Sam Smith joined original artists Gladys Knight and Dionne Warwick on Saturday 10th October for a Virtual charity ‘Carousel of Hope Ball‘ with a touching closing performance of the classic hit, ‘That’s What Friends Are For.’ Introduced by the songwriters Burt Bacharach and Carole Bayer Sager, the Soul Singers teamed with Cynthia Erivo and Kenny G, who play Stevie Wonders harmonica part on his saxophone, making a beautiful rendition of the classic 1980’s tune.
The annual Carousel of Hope event, part of the Children’s Diabetes Foundation, went virtual for the first time this year due to the coronavirus pandemic. The fundraising gala opened with a stunning duet by Cynthia Erivo and Adam Lambert performing Aretha Franklin and George Michael’s, ‘I Knew You Were Waiting.’
The event featured other performances from singing sensations Andrea Bocelli, Rod Stewart, and Jennifer Hudson. Gwen Steffani and Blake Shelton sung their duet ‘Happy Anywhere,’ and Tony Bennet did a splendid performance of ‘The Way You Look Tonight.’ Barry Manilow did a moving performance of ‘One Voice,’ accompanied with a choir and American singer / songwriter Babyface, performed with his guitar in a black and white video wearing a tee-shirt displaying the words ‘Freedom.’ Video clips of previous performances by superstars Beyoncé from 2004 , Ricky Martin from 2000 and Whitney Houston from 1990 were also shown. The gala hosted by Jay Leno, also displayed video appearances by stars George Clooney, Tom Hanks and Oprah.
Grammy winning producer and musical director of the Carousel Ball shared his favourite memory of the event to variety.com whereby a less famous Michael Bublé, “Kept walking around saying ‘this is more incredible than the Oscars’ – not that he had ever been to the Oscars at that point,” he recalled. “Or getting to accompany a very young Celine Dion, as she dazzled the audience with her out of the world voice.”
Founded in 1978, The Carousel of Hope Ball was set up as a fundraiser for the Barbara Davis Centre for Diabetes in Aurora, Colorado and the Children’s Diabetes Foundation. Davis established the foundation in 1977 due to her daughter suffering from Type 1 diabetes which has since aided research to treat young people with the condition. For the first time in 40 years, the annual charity event opened its doors to everyone with a virtual extravaganza. Saturday nights virtual gala raised more than $1 million whilst also being a night for celebration for Davis’ 90th birthday. The incredible closing performance of ‘That’s What Friends Are For,’ which was delivered over zoom by Sam Smith, Gladys Knight, Dionne Warwick, Kenny G and Erivo was accompanied by a video of photos celebrating Davis’ legacy and the Carousel Ball.
