Search icon
Download the all-new Republic app:

Published 11:00 IST, May 20th 2020

'Dear Class of 2020': Barack Obama to headline YouTube virtual graduation with J'Lo & more

A-listers from around the globe are scheduled to join in YouTube's virtual graduation ceremony as guest speakers and performers to celebrate the class of 2020.

Reported by: Urvashi Kandpal
null | Image: self

It's an exciting event that every student looks forward to at least once in their lifetime! YouTube is all set to host the live streaming of a 'virtual graduation ceremony' for the class of 2020 who were deprived of the joy due to the coronavirus pandemic which has restricted large gatherings around the world. The video platform announced the event and shared an invitation with the 'Dear Class of 2020' through their official Twitter handle on Tuesday giving them a glimpse of the mega-event planned by them to celebrate the young graduates across the globe.

The event’s festival-style lineup combines traditional commencement-day themes and keynotes with live entertainment. The live stream is expected to be a stellar affair with some power-packed performances by more than a dozen artists including BTS, Camila Cabello, Lady Gaga, Taylor Swift, Lizzo, Jennifer Lopez, Alicia Keys and many others popular among the youth of the generation.

Read | MET Gala YouTube session 2020 brings together greatest fashionistas in the industry

The event will be headlined by the former US President Barrack Obama and his wife Michelle Obama, who will address and inspire the graduates through a commencement speech along with Alphabet Inc CEO Sundar Pichai, human rights activist Malala Yousafzai, Korean pop band BTS, Beyonce and others. Michelle Obama’s Reach Higher initiative, aimed at inspiring kids to continue their educational careers beyond high school, will reportedly kick off the broadcast with a full hour of programming. The entire programme is expected to be a multi-hour session with all the speakers and performers addressing their audience from the comforts of their homes.

Read | Tom Brady's first Bucs jersey and dinner treat bought for $800,000 by 25-yr-old YouTuber

Have a look at YouTube's tweet:

Read | Kurt Hugo Schneider recreates popular 'coffin dance' meme on YouTube; Watch

The graduation commencement ceremony is expected to begin at 3 PM EST or 12 PM PST on Saturday, June 6 on the YouTube Originals channel. Students have also been given the opportunity to participate by sending their videos of teacher shout-outs and their own celebrations while at home. Some of the inspiring videos sent by the students will be highlighted by Youtube in the meantime. As per reports, students can participate in the event by uploading their videos via YouTube's 'Dear Class of 2020' website here.

Read | Study: Over a quarter of most viewed COVID-19 YouTube videos contain 'fake news'

Updated 11:00 IST, May 20th 2020

LIVE TV

Republic TV is India's no.1 English news channel since its launch.