On Saturday, Sept. 13, St. Peter’s Square in the Vatican was transformed into an immense open-air stage that hosted for the first time a large public concert that was free and open to all. At 9 p.m., the square welcomed a number of world-renowned artists such as Pharrell Williams, Voices of Fire, Andrea Bocelli, Karol G and K-Pop superstar BamBam, who were the stars of the show “Grace for the World.”
A unique event that combined live music, a show of more than 3,000 drones and a message of fraternity. The event, completely free and open to the public, attracted more than 253,000 people who were able to listen live to magical duets and see images inspired by the Sistine Chapel light up the sky above St. Peter’s.
An unforgettable night at the Vatican
The concert, co-directed by Pharrell and Bocelli as executive producers, featured the Voices of Fire gospel choir, artists Jennifer Hudson, John Legend, Teddy Swims, Jelly Roll, Clipse, Angélique Kidjo, il Volo and the Choir of the Diocese of Rome. All under the musical direction of renowned producer Adam Blackstone.
In addition to the musical part, spectators were enchanted by a mesmerizing show with thousands of drones and lights, created by Nova Sky Stories. From the hands of Michelangelo’s “Creation of Adam” to a depiction of the face of the beloved Pope Francis, the sky above the Basilica was transformed into a canvas for a show that managed to brilliantly combine art and technology.
The event marked the closing of the third World Meeting on Human Fraternity. For two days, international leaders, Nobel laureates and activists from around the world met in Rome to reflect on global challenges and the need to find ourselves as humanity.
This very special event was broadcast live around the world, by Network 4, Disney+, Hulu and ABC News Live. For those who missed it, you can watch it again anytime on Disney+.
Karol G, Andrea Bocelli, Clipse, Pharrell: the artists who made history at St. Peter’s.
“Grace for the World” gave the audience many exciting surprises. Among the most touching moments was the bilingual duet by Karol G and Andrea Bocelli, who enchanted St. Peter’s Square with the iconic “Vivo per Lei,” perfectly marrying Latin pop and opera singing.
As a surprise, Il Volo also enriched the evening with a stunning performance of the Magnificat, while Pharrell Williams set the square ablaze with his famous song “Happy,” accompanied by the charismatic gospel choir Voices of Fire. The choir, fresh from their new album OPHANIM, brought energy with a vibrant version of “Joy.”
The evening also saw another historic moment thanks to Clipse, who became the first rap duo to perform a touching song at the Vatican. John Legend, with his talent on the piano, moved the entire square, helping to create an atmosphere of deep emotion and unity.
In this very special event, all the artists gave the audience an unforgettable performance. Pharrell Williams, in his speeches, urged the world to choose grace, curiosity and compassion so that together we can fill the planet with light and love.