The graduating class of 2020 may not have been able to celebrate their achievements in person due to the coronavirus pandemic, but they did get one last send-off on Sunday by a star-studded cast!
YouTube Originals‘ Dear Class of 2020 brought together Katy Perry, Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, Lady GaGa, Lizzo, Barack and Michelle Obama, Justin Timberlake, Shawn Mendes, Alicia Keys, Maluma, BTS, U2, as well as Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates among others for memorable commencement speeches and inspiring performances!
Video: Ryan Reynolds Gives Hilarious, Heartwarming Commencement Speech!
It wouldn’t have taken much to beat Ivanka Trump‘s awkward as hell and very much canceled address to the Wichita State University-Tech‘s graduates, but these celebs did it very right.
Take a look at some of our fave HIGHlights (below)!
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Katy Perry
The pregnant star led the class in moving the tassel of their graduation caps to the left, a long tradition and symbol of becoming a graduate! Belting out her new single Daisies and her hit track Firework, Katy then passed the baton to…
Lady GaGa
GaGa used her time to not only celebrate the class of 2020, but urged them to take action amid the nationwide protests following George Floyd‘s death. Talking about trees planted with “racist seeds,” the performer shared how they could “challenge that system” and become the “seeds of the future.”
Beyoncé
Bey also took the moment to spark change amid the Black Lives Matter movement with an inspiring speech for high school and college graduates! Speaking from the heart, the momma of three opened up about how “positive actions” can lead to “real change.”
It’s a must-watch!
Jennifer Lopez
J.Lo explained there are “learning” and “growing” experiences in life that shouldn’t hold you back! It’s a perfect reminder for young and older adults alike…
Taylor Swift
The Lover songstress recalled having to miss her own high school graduation, telling the students to “expect the unexpected.”
The Obamas
How much do we miss Barack and Michelle?? The former President and his First Lady both delivered moving speeches of their own, but joined together to share a few words to the future of this country!
Lizzo
A jazzy performance of Pomp and Circumstance from Lizzo with the help of the New York Philharmonic orchestra made for a truly special moment!
Shawn Mendes
Viewers also got to hear Shawn Mendes‘ Nothing Holding Me Back thanks to the AMDA College of Performing Arts Choir and the Diamond Bar High School marching band.
Justin Timberlake
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vfA58XY5bbo&feature=emb_logo
While JT didn’t come through with a musical act of his own, he did reference the “heartbreaking” reality of them missing their actual ceremonies and celebrating with their peers in person as the world was hit by the coronavirus outbreak. But Timberlake expressed:
“Nothing — not even a global pandemic — is going to keep you from the future you make for yourself.”
Preach!
Alicia Keys
More wise words came from Alicia, who shared her thoughts on racial injustice, while noting how the class of 2020 has the power to “heal us.” It was a truly powerful speech to kick off the virtual event, and hopefully, they found it as inspiring as we did.
[Image via YouTube Originals/YouTube]
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