Key takeaways from the FireAid concert include:

• Billie Eilish and Green Day opened with powerful performances, raising awareness for LA wildfire victims.
• U2 made a significant $1 million donation during the event, setting the stage for further contributions.
• The concert featured captivating performances from top artists and testimonials from wildfire survivors.

INGLEWOOD, Calif. (AP) — A star-studded lineup came together for the FireAid benefit concert on January 30, showcasing top music talent while raising funds for victims of the devastating Los Angeles-area wildfires. Hosted at two venues, the Kia Forum and Intuit Dome, the concert featured performances from renowned artists such as Billie Eilish, Green Day, Lady Gaga, and many more.

The night was kicked off by Green Day, who delivered a heartfelt rendition of “Last Night on Earth,” after which Billie Eilish joined them on stage, echoing emotional sentiments with lyrics addressing the losses from the fires. Le Monde reported that amidst the performances, U2 made the first major donation of the evening with a pledge of $1 million, which was matched by Los Angeles Clippers owner Steve Ballmer and his wife.

The concert was not only about music but also included powerful storytelling moments, with many survivors sharing their harrowing experiences of loss and resilience. Among the highlight performances was that of Joni Mitchell, who sang “Both Sides Now,” and a moving reunion of Nirvana, with St. Vincent at the helm, celebrating the band's legacy.

Celebrity appearances also peppered the night, including actor Billy Crystal, who emotionally reflected on losing his home to the fires. As noted by the Associated Press, his presence reminded the audience of the personal stakes involved in the evening's festivities.

Performances varied from Lady Gaga’s stunning “Shallow” to nostalgic tracks from legendary acts like the Red Hot Chili Peppers and a hip-hop set by Dr. Dre. Emotional visuals played throughout the concert, depicting both magnificent moments and the destruction wrought by the wildfires.

Many artists tied their performances to the cause, with Kati Perry waving the California state flag during “California Gurls”. The concert also showcased acoustic renditions from Eilish, as well as country hits from Jelly Roll, illustrating a diverse array of music for the assembled crowd.

The evening concluded with a resounding message of hope and community, with secure online platforms like HuffPost's FireAidLA.org enabling further contributions for lasting support in wildfire relief efforts. Donations will be distributed under the guidance of the Annenberg Foundation to ensure that every contribution directly benefits those who suffered losses. In the face of devastation, FireAid served not only as a concert but as a unifying and hopeful event for Los Angeles and beyond.