Greg James hailed radio’s energy to convey folks collectively in troublesome occasions as he kicked off the BBC’s Nice British Singalong.
The particular initiative noticed BBC Radio 1, Radio 2, 6Music, 1Xtra and Asian Community listeners choose 5 singalong tracks to carry the nation’s spirits throughout the coronavirus disaster.
On Thursday morning, Radio 1 Breakfast host James kicked issues off by praising radio’s means to unite folks earlier than introducing his listeners’ alternative.
“What a singular second,” he mentioned. “It’s taken us per week to work out what to play.
“We’ve veered from humorous, silly songs, however what we’ve landed on is the proper track as a result of radio has at all times been good at bringing folks collectively and significantly presently its powers are magnetised.”
“Isolation doesn’t imply it’s a must to be lonely. Radio is a superb pal to all of us. We’d like to see you singing alongside. It is a large, good group.”
James’ listeners voted for Florence and the Machine’s cowl of You Acquired The Love, with many writing on Twitter that listening to the monitor made them really feel emotional.
Radio 2’s Dermot O’Leary admitted that he was additionally feeling slightly tearful after his colleague’s remarks, telling James “Cease making me cry together with your pretty speech!” earlier than taking part in his listeners’ alternative of Candy Caroline by Neil Diamond.
In the course of the singalong takeover, followers – and fellow BBC presenters – shared movies of themselves entering into the spirit and singing and dancing to the 5 particular tracks.
6Music’s Lauren Laverne launched Prince’s Raspberry Beret earlier than handing over to Radio1Xtra’s Dotty, who was broadcasting from dwelling.
“It’s good to be below the cover, I’m not gonna mislead you Lauren,” she mentioned, earlier than taking part in Toast by rising reggae star Koffee.
Asian Community presenter Harpz Kaur then completed issues off by taking part in Panjabi MC’s Mundian To Bach Ke.
Many Twitter customers mentioned that the singalong takeover had helped to spice up their spirits throughout a troublesome and unsure time.
Final month, BBC DJs joined radio hosts across Europe in playing Gerry and the Pacemakers’ track You’ll Never Walk Alone on the identical time in a show of solidarity throughout the coronavirus pandemic.
