NASHVILLE — A diverse group of celebrities converged on Nashville for the Stand Up To Cancer televised fundraising special, aiming to raise significant funds for cancer research. The event, which took place on October 7, 2023, featured performances from popular artists such as the Jonas Brothers, Jelly Roll, and Sheryl Crow, who also served as the evening’s host. Prominent figures such as Zoe Saldaña, Reese Witherspoon, and Jamie Foxx participated in pre-taped segments, highlighting the collective effort to combat cancer.
Significance of the Event
The telecast, co-founded by Pamela Williams, emphasized the importance of raising awareness about cancer research. “The Stand Up to Cancer telecast is super important to communicate and raise awareness about cancer research,” Williams stated. She noted the pervasive impact of cancer, asserting that every contribution makes a difference, no matter how small. “Everyone is affected by cancer. People may think ‘it’s such a huge problem, how can I even start to take a dent at it?'” Williams added, reinforcing the idea that each dollar raised counts.
This year’s special showcased a range of performances from renowned artists, including Jon Pardi, Brothers Osbourne, Noah Cyrus, Marcus King, Dan + Shay, Gavin DeGraw, and CeCe Winans. The Nashville Community Gospel Choir also contributed to the musical lineup, enhancing the evening’s entertainment.
Broadcaster Reach and Educational Impact
For the first time, the event was broadcast from Nashville, with thirty media platforms streaming the telecast commercial-free. This included all four major U.S. broadcast networks, as well as popular streaming services like Twitch, TikTok, YouTube, and Facebook. Williams emphasized the dual purpose of the event, describing it as a night of “entertainment and edutainment,” where viewers would not only enjoy performances but also learn about vital topics such as early detection of cancer.
“You’ll hear the importance of it, you’ll hear these inspiring stories of patients, and you’ll be entertained,” Williams remarked. “Hopefully, you’ll leave the night really feeling hopeful. We’re at a critical time in cancer research. So now is the time to give and to really save lives.”
The telecast aimed to inspire hope and motivate viewers to support cancer research efforts, reinforcing that every contribution is crucial in the fight against this pervasive disease. The event was set to air at 8 p.m. ET and PT / 7 p.m. CT on ABC, inviting audiences to join the cause from the comfort of their homes.
