves ones, stay home and save lives. Hopefully this rendition of Touch will put a smile on your faces’, concluded Perrie.  

She was then joined by bandmates Leigh-Anne Pinnock, Jade Thirlwall and Jesy Nelson who sang together in perfect harmony.  

Little Mix were followed by Beatles legend Paul McCartney before Jess Glynn sang her hit track I’ll Be There.