Keith Urban and Celine Dion perform at moving John Farnham tribute concert in Melbourne - but the legendary singer stayed home after sad news that he's confined to wheelchair

Keith Urban and Celine Dion have joined a cavalcade of music legends to pay tribute to Australian pop icon, John Farnham. 

Urban took the stage at Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne on Sunday evening for The Songs of John Farnham: A Living Legend concert, which also saw the likes of Coldplay's Chris Martin, Human Nature and Jimmy Barnes cover Farnham's most loved songs. 

Farnham was not in attendance, after his family announced that he is confined to a wheelchair and using supplemental oxygen following his battle with mouth cancer. 

Having flown in to Melbourne from his home in Nashville, Aussie country crooner Urban performed a moving rendition of Farnham's 1990s hit, Burn for You.

Dion performed via a video link from Paris, launching into a rousing version of You're the Voice  that had the entire arena on their feet. 

'John, you've always been such a deep inspiration to me; I always loved to hear you sing,' she said. 

'The way you sang one song in particular is one of my very, very favourite performances ever.'

Jimmy Barnes performed his 1991 duet with Farnham, When Something Is Wrong with My Baby, with his singer daughter Mahalia Barnes standing in to sing John's verses. 

Hugh Jackman likewise performed via video link, performing a rendition of Talk of The Town.

'I've been a fan of yours as long as I can remember,' Jackman said. 

'I have seen you at least 30 times live, and I would say you are one of the greatest I have ever seen onstage.'

'The person I am onstage, the entertainer I am, is largely because of you.' 

Entertainment reporter and good friend of Farnham, Richard Wilkins, hosted as MC. 

Farnham's son, Rob Farnham, took to the stage to thank both the performers and the attendees, and said that his father will be touched by the turnout. 

'We all know he's a little bit too humble for his own good sometimes,' he said. 

The concert is in aid of the Lend Your Voice campaign, which aims to raise $1 million for Head and Neck Cancer Australia in the next year. 

Farnham's family provided a sad update on Saturday, revealing the iconic singer's health has deteriorated and he now requires 'continuous oxygen support' and is in a wheelchair.

The singer's son James shared the update on social media, revealing that Farnham was not well enough to attend his tribute concert.

'A statement from our family. John has been deeply moved by everything happening this weekend around the tribute concert at Rod Laver Arena,' James began.

'The extraordinary work of the producers over these past few months, the generosity of all the artists giving their time, and the dedication of the crew and production teams working so hard to deliver this special concert.

'None of it is taken for granted by John or any of us, as a family. On John's behalf, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.' 

He then revealed that his father's ongoing health battle meant that he would be unable to attend The Songs of John Farnham: A Living Legend concert, in which a host of Australian singers will pay tribute to the iconic star. 

'Unfortunately, he will not be able to attend and, as a family, we feel it is important to provide an update on John's health to help explain why,' James began.

'John's health has deteriorated in recent months. He now requires continuous oxygen support and uses a wheelchair for mobility. It has become necessary to receive 24-hour nursing care at home, ensuring trained support is always available when he needs it.'

He added that while the family had previously kept this private, they were sharing so people understood why Farnham was unable to attend the event.

'We have kept these matters private while our family has adjusted to John's changing needs. However, we now feel it is important that John's fans and supporters understand his circumstances, why he cannot be there this weekend,' he said.

'If things were different, John would have loved nothing more than to attend. He would undoubtedly have been a little overwhelmed by all the fuss, but he would also have wanted to thank everyone involved in person.

'As a family, we have decided that it is best for John to remain at home, where he can be safe and comfortable.

'Thank you for your understanding and for the many messages of love and support John continues to receive. And to everyone involved in this weekend's celebration concert: chookas!'

The concert proceeds will support Head and Neck Cancer Australia.