Barack Obama joins Beyonce on YouTube for Dear Class of 2020

The central message of Beyonce’s lengthy and groundbreaking statement: ‘Keep investing and keep betting on yourself’

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Then, addressing the graduates in particular, the Countdown hitmaker said, ‘The real change has started with you,’ and ‘You are the answer to a generation of prayers.’

Queen Bey talked about the value of not following the path well-trodden, and how ‘stepping out is the best thing you can do in self discovery.’

‘There was a pivotal term in my life when I chose to start my own business a couple of years ago,’ she shared, noting how difficult and scary the prospect was – even for her.

‘The entertainment industry is still very sexist,’ Beyonce stated, specifying that there is ‘not a lot of female representation.’

‘There were not enough black women were at the table,’ she also said, ‘and that meant I had to chop down my own wood and make my OWN table.’

Later in her stirring speech, Beyonce talked about her art and her mission of ‘showing the beauty of black lives to the world.’

‘To our future leaders: know that you’re about to make the world turn. I see you. And to the young kings: lean into your vulnerability,’ she said.

‘You do have to spread your gift around the world in a way that feels authentic. Your queerness is beautiful. Your blackness is beautiful. Your compassion, your fight — is beautiful. It’s your time now.’

Knowles also addressed people’s detractors, losing and rejection as motivation, and the value of respect.

‘If you’ve ever been called dumb, unattractive,’ Beyonce said, ‘…so have I.

‘Now is the time to turn those criticisms into fuel to become a beautiful beast!’

As for the ‘secret of success,’ Bey said, ‘Put in that work.’

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Inspiring: ‘Now is the time to turn those criticisms into fuel to become a beautiful beast!’ the Lion King star said

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Inspiring welcome messages: Alicia Keys and Justin Timberlake shared their warm thoughts for graduates during this difficult time

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And as for the tougher moments, she wanted graduates to find motivation in rejection. ‘I have blessed to have won 24 Grammys,’ she said, but also pointed out the she ‘lost 46 times.’

‘Losing can be the best motivator to get the wins,’ Knowles shared.

‘Respect is everything,’ she also said. ‘The world will respect you if you respect yourself.’

In closing, Beyonce said, ‘My prayer for you is that you invest in yourself. I pray that you continue to celebrate and value lives that appear different from your own.’

Swift’s message to graduates was a lot shorter, and somewhat less in-touch.

‘I used to fantasize about high school graduation,’ the music superstar said, in an ill-fated effort to sympathize with those going through that rite of passage today who find themselves at home due to the coronavirus pandemic.

‘Then when I got to that point in my life, I found myself on radio tour,’ Taylor said, mentioning how she spent the time ‘in rental cars.’

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The livestream event enjoyed appearances from: Billie Eilish, Missy Elliot, Chris Martin and so many others over the course of three-four hours on Sunday

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Michelle Obama, for her part, said she ‘struggled to find the right words to say to you,’ as she addressed both the Class of 2020 and the recent events that have gained public attention.

‘What’s happening right now is the direct result of decades of undressed prejudice and inequality,’ she said, referring to the ‘rumbling of the age-old fault lines that our country was built on: the lines of race and power that are now once again so nakedly exposed for all of us to grapple with.’

‘For too many people in this country, no matter how much they work, there are structural barriers working against them that just make the road longer and rockier, and sometimes it’s almost impossible to move upward at all.’

To the graduates, Michelle then shared ‘lessons for how to move forward in these tumultuous times’.

Those included ‘Life will always be uncertain,’ ‘treating people right will never fail you,’ and ‘share your voice with the rest of the world – your voice matters.’

Michelle also appeared with her husband for a slightly more lighthearted congratulatory message.

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Michelle Obama, for her part: The former First Lady said she ‘struggled to find the right words to say to you,’ as she addressed both the Class of 2020 and the recent events that have gained public attention

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The Obamas: Michelle also appeared with her husband, President Barack Obama, for a slightly more lighthearted congratulatory message; Obama himself appeared for his own commencement address in the second half of the streaming event

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Others who appeared as part of the online special included Shawn Mendes, The Simpsons, Kelly Rowland, Janelle Monae and Camila Cabello.

Even the dear Rose family from Shcitt’s Creek showed up, to address the accomplishments of both the graduating students as well as the teachers, or as the inimitable Catherine O’Hara’s Moira insisted, ‘preceptors.’

The group was joined by the extended cast, led by Noah Reid’s vocally gifted Patrick, who sang a lovely, remote, a capella version of Mariah Carey’s Hero that was Zoom-crashed by none other than Carey herself.

David, a.k.a. Dan Levy, of course, fainted from the turn of events.

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Cartoon Zoom call: The Simpsons also chimed in with their cheeky (especially on the part of Bart, who mooned everyone) graduation wishes

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Real life Rose family Zoom call: Even the dear Rose family from Shcitt’s Creek showed up, to address the accomplishments of both the graduating students as well as the teachers, or as the inimitable Catherine O’Hara’s Moira insisted, ‘preceptors’

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Look who it is: The group was joined by the extended cast, led by Noah Reid’s Patrick, who sang a lovely, a capella version of Mariah Carey’s Hero that was Zoom-crashed by none other than Carey herself

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He thought he was having a heart attack: David, a.k.a. Dan Levy, of course, fainted from the turn of events

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Mariah took the opportunity to address the Class of 2020, saying ‘you rose to the occasion!’

She also paid special tribute to those difficult students who, like her, had trouble showing up to school on time.

‘To the students who have to deal with this bleak moment,’ Mariah concluded, ‘you made it!’

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Beautiful passage: Kelly Rowland appeared in a gorgeous musical interlude…

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…as did Janelle Monae

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Late night hosts Jimmy Kimmel and Stephen Colbert also participated in the event, with Kimmel in a makeshift graduation cap made out of a pizza box.

Shawn Mendes was ‘present’ for the celebration as well, appearing ahead of a fabulous segment featuring face-masked dancers performing synchronized choreography in the empty hallways of a high school.

It was a moment that was, perhaps inadvertently, more symbolic of the current times than most.

U2 frontman Bono shared his thoughts for the world’s graduating youth, before his band’s hit Beautiful Day was performed with the help of Camila Cabello, Chris Martin, Noah Cyrus, Khalid, Ty Dolla $ign and Tove Lo.

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From the 21-year-old crooner: Shawn Mendes was ‘present’ for the celebration as well

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New millennium Breakfast Club: Shawn appeared ahead of a fabulous segment featuring face-masked dancers performing synchronized choreography in empty high school hallways

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Timeless hit: U2’s hit Beautiful Day was performed with the help of Chris Martin, Noah Cyrus, Ty Dolla $ign and Tove Lo

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Don’t forget: Camila Cabello lent her vocals to the inspiring ballad as well…

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…as did Khalid

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Jennifer Lopez appeared later in the livestream, to share her own inspiring message for the Class of 2020 before presenting a truly special speaker.

The Hustlers star started by drawing distinctions between ‘learning’ and ‘growing experience,’ both of which this group of students has had in abundance.

‘Every obstacle is really an opportunity to learn, grow and change,’ Jlo shared, reminding everyone that ‘you deserve this moment and so much more.’

As she concluded by saying, ‘I commend you class of 2020,’ Lopez went on to present Nobel Prize winner Malala Yousafzai, who shared her own congratulations for the Class of 2020.

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Jennifer Lopez appeared later in the livestream, to share her own inspiring message for the Class of 2020 before presenting a truly special speaker: Malala Yousafzai

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Still further celebrities were a part of the Dear Class of 2020 YouTube event, including BTS, Andy Cohen, Snoop Dogg, Kaia Gerber and her mom Cindy Crawford, as well as Camila Mendes, who observed ‘I can’t even imagine what it’s like graduating in a time like this.’

Dwayne Wade and wife Gabrielle Union shared their message for graduates in an amusing interlude in which they debated the merits of dads as opposed to moms of graduating students.

‘A mother’s hug,’ Union observed. ‘Theres nothing more encouraging! Moms DELIVERED these graduates!’

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All in good fun: Dwayne Wade and wife Gabrielle Union shared their message for graduates in an amusing interlude in which they debated the merits of dads as opposed to moms of graduating students

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‘A mother’s hug,’ Union observed. ‘Theres nothing more encouraging! Moms DELIVERED these graduates!’

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‘It’s not about the moms or the dads, it’s about the kids,’ Wade said in return, capitulating.

‘Our bad,’ Gabrielle agreed. ‘We’re incredibly proud of you for what you’ve endured throughout these times.’

‘Continue to be your amazing, authentic selves,’ Dwayne said. ‘Thank the moms and the dads!’

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Still further celebrities were a part of the Dear Class of 2020 YouTube event, including: Andy Cohen and Snoop Dogg

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Sharing their thoughts: Kaia Gerber and her mom Cindy Crawford spoke from the heart to 2020 graduates

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Fans awaiting the next season of HBO’s Euphoria were treated with a special appearance from the cast, who participated in the event to wish a big congratulations to one of their own – graduating actress Storm Reid, 16.

Zendaya, Barbie Ferreira and Jacob Elordi dialed in, as well as Storm herself.

Emmy winner Billy Porter was also a part of the proceedings, specifically addressing the LGBTQ component of the graduating student body.

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Look who: Fans awaiting the next season of HBO’s Euphoria were treated with a special appearance from the cast, led by none other than Zendaya

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Congratulations Storm: The cast, including Barbie Ferreaira, participated in the event to wish a big congratulations to one of their own – graduating actress Storm Reid, 16

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Famous couple: Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson were also on hand to share their congratulations for the Class of 2020

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He commended those students, who he said really ‘learned how to lean into your authenticity’ during their years in school.

‘2020 is the most open loving and supportive class to ever graduate,’ Porter said, adding that he was ‘talking to the allies as well.’

‘Love is the answer,’ Billy added. ‘Leading with that always is how we make change in this world, and how we make it for good.’

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‘Love is the answer’: Emmy winner Billy Porter was also a part of the proceedings, specifically addressing the LGBTQ component of the graduating student body

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Toward the end of YouTube’s +4-hour live event, Demi Lovato graced the screen for a short speech, in which she acknowledged the difficulties inherent in graduating during a time like this.

‘It’s ok to be not ok,’ Demi said, before focusing on the theme of her message: ‘Perseverance.’

‘I challenge all of you to be confident and to persevere,’ she shared, while also making sure to include tips like, ‘don’t be afraid to ask for help.’

‘I’m rooting for you, I’m celebrating you,’ the Heart Attack singer said in conclusion.

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‘It’s ok to be not ok’: Demi Lovato graced the screen for a short speech, in which she acknowledged the difficulties inherent in graduating during a time like this

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‘I’m rooting for you, I’m celebrating you,’ the Heart Attack singer said

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Soon, it was Lady Gaga’s turn to deliver a commencement speech, which is at least the second she’s been asked to make this graduation season.

‘I wish to tell you today, that although there is much to be sad about, there is much to celebrate,’ the Chromatica songstress said.

‘You are watching society change in a deeply important way. This change will be slow,’ she continued, letting students know that ‘you have to be patient.’

Then, Gaga specifically addressed the recent spate of violence and murder directed toward black Americans, much of it coming from police and all of it pointing to the deep-rooted problem of racial injustice in this country.

‘When I look past the rage,’ Gaga said that her ‘mind turned to nature,’ upon which she drew a rather elaborate analogy.

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Soon, it was Lady Gaga’s turn to deliver a commencement speech: ‘You are watching society change in a deeply important way. This change will be slow. You have to be patient’

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‘I imagine a broad forest filled densely with tall trees, this forest is where we live,’ she described, but went on to say that those trees are rooted on racism, and they grow branches or ‘leaves of prejudice.’

The Star Is Born actress later said that the racism in this country ‘is as pervasive and as real as nature.’

‘In this moment all of us are being invited to challenge that system,’ Lady G continued, asking of those listening to find ways ‘to affect real change.’

‘It’s you who are the seeds of the future,’ she said to the Class of 2020, hoping that they can grow ‘a new and different forest’ that will ‘eradicate the blight of racism.’

The superstar then identified three elements that will help make that a reality: ‘Time, sufficient effort and divine grace.’

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From the gut: Gaga specifically addressed the recent spate of violence and murder directed toward black Americans, much of it coming from police and all of it pointing to the deep-rooted problem of racial injustice in this country

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‘We can control time and sufficient effort,’ she said, but ‘divine grace is the faith we choose to place in each other.’

Toward the closing of her message, Gaga, born Stefani Germanotta, said, ‘Your principles must come from your heart. Your values must come from your brain.’

And lastly, she returned to one of her key themes: kindness.

‘What will it take to be kind all the time?’ she asked. ‘People can do hard things. Sometimes being kind is hard.’

‘Lets talk,’ Gaga said in conclusion, before Chloe X Halle took the stage. ‘Let’s also listen. If we don’t listen, we don’t learn.

‘I can’t wait to see your forest.’

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Toward the closing of her message, Gaga, born Stefani Germanotta, said: ‘Your principles must come from your heart. Your values must come from your brain’

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Finally, since graduation is also a time for celebration and partying, a very pregnant Katy Perry appeared in front of a metallic silver tasseled backdrop for ‘the moment around the globe for graduates,’ reminding students which direction the tassel goes to mark the special rite of passage.

In celebration, Perry then sang her new track Daisies followed by her inspirational ballad Firework.

She then told graduates to ‘kick mom and dad out’ for the party portion of the event, which saw Megan Thee Stallion performing her hits solo at what looked to be her lavish home and pool, with the occasional help of backup dancers, followed by performances from international acts CNCO and BTS.

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Finally: Since graduation is also a time for celebration and partying, a very pregnant Katy Perry appeared in front of a metallic silver tasseled backdrop for a global graduation moment plus a performance of her music

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In celebration: Perry then sang her new track Daisies followed by her inspirational ballad Firework

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A festive display: Perry’s baby bump was on full display as she belted out the tune; she awaits her first child with beau Orlando Bloom

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Graduation around the world: Katy shared the ‘moment around the globe for graduates,’ reminding students which direction the tassel goes to mark the special rite of passage

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A naughty footnote to the proceedings: Megan Thee Stallion performed her hits mostly solo at what looked to be her lavish home and pool

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Nice digs: The Captain Hook hitmaker showed off a sprawling property that included outdoor spiral staircases and a lovely pool and deck

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K-pop boyband realness: The boys of BTS each took turns sharing messages to the graduates of the class of 2020, with some sharing their thoughts in English and others in Korean

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Later in the livestream event: BTS again took the mic for a musical performance celebrating the graduates

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