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[Update: Watch now] YouTube hosts ‘virtual graduation’ with Obama, Pichai, & more

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, many day-to-day and special activities have moved online. Graduation events are the latest, with YouTube hosting one next month that features many top commencement speakers.

Live: The first four blocks last roughly an hour, while the fifth and final one at 4 p.m. PT features a handful of musical performances.

Alicia Keys, Justin Timberlake, Taylor Swift, Billie Eilish, Beyoncé, and Michelle Obama are in the first set, with Google CEO Sundar Pichai in the second. The third block features Jennifer Lopez, Malala, Robert M. Gates, and Chris Pine. President Obama is towards the end of the fourth set with John Mulaney, Lady Gaga, Chloe X Halle, and Katy Perry. The last three acts see Megan Thee Stallion, CNCO, and a BTS Performance.

“Dear Class of 2020″ is a virtual commencement celebration bringing together inspirational leaders, celebrities, and YouTube creators to celebrate graduates, their families, and their communities.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rxpTjcouaeQ

 

YouTube’s “virtual graduation event” will start at 12 p.m. PT on June 6. “Dear Class of 2020” will be livestreamed from the YouTube Originals channel, with that branding also present on the cover art today. This is the company’s banner for original TV shows and movies, with the event featuring speeches and musical performances.


Update: The “Dear Class of 2020” livestream has been postponed by a day. It will now air on Sunday, June 7 at 12 p.m. PT. A video announcing the change notes how the event was “filmed before the protests demanding justice,” and proceeds to preview all the upcoming speakers.


The commencement speakers include former President Barack Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama, Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates, and Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, as well as Alphabet/Google CEO Sundar Pichai. BTS, Lady Gaga, and Malala Yousafzai round out the list.

There will also be special appearances from actors, musicians, and YouTube creators at the virtual graduation:

asapSCIENCE, Alicia Keys, Chloe x Halle, Kelly Rowland, Kerry Washington, The Try Guys, Zendaya, Mr Kate, Dude Perfect, Jackie Aina, and Zane Hijazi

Lastly, a “surprise special guest” is also teased, with YouTube wanting to celebrate “how hard you’ve worked to make it to graduation.”

More about YouTube:

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Avatar for Abner Li Abner Li

Editor-in-chief. Interested in the minutiae of Google and Alphabet. Tips/talk: abner@9to5g.com

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