Miranda Lambert, Kacey Musgraves lead star-studded benefit concert

Miranda Lambert, Kacey Musgraves, and Willie Nelson were among celebrities who joined Academy Award-winning actor, Matthew McConaughey’s virtual We’re Texas winter storm recovery benefit concert.

McConaughey, a Texas native, set up the virtual concert to help disaster relief organisations assisting those affected by the devastating winter storms in Texas and across the southern US this year.

“A lot of Texans are hurting right now,” said McConaughey. “After the disaster of the worst freeze here in over 70 years, so many are still without clean water, and unable to repair water damage that has made their homes unliveable. One of my favourite things about Texans is that we like to help ourselves, and while that spirit is still alive and well, a lot of Texans can’t help themselves right now unless we help them. It’s time.”

The livestream also featured appearances from George Strait, Kelly Clarkson, Lyle Lovett, Don Henley, Parker McCollum, Selena Gomez, Jamie Foxx, Jonas Brothers, Renée Zellweger, and Woody Harrelson, among others.

Lambert sung Heart Like Mine, her fifth and final single off her 2009 album, Revolution. McCollum performed his no. 1 breakout single, Pretty Heart. Musgraves covered Nelson’s iconic 1980 smash On The Road Again.

Musgraves said, “Man, I really miss my home state. I miss the food, I miss the people, and I miss being on the road, so let’s bust this one out by the good old patron saint Willie Nelson. And wherever you are, sing it with me and I hope I get to see you soon.”

Rapper Post Malone also performed a couple of covers, including Brad Paisley's I’m Gonna Miss Her (The Fishing Song) as well as American country artist, Sturgill Simpson's You Can Have The Crown.

The benefit was organised by McConaughey and wife, Camila, through the j.k.livin Foundation Texas Relief Fund, and the live event raised $7.7 million for non-profits including the Austin Disaster Relief Network, Meals on Wheels Central Texas, the St. Bernard Project, and Salvation Army of Texas.

The over two-hour benefit concert streamed on McConaughey’s YouTube channel on March 21.

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Image: via YouTube