Look To The Stars News: Whitney Houston

VH1 Divas To Return For Charity

Wed, 22 Jul 2009 15:30:00 -0000

After a four-year hiatus, VH1 will bring back the legendary live concert event “VH1 Divas” by featuring some of pop music’s most talented female artists – Adele, Kelly Clarkson, Leona Lewis and Miley Ray Cyrus. The “VH1 Divas” concert will be televised live on VH1 on Thursday, September 17 at 9:00pm.

Proceeds from the show will go to VH1’s Save The Music Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of education in America’s public schools by restoring music programs in cities across the country, and raising public awareness about the importance of music participation for our nation’s youth. Since VH1 Save The Music was created in 1997, more than $43 million worth of musical instruments have been donated to 1,600 public schools in 100 cities, improving the lives of more than 1.2 million children.

For the first time ever, these leading ladies at the top of their musical game will perform together live at the Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM) Howard Gilman Opera House in Brooklyn, New York. Continuing in true “Divas” tradition, the evening will feature a night of unforgettable performances from various performers, presenters and special guests. Additional performers and presenters will be announced in the coming weeks.

Fans can go now to Divas.VH1.com to submit a “Diva Stories” text or video testimonial that tells the world how their favorite diva has influenced their life. VH1 wants to hear from all Divas’ fans – favorite songs, favorite moments and the craziest things they’ve done to show their diva how they feel. Select testimonials may be featured online and on-air leading up to this year’s live telecast. Users will also be able to browse and view other’s testimonials as well as receive news and updates on “VH1 Divas.” In mid-August, VH1 will launch additional online elements including past performances and Divas-inspired music video playlists. Users can also follow all show-related news and details, as well as thoughts on this year’s show from other fans by following the “VH1 Divas” twitter account at http://twitter.com/vh1divas.

“An amazingly talented group of young women have successfully launched themselves into the global music scene since our last VH1 Divas show. We’re very excited to have so many of them join us at this year’s momentous event,” said Lee Rolontz, EVP, Original Music Production & Development VH1, and VH1 Classic. “Adele, Kelly, Leona and Miley have all captured the world’s attention with their talent and have earned their designation as VH1 Divas this year. Don’t let some of their young ages fool you – these women are among the best entertainers in the world and will continue to thrill music fans for a long time to come.”

Premiering on VH1 in 1998, “VH1 Divas” became synonymous with some of the most memorable live female vocal performances in television history. The show quickly became a highly anticipated annual phenomenon, generating speculation among music fans and industry executives on who would be part of that year’s telecast. Previous featured performers over the years included Diana Ross, Tina Turner, Cher, Mariah Carey, Aretha Franklin, Mary J. Blige, Shania Twain, Faith Hill, Whitney Houston and many more.

Exclusive VH1 Save The Music VIP tickets and Gold Circle ticket packages will offer premium seating to the live “VH1 Divas” concert plus pre and post party access and an exclusive gift bag. Event sponsorship opportunities are also available to the two distinctively different “VH1 Divas” Parties on the same night. For more information on tickets or to sponsor an event, please contact: Nia.Mack@vh1savethemusic.com or at 212-846-7324.

Find out more here.

Rod Stewart To Headline Butterfly Ball

Wed, 06 May 2009 13:29:00 -0000

A host of celebrity guests are slated to attend the glamorous Butterfly Ball in London this month, raising money for sick and disabled children in the UK.

Guests including the Charity’s Ambassador, Elizabeth Hurley, Danny Cipriani, Kelly Brook, Rachel Stevens, Ronan Keating and Bruce Forsyth are all expected to attend the annual Caudwell Children fundraiser.

Caudwell Children is the charity founded by Staffordshire entrepreneur-turned-philanthropist, John Caudwell, who personally funds all of the Charity’s administration and management costs, allowing every penny raised to be donated directly to the children.

In previous years, the annual fundraising event has been headlined by global superstars including Tina Turner and Whitney Houston, with this year being no different, as guests are set to enjoy an exclusive performance from British singer songwriter, Rod Stewart.

The generous singer, famed for hits including Maggie May, You Wear It Well and Sailing, has agreed to donate his appearance and perform at the ‘Butterfly Ball’ after learning about the work of the charity.

The exclusive performance at London’s Battersea Evolution on May 14th, will be in front of an impressive guest list of celebrities and charity supporters and will be the first performance in England by Stewart since appearing at the Princess Diana memorial concert at Wembley Stadium in 2007.

The high-profile fundraising event has become a landmark feature on the London social calendar, and has been successful in raising millions to provide vital specialist equipment, treatments and therapy for thousands of sick and disabled children living in the UK.

Mr Caudwell commented; “The Butterfly Ball is our flagship fundraising event and we are delighted so many guests have agreed to support us once again. It is set to be yet another electrifying night and the money raised will all go to support children who desperately need our help.”

In 2008 celebrity guests including Joan Collins, Buzz Aldrin, Kelly Rowland, Louis Walsh and David Furnish attended what is fast becoming the most anticipated charity event of the year and joined in raising a staggering £1.5million for the charity.

Caudwell Children is a UK charity based in Staffordshire that provides direct donations of treatments, therapies and specialist equipment throughout the UK. To date the charity has donated over £10 million to thousands of children with over 160 different medical conditions.

Details about the glamorous event are available by visiting www.caudwellchildrenbutterflyball.co.uk or by calling the charity on 01782 600113.

About The Butterfly Ball
Earlier this year Caudwell Children announced that their flagship fundraising event, formerly known as ‘The Legends Ball’ and ‘The Bedrock Ball’, had been renamed ‘The Butterfly Ball’ in honour of charity beneficiary, 8-year-old Tilly Griffiths who has Spinal Muscular Atrophy, and raised thousands of pounds for the charity by auctioning a handmade picture. It was at the 2008 Battersea event that Tilly Griffiths presented her magical handmade picture depicting the Caudwell Children mascot releasing butterflies into the air. The artwork was then auctioned in front of the 900 guests, touching the hearts of the audience and raising a staggering £340,000.

About Caudwell Children
To date Caudwell Children has donated over £10 million to thousands of children with 160 medical conditions

Founder and Chairman John Caudwell has been committed to raising vitally needed funds for children in desperate need since the mid 1990s. Caudwell Children was registered in March 2000 is widely recognised as one of the country’s fastest growing children’s charities. In 2007 the charity doubled every pound raised, achieved through partnerships, negotiation and intangible income, which means every pound donated works even harder. What makes the charity so unique is that all the management and administration costs are covered by John meaning every penny raised can go directly to the cause.

Caudwell Children pledges to continue to make donations to specific child cases of sickness, specialist medical requirements and dying wish holidays and to buy or build a property to help aid children/children’s charities.

Alan Carr To Join Rod Stewart At Charity Ball

Fri, 13 Mar 2009 11:30:00 -0000

Global superstar, Rod Stewart, has been confirmed as the headline act at an annual fundraising event for sick and disabled children, and comedians Justin Lee Collins and Alan Carr have been confirmed as MCs for the night.

The generous singer, famed for hits including Maggie May, You Wear It Well and Sailing, has agreed to donate his appearance and perform at the Caudwell Children ‘Butterfly Ball’ in May after learning about the work of the Charity.

The exclusive performance at London’s Battersea Evolution on May 14, will be in front of an impressive guest list of celebrities and charity supporters and will be the first performance in England by Stewart since appearing at the Princess Diana memorial concert at Wembley Stadium in 2007.

Stewart is the latest superstar to perform at the high profile event, which raises funds to provide vital specialist equipment, treatments and therapy for sick and disabled children living in the UK. Founded by successful entrepreneur-turned-philanthropist, John Caudwell, the Charity has donated over £9million and helped change the lives of thousands of children across the UK.

Trudi Beswick, CEO of Caudwell Children, said: “Rod Stewart is without doubt one of the most influential performers of a generation, totally unique and still one of the World’s top entertainers. We are thrilled that Rod has confirmed as our headline act and that he has kindly donated his time to the Charity, it is set to be an electrifying night and the money raised will all go to support children who desperately need our help.

“Justin and Alan are a great addition to our line-up; while the reason we stage this event is to raise vital funds for the charity, we aim to provide our guests with a truly memorable experience and they will definitely help us to achieve that.”

Stewart’s career began in the 60’s when he sung with bands including The Jeff Beck Group and The Faces, but it was as a solo artist that Stewart gained international acclaim making him one of the biggest selling artists of all time. His distinctive raspy voice and emotive song writing secured him an impressive six consecutive UK number one albums and total of 62 hit UK singles. His latest studio album, Still the Same…Great Rock Classics of Our Time, was released in 2006 and went straight to Number 1 in the US Billboard charts.

By performing at the Butterfly Ball in May, Stewart joins the likes of Whitney Houston and Tina Turner, who have both previously entertained the audience of influential entrepreneurs, corporate partners and international celebrities at the glamorous fundraiser.

Caudwell Children is a national charity based in Staffordshire that provides direct donations of treatments, therapies and specialist equipment throughout the UK. To date the charity has donated over £9 million to thousands of children with over 160 different medical conditions.

The Charity is unique in that all the management and administration costs are covered by its founder and Chairman, John Caudwell, meaning every penny raised goes directly to the cause.

Details about the glamorous event and ticket details are available by visiting www.caudwellchildrenbutterflyball.co.uk or by calling the Charity on 01782 600113.

Celebrities Donate Songs And Money To Australian Fire Victims

Wed, 18 Feb 2009 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

The humanitarian spirit of the stars is shining out in the wake of the Australian bushfires that killed over 200 people and left thousands homeless. Pink and Jimmy Barnes are the latest celebrities to donate to the victims, and a new CD featuring some of Australia’s favorite performers has been released to raise funds.

“I’ve been really affected by the media images of the tragic bushfires in Victoria,” said Pink. “My heart goes out to all those who have suffered so much in these circumstances. There’s little anyone can do at such a long distance away but I wanted to make a tangible expression of support.”

The star has donated $250,000 to the appeal and hopes the money will help in the “rebuilding of lives and communities in the areas affected”.

Australian singer Jimmy Barnes has announced he will donate all the proceeds from sales of his new live album, Jimmy Barnes Live At The Enmore, to the appeal.

“Importantly, the people who buy this album can rest assured that every single cent from the purchase of it will go to the bushfire appeal,” said Barnes. “It’s a good buy for all involved. Not only are music fans getting a bargain, but were all in this together for an extremely important cause.”

The album is available for $3.39 on iTunes.

Also released to raise funds for victims is Bushfire Aid – Artists For The Bushfire Appeal, a CD featuring performers from Australia and the world.

Proceeds from the sale of the CD will go to The Salvation Army Bushfire Appeal through the charitable arm of the Australian Sony Group of Companies, The Sony Foundation. Artists to donate songs include Bruce Springsteen, Billy Joel, Beyoncé Knowles, Justin Timberlake, Whitney Houston, Dido, Midnight Oil, Vanessa Amorosi, John Williamson, Eurythmics, Delta Goodrem, Westlife, Paul Kelly, Anthony Callea and many more.

“Sony Music Australia is privileged to support the Victorian Bushfire Appeal through this special CD,” said Denis Handlin Chairman & CEO, Australia & New Zealand, Sony Music Entertainment. “Our thanks go to all of the artists and songwriters for generously donating their tracks royalty free. We also thank Sony DADC Australia for kindly donating the CD manufacturing. I know everyone in Australia shares deep concern for this tragedy, its horrific toll on life, families, communities and wildlife. On behalf of Sony Music and the Sony Foundation, our thoughts and prayers are with those affected, and our immense gratitude goes to all the emergency service people and volunteers who have so generously given in this time of need.”

The album is in stores in Australia now, and more info can be found by clicking here.

Liz Hurley Becomes Ambassador For Special Children

Tue, 20 Jan 2009 15:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Elizabeth Hurley has become the new Ambassador for a British charity that focuses on donations to special children for medical treatment, therapy, specialized equipment, and dying wish holidays.

Established in 2000, Caudwell Children has made over 2,000 donations to families with disabled children. And now they will benefit from the efforts of Hurley, who will raise awareness of the charity and also help fundraise throughout the next year.

“There are sick and disabled children living in the UK who may not be receiving the support they need,“ said the model and actress. “Caudwell Children is trying to make a difference and I’m happy to help.”

The charity is extremely thrilled with the appointment, and is hoping for big things to come from the partnership.

“She is a global film and fashion icon as well as being respected as a loving mother,“ said Trudi Beswick, chief executive officer of Caudwell Children. “It is a great start to 2009 to be able to announce Elizabeth’s involvement and I’m confident that she will be influential in the continued growth of the charity.”

The actress is likely to attend the charity’s annual fundraising ball in May. Last year’s event featured a performance by Whitney Houston.

Bono's Edun Creates I/denti/tees For Africa

Fri, 12 Dec 2008 15:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

EDUN LIVE – the socially-conscious fashion brand launched by Bono and his wife Ali Hewson in 2005 – are partners in a new product being launched in time for Christmas – i/denti/tees.

I/denti/tees are T-shirts that feature lyrics from some of modern music’s most recognizable songs, such as Joan Jett’s I Love Rock & Roll, U2’s I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For, and Gloria Gaynor’s I Will Survive.

EDUN LIVE works to improve the skills of the workers where their clothing is made, including India, Tunisia, Kenya and Madagascar, and aims to foster trade in Africa by ensuring all of its products are 100% African, from “grower to sewer”. Because the products are completely made in Africa, the benefit of each goes back to the people working on the product in sub-Saharan Africa.

The tees are packaged in classic album vinyl sleeves and come with a 10 song digital download iTunes card – each purchase of an i/denti/tees music tee will be eligible for 10 free iTunes tracks of your choice. Retail price is $35, and the tees will be available at www.identitee.com and select Hard Rock locations.

Other i/denti/tees available include Coldplay’s I Used To Rule The World, Jay-Z’s I’m A Hustler Baby, Whitney Houston’s I Wanna Dance With Somebody, and Melissa Etheridge’s I’m Not The Only One.

Get Ready For The Carousel Of Hope This Weekend

Thu, 23 Oct 2008 13:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

The annual Carousel of Hope Gala will take place this weekend to raise money for the Barbara Davis Center for Childhood Diabetes.

Presented by Jay Leno, the gala will take place at the Beverly Hilton on Saturday, October 25, and will honor Denzel Washington for his charity work.

This year celebrates 30 years of helping children with diabetes through the Barbara Davis Center for Childhood Diabetes. Held every two years, this is the 18th Carousel of Hope. From its inception in 1978, the Ball has raised over $70 million.

The gala will feature performances from Josh Groban, the Jonas Brothers, Katharine McPhee and many more under the music direction of David Foster. The guest list is expected to be huge, with stars such as Tom Arnold, Melanie Griffith & Antonio Banderas, Halle Berry, Valerie Bertinelli, Lara Flynn Boyle, Bo Derek, Geena Davis, Daisy Fuentes, Selena Gomez, Kelsey Grammar, Tom Hanks, Taraji P. Henson, Anjelica Huston, Magic Johnson, Dr. Phil McGraw, Holly Robinson-Peete & Rodney Peete, Nicole Richie, Jane Seymour, Nicollette Sheridan, Forest Whitaker and James Woods all expected to attend. Clive Davis, Quincy Jones and Sidney Poitier will take part in Denzel Washington’s presentation.

The evening will feature a silent auction that includes an array of eco-friendly shirts donated by Guess and signed by Jason Bateman, Halle Berry, Robert DeNiro, Clint Eastwood, Will Ferrell, Harrison Ford, Cuba Gooding Jr., Whitney Houston, Scarlett Johansson, Jason Lee, Jared Leto, Bill Maher, Steve Martin, Jack Nicholson, Ray Romano, Maria Shriver & Arnold Schwarzenegger, Rod Stewart, Usher and many more. There will also be handbags signed by Joan Collins, Courteney Cox, Cindy Crawford, Dakota Fanning, Mariska Hargitay, Fergie, Susan Sarandon, Britney Spears and Racquel Welch, as well as items from Trace Adkins, P. Diddy, Marcia Cross, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Andie MacDowell, Alyssa Milano, Eva Longoria, Dolly Parton, Priscilla Presley, Denise Richards, Joel Madden, Sharon Stone, John Travolta, Carrie Underwood and many more.

Proceeds from the gala will benefit clinical care and research at the Barbara Davis Center for Childhood Diabetes (BDC) where over 5,000 children and young adults receive specialized care.

Celebrity Fight Night A Knock-Out Success

Wed, 09 Apr 2008 10:30:08 -0000

Written by Delinda Lombardo

It takes a champ to raise millions for charity, and on Saturday night Muhammad Ali proved he is the Greatest of All Time while hosting the 14th annual Celebrity Fight Night. This yearly star-studded event attracts the who’s-who of charitable giving in efforts to raise money in the fight against Parkinson’s disease.

“This is probably the best night hands down,” said Phoenix Suns’ legend Tom Chambers. “I have done a lot of charity work since retiring in 1997 and this is a night that we make an effort to mark down on the calendar each year; it’s just that special.”

Aside from silent and live auctions, central to the event are the Muhammad Ali Awards, which recognize those in the sports and entertainment communities who best represent the qualities Ali looks for in his fight against Parkinson’s disease. This year’s recipients included actor Kevin Costner (who received the Muhammad Ali Achievement Award), record producer Clive Davis (Muhammad Ali Entrepreneur Award), country singer Reba McEntire (Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Award), and San Diego Charger Running Back LaDainian Tomlinson (Muhammad Ali Sports Achievement Award).

Whitney Houston wowed guests as she took the stage to introduce Kevin Costner. His acceptance speech had most – if not all – of the attendees close to tears. LaDainian Tomlinson’s acceptance speech was just as moving, but the mood lightened as the musical performers took to the stage to celebrate the spirit of the giving.

John Mellencamp headlined the musical performances and rocked the crowd while showcasing the talents that have rightly secured him a spot in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Other notable performances came from Jordin Sparks, Dionne Warwick, Collin Raye, Sinbad, and Tamia Hill. But it was Faith Hill who raised the bar by performing a single song for an attendee who pledged $100,000 to hear her sing. Earlier in the night, during the live auction, bids for a private dinner with Hill and husband Tim McGraw had reached $300,000 before Reba McEntire was included as part of the package. Within minutes, the closing bid was an astonishing $500,000.

After the main event, Kevin Costner performed at the after party with his band Modern West. He delivered a knock-out performance that kept the crowd on its feet and the energy level high. The Academy Award winner sang with a remarkably soothing voice, while strumming his guitar and making eye contact with just about everyone who was lucky enough to be there.

Among the celebrities in attendance at the JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa were NBA legend Grant Hill and his wife Tamia, who also performed at the event. “Muhammad Ali has given so much to the world,” said Hill. “And my wife is also performing tonight so I guess I have two reasons for being here.”

Skateboarding legend Tony Hawk was with his expectant wife and had some great advice for kids. “Believe in yourself. Persevere, never give up, if you want to do something, just try it, don’t give up.”

Baltimore Raven Ray Lewis made his entrance with San Diego Charger Shawne Merriman, who was attending the event for the second time. “I can’t believe we can get everybody out here in one building for a great event,” Merriman said. “ I’m totally amazed at the number of great people, this is my second year and I’ll basically mark this weekend off on my calendar every year to come and support it.”

Arizona native and undefeated USBA cruiserweight boxer BJ Flores, along with Team Flores (Jay of Juggler Entertainment and MIMS of DET to LA), lit up the red carpet and created a media frenzy as Jay interviewed the legendary Dionne Warwick with Flores while the world’s first diva posed with his title belt.

Basketball Hall of Famer Nancy Lieberman was radiant as she quoted Ali. “We come together because of sports,” she said. “You have to believe in yourself, and if you have that truth, and that inner confidence I think people see that. If you have to tell people you’re good – like Muhammad said – if you’re good, it ain’t bragging. You don’t have to tell people, it just radiates around you and people feel that.”

Former Olympic gymnast Mary Lou Retton was in great spirits, even when asked about the current political backlash surrounding the Olympic Games.

“You know, it’s really sad, because the Olympics are supposed to be a time when the best athletes in the world come together in competition,” she said. “Politics aren’t anything new, it happened back in the 80’s, it happened before that and I believe we’re going to get it all resolved.”

She also supports those who speak their mind. “I think you should speak how you feel and feel how you speak, and if you’ve got a strong opinion about something, its America, thank God we are born in America and we can voice that. I’ve got no problem with that. I’m a true blue born all-American, so I hope we get it all resolved.”

Other notable celebrities in attendance included musician Alice Cooper, actor/director Mike Binder, actor Terry Crews, Arizona Cardinal Larry Fitzgerald, musician/composer David Foster, UFC Champion Chuck Liddell, Phoenix Sun Shaquille O’Neal, actress Holly Robinson Peete, former boxer Ernie Shavers, former football player Phillippi Sparks, actor Kevin Sorbo, former football player Roland Williams, and celebrity chef Roy Yamaguchi.

Thanks to all attendees, celebrities, and sponsors who helped improve this world by giving back. Special thanks to those who walked away with some fantastic auction items, including: A 2008 Roush P-51A Mustang convertible purchased by GoDaddy CEO/ Founder Bob Parsons for $300,000 (only 151 editions of this Mustang were made, and this is the only convertible, donated by Sanderson Ford and Roush Performance), an Arnold Palmer golf package was purchased by Stewart Rahr (President/CEO of Kinray Inc.), and a Phil Mickelson golf package was purchased by Stewart Rahr, Joel Farkus, Jerry Wang, and Jeff Mallett for $500,000.

This years Celebrity Fight Night netted an incredible $5 million for the Celebrity Fight Night Foundation, making it one of the most successful charity events in recent years.

(Photos copyright Delinda Lombardo)

Whitney Houston To Perform At Charity Ball

Thu, 03 Apr 2008 03:16:20 -0000

Written by Regina Walton

Recording legend Whitney Houston is scheduled to perform for the annual Caudwell Children’s Legend’s Ball on Thursday, May 8, in London. The event will be hosted by charity ambassador David Gest, and will be held at Battersea Evolution.

Last year’s ball featured Tina Turner and the event raised over $2 million. In addition to Whitney Houston’s performance this year, cinema legend Jane Russell will also make an appearance, as will other celebrities such as Piper Laurie, Angie Dickenson, and Tippi Hedren. The charity’s annual ball “…has become a not-to-be missed event; a star-studded night of glitz, glamour and out-of-this-world entertainment…”

Caudwell Children is a British non-profit which focuses on donations to special children for medical treatment, therapy, specialized equipment, and dying-wish holidays. The charity has been working towards its goals since 1999 and has made over 2,000 donations to families with disabled children.

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