"Please read the room" - Netizens react as John Legend sings 'Ordinary People' to a group of inmates who fought the LA fires 

A video has been going viral on social media where John Legend can be seen singing his 2004 hit, Ordinary People to inmates who helped during the Los Angeles wildfires. As per Complex, John Legend met the inmates, enrolled in the CDCR Fire Program on Sunday, January 19, 2025.

However, as soon as the video of John Legend singing to the inmates went viral on social media, several reactions started pouring in. As an Instagram user, @TheShadeRoom posted the video on the platform, a netizen wrote:

“John.. please read the room.”

Singer John sings "Ordinary People" for a group of inmates who fought the wildfires: Details and netizens' reactions explored. (Image via Instagram)

A few other fans were baffled by the idea of singing for the inmates and had similar reactions, as they commented:

Singer John sings "Ordinary People" for a group of inmates who fought the wildfires: Details and netizens' reactions explored. (Image via Instagram)

Singer John sings "Ordinary People" for a group of inmates who fought the wildfires: Details and netizens' reactions explored. (Image via Instagram)

Singer John sings "Ordinary People" for a group of inmates who fought the wildfires: Details and netizens' reactions explored. (Image via Instagram)

Several netizens also pointed out the facial expressions and reactions of the inmates and said:

Singer John sings "Ordinary People" for a group of inmates who fought the wildfires: Details and netizens' reactions explored. (Image via Instagram)

Singer John sings "Ordinary People" for a group of inmates who fought the wildfires: Details and netizens' reactions explored. (Image via Instagram)

Singer John sings "Ordinary People" for a group of inmates who fought the wildfires: Details and netizens' reactions explored. (Image via Instagram)

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“They are often the first to arrive and the last to leave”: More details revealed as John Legend shared his experience with the CDCR Fire Program inmates

Social media has already been flooded with videos of John Legend singing for the CDCR Fire Program inmates. The legendary singer also uploaded a few glimpses and shared his experience on Instagram, as he applauded the inmates, and said:

“Yesterday, I spent time with some of the nearly 1,000 incarcerated firefighters who have been battling LA’s wildfires. After a 24-hour shift, they described their intense work on the line. They are often the first to arrive and the last to leave and perform the toughest and riskiest tasks to protect our communities.”

He continued:

“Something that stuck with me from this group was that no matter where we come from, we all have the capacity to serve, protect, and rebuild—not just for ourselves but for our community. This is our moment to give them our thanks and support both now and as they work toward building their futures.”

He then urged the masses to “advocate for higher wages for incarcerated workers,” as he specified how they work for only $5 to $10 a day.

Complex also mentioned in its report that John Legend and his wife, Chrissy Teigen, were among the many celebrities evacuated from their homes due to the LA fires. Furthermore, many other celebrities, such as Mandy Moore, Mel Gibson, Paris Hilton, Joshua Jackson, Eric Braeden, and Jeff Bridges, also lost their homes in the wildfires.