In one of the most moving moments of the year, Neil Diamond made a surprise appearance at a Parkinson’s research fundraiser gala in Los Angeles last night — and left the audience in tears after performing his classic anthem “I Am… I Said” alongside the entire crowd.
The event, hosted by the Michael J. Fox Foundation, brought together scientists, donors, and artists united by a common cause: to support ongoing Parkinson’s research. Diamond, who publicly revealed his own Parkinson’s diagnosis in 2018, attended quietly at first — but by the end of the evening, he was center stage, reminding everyone why his voice and spirit continue to inspire millions.
According to attendees, the singer entered to a standing ovation as the room erupted in chants of “Sweet Caroline.” Smiling humbly, he waved off the applause and said,
“You don’t have to sing my songs tonight — just stand for the fight. But if we do sing, let’s make it count.”
Moments later, the opening chords of “I Am… I Said” filled the ballroom. Instead of a band, Diamond sang accompanied only by a piano — his voice lower, more reflective, yet as powerful as ever. When he reached the song’s final refrain — “I am… I cried… I am, said I” — the audience softly joined in, turning the performance into a shared hymn of resilience.
One attendee described the moment as “spiritual.” Another said, “It felt like Neil was singing not just for himself, but for everyone who’s ever faced this illness with courage.”
Event organizers later confirmed that the gala raised over $4.3 million for Parkinson’s research — the foundation’s highest single-night total this year. Diamond’s impromptu performance, they said, “set the tone of hope and unity.”
Dr. Elena Marks, a neurologist who spoke at the event, praised the artist’s openness:
“Neil Diamond has given the world so much music — and now, by sharing his journey, he’s giving strength to millions of patients.”
As the evening ended, Diamond thanked the crowd simply:
“I may not tour anymore, but I still have songs — and you’ve just reminded me that they still belong to all of us.”
The audience responded with one final chorus of “Sweet Caroline,” filling the hall with voices and smiles. For a few unforgettable minutes, the man who once wrote the soundtrack of joy became the embodiment of grace, grit, and gratitude.