Arts & Entertainment

Broadway stars sing ‘What the World Needs Now is Love’ for Orlando

celebrities join together for tribute

Published

10 years ago

June 21, 2016

Mariah Cooper

(Screenshot via Vimeo)

The Broadway star-studded track of “What the World Needs Now is Love” was released on Monday in honor of the Orlando shooting victims.

Lin-Manuel Miranda, Idina Menzel, Gloria Estefan, Matthew Broderick, Nathan Lane, Sean Hayes, Audra McDonald, Sara Bareilles, Bernadette Peters, Carole King, Tommy Tune and many more recorded the song in Avatar Studios in New York City.

SiriusXM Radio host Seth Rudetsky and his husband, producer James Wesley, told People magazine they were inspired by the 1985 “We Are the World” benefit for Africa following the tragedy.

“The Broadway community was so terribly shaken and devastated by the horrific tragedy in Orlando. Everyone wanted to do something as quickly as possible that would truly make a difference,” Rudetsky told People.

The song is available for purchase on BroadwayRecords.com and iTunes. All proceeds will be donated to the LGBT Center of Central Florida.

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PHOTOS: Black Pride Opening Reception

Durand Bernarr headlines program

Published

19 hours ago

May 24, 2026

Michael Key

Durand Bernarr performs at the 2026 DC Black Pride Opening Reception on Friday, May 22. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

The DC Black Pride Opening Reception was held at the Westin DC Downtown on Friday, May 22. Grammy Award-winning artist Durand Bernarr was the headline performer. Comedian Anthony Oakes was the host. Speakers included Human Rights Campaign President Kelley Robinson and Center For Black Equity President Kenya Hutton, as well as speakers from health organizations and sponsors. The event featured performances from Billy the Goat, Jay Columbus, Akeem Woods, Rue Pratt, Be Steadwell and Bennu Byrd.

(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)

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PHOTOS: Black Pride Pageant and Unity Ball

Back-to-back events held on first night of D.C. Black Pride

Published

2 days ago

May 23, 2026

Landon Shackelford

The 10th annual DC Black Pride Unity Ball was held at the Westin DC Downtown on Thursday, May 21. (Washington Blade photo by Landon Schackelford)

The Mr. and Miss DC Black Pride Pageant was held at the Westin DC Downtown on Thursday, May 21. Following the pageant, Black Pride events continued with the 10th annual DC Black Pride Unity Ball.

(Washington Blade photos by Landon Shackelford)