*YouTube has plans for a huge digital graduation show in June it’s calling the “Dear Class of 2020.” It will feature former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama who will both deliver virtual commencement speeches
Not only will the Obamas headline, but a who’s who of other celebrity commencement speakers will include Lady Gaga, Condoleezza Rice and Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai. The show, set to stream on YouTube on June 6 at noon Pacific time, will also include entertainment with special appearances from Alicia Keys, Kerry Washington and Zendaya, among others.
“Graduation is a tradition that students and families look forward to and with the current state of the world, YouTube is lending some inspiration in the form of a virtual commencement,” YouTube’s Global Head of Content Susanne Daniels said.”We hope bringing together noteworthy, influential speakers along with performances from some of their favorite artists will provide encouragement for the students who have worked so hard to get here.”
Because scores of high school and college seniors won’t be able to enjoy a traditional in-person graduation, due to the coronavirus pandemic, the event couldn’t have come at a better time.
“Dear Class of 2020” is being produced by Done + Dusted; YouTube is also working with the following organizations to highlight graduating students: Born This Way Foundation, Higher Reach, Ideas United, Malala Fund and TODAY.
The virtual graduation ceremony is apparently an idea whose time has come. In April, Facebook announced Oprah Winfrey would give a commencement speech as part of its May 15 sendoff to seniors, with Lil Nas X and Miley Cyrus also tapped to appear/perform.
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