One Direction, Kylie Minogue, Chris Martin, Sam Smith, Pharrell Williams and Sir Elton John were just some of the famous names who banded together to perform a new charity song for Children in Need. A total of 28 musical acts – who sang under the name The Impossible Orchestra – secretly recorded their version of God Only Knows by The Beach Boys. The three-minute music clip was broadcast on all BBC platforms on Tuesday night at 8pm, with fans able to download the song from midnight. All proceeds will go to Children in Need, the corporation's UK charity.
With the opening "I may not always love you" sung by Pharrell and the iconic "God only knows what I'd be without you" belted out by Coldplay front man Chris, the tune was an instant hit with listeners. "It's a song that has been and will forever be part of pop history and to be singing it alongside my idols was overwhelming," said Money On My Mind hit maker Sam. Composer and producer Brian Wilson added: "All of the artists did such a beautiful job I can't thank them enough.
God Only Knows is a very special song. An extremely spiritual song and one of the best I've ever written." The release also marked the official launch of BBC Music, described by the business as "an ambitious wave of new programmes, innovative partnerships and ground-breaking music initiatives that amount to the BBC's strongest commitment to music in 30 years."
