U2 frontman Bono led the charge in recent “Dear Class of 2020” web event, with an introduction to a new cover of his band’s 2000 hit, Beautiful Day. The song, produced by Finneas Eilish (older producer brother of the singer Billie), featured guest appearances from Coldplay lead singer Chris Martin, Ty Dolla $ign, Leon Bridges, Noah Cyrus and Tove Lo, and was a highlight of the four-hour YouTube Originals special broadcast.

As reported in an article by Rolling Stone, “Dear Class of 2020” has been described by YouTube as “a virtual commencement celebration bringing together inspirational leaders, celebrities, and YouTube creators to celebrate graduates, their families, and their communities,” compensating for the widespread cancellation of high school and university graduation ceremonies due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Introducing the cover of his band’s most famous hit, Bono made an impassioned speech discussing the current state of the United States, as well as referencing the nation’s significance to him as a residing immigrant.

“As an Irishman, I’ve always believed that America is not just a country, it’s an idea, it’s a dream that belongs to the whole world. Now I know in recent times,” he said, “the world is being reminded that America is an idea that doesn’t even belong to a lot of Americans. And for many Black Americans, Lady Liberty’s torch is far from a beacon of hope. It’s often a flashlight in the face.”

Across the online broadcast, keynote presentations were also made my Taylor Swift, Lady Gaga, Michelle and Barack Obama, Justin Timberlake, and, notably, Beyonce, who spoke at length about the significance of the Black Lives Matter movement. “We’ve seen that our collective hearts, when put to positive action, could start the wheels of change,” she says in the digital commencement speech. “Real change has started with you, this new generation of high school and college graduates who we celebrate today.”