Look To The Stars News: Jennifer Hudson

VH1 Divas Bring Soul To Charity

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 12:30:00 +0000

VH1’s beloved franchise VH1 Divas paid tribute to the great cities of soul music last night, including Chicago, Detroit, London, Memphis and Philadelphia.

The all-star diva roster included Mary J. Blige, Kelly Clarkson, Florence + The Machine, Jennifer Hudson, Jessie J and Jill Scott, accompanied by one of the most exciting groups of modern soul, The Roots, with Questlove and Adam Blackstone as musical directors.

In addition to the Divas, the evening included an incredible line-up of performers including Chaka Khan, Erykah Badu, Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings, Boyz II Men, Estelle, Marsha Ambrosius, Travie McCoy, Mavis Staples, Wanda Jackson, Martha Reeves and Ledisi. Presenters were Dolly Parton, Queen Latifah, Terrence Howard, Nas, Common, Sherri Shepherd, La La Anthony, and Archie Panjabi.

VH1 Divas To Pay Tribute To Amy Winehouse

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 12:05:00 +0000

VH1’s beloved, popular franchise, “VH1 Divas,” has announced a special tribute to Amy Winehouse at this year’s VH1 Divas Celebrates Soul with performances by Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings, Florence Welch (Florence + The Machine) and Wanda Jackson.

“VH1 Divas Celebrates Soul” premieres Monday, December 19 at 9 PM/8c on VH1.

The tribute will reflect Winehouse’s contribution to modern, London soul music. Some highlights of the tribute will include Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings performing “You Know I’m No Good,” and Florence Welch (Florence + The Machine) and Wanda Jackson will perform her song “Back to Black.” The Dap-Kings contributed a number of tracks for Winehouse’s Grammy Award-winning album “Back to Black.” In addition, Nas, who collaborated with Winehouse on the first single of her current posthumous album, will introduce the tribute medley.

More Performers Added To VH1 Divas Show

Tue, 22 Nov 2011 12:30:00 +0000

VH1 Divas – benefiting the Save The Music Foundation – has announced additional performers to join this year’s tribute to soul music.

Chaka Khan, Erykah Badu, Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings, Boyz II Men, Estelle, Marsha Ambrosius and Travie McCoy will join VH1’s “divas” in paying homage to these cities and soul music’s timeless classics at New York City’s Hammerstein Ballroom. VH1 Divas Celebrates Soul premieres Monday, December 19 at 9 PM/8c on VH1.

“We are so excited to feature these diverse and multi-talented women and men joining our ‘Divas’ roster this year to showcase the global impact of soul music and how influential and inspirational the music is to today’s chart-topping artists,” said Lee Rolontz, EVP, Original Music Production & Development, VH1 and VH1 Classic. “Celebrating the soul music borne out of some of the world’s greatest cities being performed by today’s top artists with the iconic legends that put soul music on the map prove this year’s ‘Divas’ will be a must-see event.”

Donate To Charity To Win Kelly Clarkson Guitar

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 13:00:00 +0000

Donate $25 to the VH1 Save The Music Foundation through their Crowdrise page before December 11 for a chance to win a rockin’ acoustic CF Martin & Co. guitar autographed by Grammy-Award winner and VH1 Save The Music Alumni Ambassador Kelly Clarkson!

As we approach the end of the year, the VH1 Save the Music Foundation is celebrating the impact music has made in each of our lives. However, countless children in the US still lack access a complete education that includes the benefits of music. Help the Foundation ensure that music education is treated as a core subject.

Join music education advocate, Kelly Clarkson in providing more students with the resources that allow them to lead, innovate and create in the 21st century! By donating $25, you will be entered to win a CF Martin & Co. guitar signed by Kelly (what a great holiday gift!) and a premium pair of tickets to the taping of VH1 Divas in NYC on December 18th with performances by Kelly Clarkson, Mary J. Blige, Florence & The Machine, Jill Scott, Jessie J, Jennifer Hudson and more!

Mary J. Blige And Jennifer Hudson Are VH1 Divas For Charity

Mon, 31 Oct 2011 12:30:00 +0000

VH1’s beloved, popular franchise, “VH1 Divas,” returns and will pay tribute to the cities where soul gave birth to music’s most powerful classics and inspired today’s divas. Mary J. Blige, Jennifer Hudson, Jill Scott, Florence + The Machine, Kelly Clarkson and Jessie J will pay homage to these cities and soul music’s timeless classics at New York City’s Hammerstein Ballroom.

“VH1 Divas Celebrates Soul” premieres Monday, December 19 at 9 PM/8c on VH1.

“This year’s telecast will showcase the vast impact soul music has had on the 21st century’s music and pop culture landscape as our talented and diverse lineup will attest,” said Lee Rolontz, EVP, Original Music Production & Development, VH1 and VH1 Classic. “This year’s ‘Divas’ offers a modern twist on soul music, all while tipping its hat to the legacy of key cities that created this musical heritage.”

Stars To Attend amfAR Inspiration Gala In Los Angeles

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 13:45:00 +0000

The American Foundation for AIDS Research (amfAR) will host its Inspiration Gala Los Angeles on Thursday, October 27, and will have plenty of celebrity support.

Hosted by Andy Cohen – and with performances by Sinead O’Connor and Deborah Harry – the fantastic evening will include a special tribute to Elizabeth Taylor presented by Sandra Bullock. Guests expected include Chelsea Handler, Kevin Huvane and Kenneth Cole.

amfAR launched the Inspiration series in 2010 with events in New York, Paris, and Los Angeles. Last year, the LA event was hosted by Kylie Minogue and featured performances by Courtney Love and Dita Von Teese, as well as fashion presentations by Dsquared2 and Jean-Paul Gaultier. This year’s Inspiration Galas in New York, Sao Paulo, and Paris have featured Fergie, James Franco, Jennifer Hudson, Marc Jacobs, Ke$ha, Heidi Klum, Michael Kors and Liza Minnelli.

Jennifer Hudson And Christina Hendricks Honored At Women Doing Good Awards

Thu, 15 Sep 2011 13:00:00 +0000

SELF Magazine celebrated their 4th annual Women Doing Good Awards this week at the IAC Building in NYC. The celebrity charity event included Jennifer Hudson, Christina Hendricks, Jerry and Jessica Seinfeld, Lisa Ling and three amazing hometown heroes that were all honored.

Christina Hendricks and Jennifer Hudson

In A Perfect World And Babakul Raise Charity Funds At Celebrity Event

Mon, 15 Aug 2011 11:30:00 +0000

In A Perfect World and Babakul joined forces recently to help raise funds to build an education center for under privileged children in Nicaragua.

Janelle Keith, Michelle Vink and Manuela Testolini

Russell Simmons' Celebrity Charity Gala Hits East Hampton

Thu, 28 Jul 2011 13:00:00 +0000

On Saturday, July 30, 2011, Russell Simmons’ Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation will celebrate the Twelfth Annual ART FOR LIFE East Hampton benefit event!

For over a decade, hundreds of friends and supporters have joined Russell Simmons, Danny Simmons, Joseph “Rev. Run” Simmons and Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation to celebrate the creative energy of New York City youth and honor exemplary individuals for success in their respective fields and good works to better the community.

The evening will honor recording artist Mary J. Blige, actor/filmmaker Edward Norton, President of JPMorgan Chase Foundation Kimberly B. Davis and world renown nutritionist and author Oz Garcia. The star-studded fundraising event will be hosted by CNN’s Soledad O’Brien and The View and Rush Kids Auctioneer Star Jones and feature a special performance by Grammy award-winning artist Jennifer Hudson. This year’s Featured Artist is Kara Walker. Gwyneth Paltrow, Djimon Hounsou and Kimora Lee Simmons are serving as Honorary Chairs.

Russell Simmons Launches Art For Life Celebrity Charity Auction

Wed, 20 Jul 2011 13:00:00 +0000

Justin Timberlake, one of the hottest stars in entertainment, has donated a once-in-a-lifetime experience to raise funds for Russell Simmons’ Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation through the 2012 Art for Life Online Auction at Charitybuzz.com.

Timberlake is auctioning the chance for two incredibly lucky fans to hang out with him backstage after any concert of their choice during his 2012 tour. Bidding on the package is open through August 10th at leading charity auction site charitybuzz. The estimated value is set at $10,000.

Fashion Gives Back At Charity Event For Children In Nicaragua

Fri, 24 Jun 2011 11:30:00 +0000

Babakul – the Los Angeles-based contemporary women’s collection whose celebrity fans include Jennifer Hudson, Jessica Alba, Kim Kardashian and Brooke Burke – are to join forces with In A Perfect World to help build an education center for under privileged children in Nicaragua.

In an effort to give back ,the ladies of Babakul – Kym Gold and Sophie Wizmann – have designed a t-shirt that simply states “Build with Babakul”. 100% of the proceeds go directly into the efforts of In A Perfect World. The t-shirt is effortlessly chic with a minimal take on a traditional tee. The shirt features the In A Perfect World logo on the back corner, all the while draping perfectly to form a tousled and sexy silhouette. From the kimono-like sleeves to the wide crew neck, you won’t just be doing your community a service; you’ll be thanking yourself later when you’re ready for the evening after you’ve paired the top with skinny jeans, a pair of wedges, and a cropped leather jacket.

Liza Minnelli And Jennifer Hudson To Sing At Celebrity Charity Gala

Mon, 13 Jun 2011 15:30:00 +0000

The American Foundation for AIDS Research (amfAR) will pay tribute to actor James Franco and designer Michael Kors at its second annual Inspiration Gala New York on June 14th at the Museum of Modern Art.

Franco will receive the Piaget Award of Inspiration for his humanitarian work and contributions to men’s style, while Kors will receive the amfAR Award of Courage for his stellar leadership in the fight against AIDS. Performances will include Liza Minnelli and Jennifer Hudson.

Larry Boland, President of Piaget North America, stated “We are thrilled to continue our partnership with amfAR, and we are especially proud to honor James Franco, one of Hollywood’s most inspiring actors, with the Piaget Award of Inspiration for his commitment to the fight against AIDS.”

Alicia Keys Announces Celebrity Charity Black Ball

Thu, 26 May 2011 15:00:00 +0000

Alicia Keys and Mark Ronson will join forces in London next month to host the annual Keep A Child Alive Black Ball.

“Each year, Keep a Child Alive gathers extraordinary guests in a night promised to be filled with surprises and special moments,” said Keep a Child Alive Co-Founder, Alicia Keys. “I LOVE the Black Ball! I’m proud to raise awareness and funds for this most important cause to help families in Africa and India affected by AIDS and HIV. This issue is undeniable – how can we ignore it? It’s our responsibility as human beings to come together to save lives and care about each other.”

Joining the stars at the event will be Paloma Faith, Tinie Tempah and others yet to be announced.

Jennifer Hudson To Perform At amfAR Inspiration Gala In Brazil

Fri, 22 Apr 2011 11:30:00 +0000

Jennifer Hudson will perform at amfAR’s special Inspiration Gala in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on April 28.

Inspiration, a new amfAR event series produced by Josh Wood Productions, is a celebration of style benefiting the Foundation’s innovative AIDS research programs. Held at the home of Felipe Diniz, The Inspiration Gala//Sao Paulo will feature a cocktail reception, gala dinner, award presentation, special entertainment, and live auction. Guests are encouraged to dress inspired by the theme.

The event will honor Francisco Costa, Women’s Creative Director at Calvin Klein, with special guests such as Claire Danes, Alessandra Ambrosio, Alice Braga, Isabeli Fontana and Astrid Munox attending.

Mary J. Blige To Honor Women At Celebrity Charity Concert

Wed, 13 Apr 2011 14:00:00 +0000

On May 1, Mary J. Blige, Queen Latifah and ELLE magazine’s VP, Editor-in-Chief/Brand Content, Robbie Myers, will host FFAWN’s second annual Mary J. Blige Honors Concert. They’ll join close celebrity friends and trailblazers in the entertainment industry, and all will pay tribute to young girls with big dreams of becoming the leaders of tomorrow.

The evening will be held in honor of the 2011 FFAWN scholarship recipients, and proceeds will directly benefit FFAWN’s scholarship fund, which ensures that educational opportunities are made available to young women so that they can get the training needed to be successful. In 2010, FFAWN sent 25 young women to college with full four-year scholarships. All 25 remain enrolled and have maintained GPA scholarship requirements of 3.0; eight of the students made the dean’s list their first semester.

Nine-time Grammy Award–winning artist Blige, who will perform, and FFAWN co-founder Steve Stoute will celebrate the dedication of these special young women and continue to inspire them to achieve greatness. Joining them is a star-studded cast of leading ladies and role models, including Christina Aguilera, Anita Baker, Jennifer Hudson, Corinne Bailey Rae and Jill Scott, among others performing that night.

Elton John Announces Annual Celebrity Charity Oscar Viewing Party

Tue, 01 Feb 2011 15:30:00 +0000

The Elton John AIDS Foundation (EJAF) announced today that the 19th annual Elton John AIDS Foundation Academy Awards Viewing Party hosted by Sir Elton John and David Furnish will take place on Sunday, February 27, at the Pacific Design Center in Los Angeles.

Sir Elton stated, “I am tremendously excited to announce that Best New Artist Grammy nominee Florence + The Machine has accepted my personal invitation to perform for guests attending this year’s gala event.”

Jennifer Hudson Leads Christmas Charity Toy Drive

Fri, 24 Dec 2010 14:00:00 +0000

Jennifer Hudson is celebrating Christmas by organizing a charity toy drive in memory of her murdered nephew.

“This was a good way to keep Julian’s memory alive by blessing other children through the holiday season,” said Jennifer. "For us, we never had a sad Christmas, so we want to make other children’s Christmas be as enjoyable as ours were growing up.

“Julian always had toys. I would come home and see his bike down the street and say, ‘Why is your bike down the street?’ ‘Oh I gave it away.’ This would be right up his alley I think. I know he’s smiling, something he would have done, exactly.”

Alicia Keys Urges Celebrity Friends To Sacrifice Digital Life For Charity

Mon, 29 Nov 2010 11:30:00 +0000

A number of celebrities are giving up their Facebook and Twitter accounts as part of a new charity initiative for Alicia Keys’ Keep A Child Alive.

The campaign – called Digital Life Sacrifice – will see stars such as Lady Gaga, Justin Timberlake and Usher stay away from their computers from December 1 until Keys’ charity raises $1 million.

“It’s really important and super-cool to use mediums that we naturally are on,” says Alicia. "It’s so important to shock you to the point of waking up. It’s not that people don’t care or it’s not that people don’t want to do something, it’s that they never thought of it quite like that.

Will Ferrell Creates A Coffee Cup With A Cause

Tue, 16 Nov 2010 15:30:00 +0000

Will Ferrell is warming up the winter season with his ‘Coffee Cup With A Cause’ cup as the fifth celebrity-designer in 7-Eleven, Inc.’s cause-marketing campaign.

Ferrell’s frosty ‘Coffee Cup With A Cause’ will benefit Cancer For College, a California-based charity providing support and inspiration to cancer survivors through academic scholarships.

Katy Perry And Paramore To Headline USO Celebrity Charity Concert

Tue, 16 Nov 2010 13:00:00 +0000

Two-time Emmy award winning actress and comedian, New York Times bestselling author and Grammy nominated performer Kathy Griffin will host VH1 Divas Salute The Troops from the Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Miramar in San Diego, CA.

Known for her candid wit, the USO tour veteran has been making audiences laugh for years discussing Hollywood gossip and celebrity blunders. Griffin is a multi-faceted performer who is sure to entertain the troops.

“After having had the honor of performing for our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan, it gives me great pleasure to host an evening for them where they can really blow off some steam. I will not hold back, but I can’t speak for Sugarland. It’s going to be a wild night of great music and a heartfelt thank you,” said Kathy Griffin.

Steven Spielberg To Honor Dreamworks CEO With Humanity Award

Mon, 15 Nov 2010 15:00:00 +0000

On December 9, 2010, Steven Spielberg, founder of the USC Shoah Foundation Institute, will present Jeffrey Katzenberg, CEO of DreamWorks Animation and longtime philanthropist, with the USC Shoah Foundation Institute’s highest honor, the Ambassadors for Humanity Award.

Jeffrey Katzenberg will be honored for his commitment and support of the organization and recognized for his work as a philanthropist and community leader. Craig Ferguson will host the Ambassadors for Humanity Gala with Grammy and Academy Award winner Jennifer Hudson as special musical guest.

The USC Shoah Foundation Institute collected and maintains an archive of nearly 52,000 video testimonies of Holocaust survivors and other witnesses in 32 languages and from 56 countries. The Ambassadors for Humanity Award honors individuals who embody the Institute’s goals of promoting tolerance, cultural understanding, and mutual respect through the educational use of the testimonies in its Visual History Archive.

Andre Agassi And Friends Raise $8.5 Million At Charity Grand Slam

Thu, 14 Oct 2010 15:00:00 +0000

As reported by LookToTheStars.org last week, Andre Agassi hosted his star-studded Grand Slam For Children on October 9. The event saw a host of famous faces hit the stage, and raised a massive $8.5 million for the Andre Agassi Charitable Foundation’s educational work.

Among those to perform were Elton John, Jason Mraz, Jennifer Hudson, Rob Thomas, David Foster and Bill Cosby, and an auction feature items donated by Katie Couric, Michael Phelps, Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich, Robin Williams, Wayne Gretzky and many more.

The live auction saw a personal dinner with Robin Williams go under the hammer for 6 people at $100,000 each. Lars Ulrich’s drum lessons went for $35,000, and a trip with Freida Pinto to India went for $75,000.

Elton John And Friends To Rock Andre Agassi's Charity Bash

Tue, 05 Oct 2010 15:30:00 +0000

Elton John, Jason Mraz, Jennifer Hudson, Rob Thomas, David Foster and Bill Cosby will perform at Andre Agassi’s Grand Slam for Children on October 9.

The annual event supports the Andre Agassi Charitable Foundation’s efforts to transform education and benefits the Andre Agassi College Preparatory Academy (Agassi Prep), a K-12 public charter school in Las Vegas that strives to provide children with a first-class education. Hosted by tennis legend and philanthropist Andre Agassi and presented by Genworth Financial, the 2010 Grand Slam for Children will take place Saturday, Oct. 9 at Wynn Las Vegas.

Celebrating its 15th year, the Grand Slam brings together international stars – from music to comedy – each year to build awareness and raise money for the Foundation. Dedicated to transforming education, the Foundation opened the Agassi Academy in 2001; in 2009, the public charter school graduated its first senior class with 100 percent of graduates accepted into college. The Foundation’s work is directly impacting students in Las Vegas, Agassi’s hometown community, but it has broader implications for education nationwide.

Alicia Keys: 8th Annual Black Ball For Charity

Tue, 05 Oct 2010 14:00:00 +0000

Alicia Keys held her 8th annual Black Ball to benefit her charity, Keep A Child Alive, last week.

Among those to perform at the Hammersmith Ballroom in New York City on Thursday were Beyoncé, Jay-Z, Swizz Beatz, Jennifer Hudson, Usher and Whitney Houston.

“It’s my heart and soul,” Keys told MTV News. “Since the beginning, we’ve been very driven to do incredible work. I’m proud to show what four to five women who are very dedicated can do.”

Jennifer Hudson Supports Weight Watchers Charity Campaign

Fri, 17 Sep 2010 13:00:00 +0000

Jennifer Hudson has helped launch an exciting new charity initiative to raise money for the hungry.

For the past two years, Weight Watchers members have shown that they can improve their health while helping those in need. Today, the company announced the launch of the third annual Lose For Good campaign, an initiative that fights hunger both locally and globally by increasing awareness of this important issue and helping to provide access to healthy food for those in need. Between September 5th and October 23rd, as Weight Watchers members and Online subscribers lose weight and participate in other activities, the company will donate up to $1 million to two leading hunger fighting organizations – Share Our Strength and Action Against Hunger. Through Lose For Good, Weight Watchers has donated more than $2 million to its charitable partners, and its members have donated over 3.5 million pounds of food to food banks nationwide.

“Almost one in four children in America faces hunger and will endure lifelong consequences as a result of having limited access to nutritious foods,” said Billy Shore, Founder and Executive Director of Share Our Strength. “Weight Watchers is an important ally in our fight to make sure no child in America grows up hungry. We’re thankful for their dedication to our mission and the generous support they provide through the Lose For Good campaign.”