Look To The Stars News: Keith Urban

Enrique Iglesias To Kickoff Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign

Mon, 07 Nov 2011 15:00:00 +0000

Enrique Iglesias has announced that he will be the featured performer for The Salvation Army’s 15th annual Red Kettle Kickoff during halftime of the Dallas Cowboys Thanksgiving Day game against the Miami Dolphins on November 24, 2011 (4:15 p.m. ET; CBS).

Enrique’s live nationally televised performance will mark the start of the 120th anniversary of the Army’s iconic Red Kettle Campaign, which began in San Francisco in 1891.

The iconic kettle campaign is the largest and longest running fundraiser of its kind and raised a record $142 million in 2010, with more than $1.4 billion raised since the Dallas Cowboys Thanksgiving Day partnership began. To celebrate the 15th anniversary of this iconic musical partnership, fans will have an opportunity to win an expense-paid trip to see the Cowboy’s game and halftime show performance by signing up to be an online virtual bell ringer at www.OnlineRedKettle.org.

Dolly Parton To Sing At Marty Stuart's Late Night Celebrity Charity Jam

Tue, 07 Jun 2011 15:00:00 +0000

On June 8, country music legend Marty Stuart’s Late Night Jam, the kick-off event for the CMA Music Festival, will celebrate its 10 year anniversary. Marty started the event as way to welcome fans to country music’s biggest festival, but the jam has also raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for MusiCares, which provides assistance for music people in times of need.

This year’s event will feature performances by Doug Kershaw, Marty Stuart & His Fabulous Superlatives, Dolly Parton, the Quebe Sisters Band, Connie Smith and Mel Tillis. Past performers have included Dierks Bentley, Neko Case, Charlie Daniels, Vince Gill, Jerry Lee Lewis, Old Crow Medicine Show, Keith Urban and Porter Wagoner, among others.

“It’s hard to believe that the Late Night Jam is ten years old,” said Stuart. “I can’t help but think back on the first one. I was nervous; pacing and hoping that we’d have enough people show up. The show ended up being a sell-out and we’ve been going strong ever since. That first show was over 25,000 people ago, and it was also many good deeds ago from MusiCares, and a lot of really magical performances ago from some of my dearest musical friends. Every year I say, ‘How can I top that show?’ Somehow it happens and good things result from it. This year will be no different.”

Country Music Stars Raise Cash For Storm Victims

Tue, 17 May 2011 15:30:00 +0000

Last Thrusday, May 12, CMT premiered MUSIC BUILDS: THE CMT DISASTER RELIEF CONCERT – a live, commercial-free, 90-minute concert special designed to raise awareness and funds for those affected by the recent devastating storms, flooding and tornadoes.

Co-hosted by ESPN’s Erin Andrews, HLN’s Robin Meade and comedian Ron White, the special featured an urgent call to action from President Obama, as well as performances by Hank Williams, Jr., Alabama, Alan Jackson, Gretchen Wilson, Keith Urban, Lady Antebellum, Little Big Town, Ronnie Dunn, Sara Evans, The Blind Boys of Alabama, Tim McGraw and Trace Adkins. All money raised will benefit the American Red Cross Disaster Relief efforts.

Media outlets including American Forces Network, CNN.com, multiple local TV affiliates and radio stations also simulcast MUSIC BUILDS, reaching tens of millions of viewers around the world.

Country Music Stars To Unite For Tornado Victims Tonight

Thu, 12 May 2011 12:30:00 +0000

CMT and its pro-social initiative CMT One Country will tonight air Music Builds: The CMT Disaster Relief Concert – a live, commercial-free, 90-minute celebrity charity concert special featuring a special call to action from President Obama, as well as performances by Hank Williams, Jr., Alabama, Alan Jackson, Gretchen Wilson, Keith Urban, Lady Antebellum, Little Big Town, Ronnie Dunn, Sara Evans, The Blind Boys of Alabama, Tim McGraw, Trace Adkins and more to raise awareness and funds for those affected by the recent devastating storms, flooding and tornadoes.

Co-hosted by ESPN’s Erin Andrews, HLN’s Robin Meade and comedian Ron White, the fundraising special will air live from Nashville on Thursday, May 12 at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT on CMT and will be simulcast on CMT.com. All money raised will benefit the American Red Cross Disaster Relief efforts.

Music Builds: The CMT Disaster Relief Concert will highlight a number of regions affected by recent storm, tornado and flooding damage including Tuscaloosa and Birmingham, Ala.; Natchez and Vicksburg, Miss.; Vidalia, La.; Memphis, Dyersburg and Tiptonville, Tenn.; and Raleigh, N.C. to name a few. In addition to performances, the special will include additional calls to action from Big Kenny, Carrie Underwood, Courteney Cox, Ellen DeGeneres, University of Alabama Coach Nick Saban, Nicole Kidman, Shania Twain, Taylor Swift, and others. HLN will re-air the telecast Sunday, May 15 at 9:00 p.m., ET.

John Mayer And Keith Urban Join Tiger Woods At Charity Event

Mon, 02 May 2011 21:05:00 +0000

Another exciting Tiger Jam culminated on Saturday night as John Mayer and Keith Urban took the stage at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas for a sensational concert which helped raise approximately $750,000 for programs of the Tiger Woods Foundation.

The 2011 Tiger Jam once again provided a VIP weekend for guests, including an exclusive clinic and Q&A with Tiger Woods, John Cook and surprise guest Darius Rucker; an evening reception; live and silent auctions featuring one-of-a-kind luxury items; and a rocking concert from GRAMMY Award-winners Urban and Mayer. Joining Tiger Woods onstage at the reception was Tamika Mitchell — a third-year Earl Woods Scholar — who spoke of her experience with the Tiger Woods Foundation and shared her story of achievement.

Music Therapy Hits A Chord With Celebrities

Tue, 26 Apr 2011 13:00:00 +0000

For patients battling cancer, music therapy can strike the right chord. Clear Channel Radio and City of Hope will hit all the high notes with the launch of Play For Life, a national campaign to raise funds to support City of Hope’s lifesaving cancer research and music therapy programs.

“Play For Life” features online auctions for one-of-a-kind experiences with top recording stars Justin Bieber, Rihanna, Matthew Morrison, Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood, Rascal Flatts, Linkin Park, Enrique Iglesias and others.

From now through June 30, listeners can visit the websites of 790 Clear Channel radio stations across the country as well as iHeartRadio.com, the website for Clear Channel Radio’s industry-leading digital radio service, to bid in the auctions. Proceeds will support cancer research at City of Hope and the institution’s music therapy program, which helps patients with cancer and other serious illnesses reduce pain and physical discomfort, develop coping skills, enhance relaxation and promote positive thinking.

Play For Life And Meet Justin Bieber

Tue, 12 Apr 2011 15:00:00 +0000

Play For Life – the cross-media marketing platform backed by Clear Channel and Universal Music – wants you to meet your favorite stars and help charity.

This spring, Play For Life has teamed up with City of Hope – a global leader in cancer research and treatment – for a fantastic new celebrity charity auction. Play For Life is raising funds for pioneering cancer research as well as City of Hope’s music therapy program, which uses the power of music to enhance health and well-being for cancer patients – including teens and children battling the disease.

You can help City of Hope find a cure by bidding on a series of once-in-a-lifetime music experiences. Some of the artists taking part include Justin Bieber, Coldplay, Jennifer Lopez, Keith Urban, Lady Antebellum, Linkin Park, Taylor Swift, Rihanna, Rascal Flatts, New Kids On The Block, Enrique Iglesias, Carrie Underwood, Colbie Caillat, Bret Michaels, Barry Manilow, 3 Doors Down and many more.

EMI Artists Band Together For Japan

Wed, 06 Apr 2011 15:00:00 +0000

Artists and songwriters from one of the biggest music companies in the world, EMI, have united for an incredible worldwide celebrity charity auction of personal items and memorabilia to raise funds to help the Red Cross support people affected by last month’s earthquake and tsunami in Japan.

The charity auction, which will be managed by eBay, features items from some of the world’s biggest stars, including Coldplay, Norah Jones, Katy Perry, Garth Brooks, George Harrison, Darius Rucker, John Lennon, Gorillaz, Iron Maiden, Jane Birkin, the Beach Boys, David Guetta, Michael Franti, Lady Antebellum, The Chemical Brothers, Depeche Mode, Celtic Woman, 30 Seconds To Mars, Rosanne Cash, Daft Punk, Herbert Grönemeyer, Angela Gheorghiu, Keith Urban, Good Charlotte and The Beatles.

Songs For Japan: Stars Donate Tracks To Charity Album

Sun, 27 Mar 2011 04:30:00 +0000

In what stands as a major global music relief effort to benefit those affected by the earthquake and tsunami in Japan, over 30 of the biggest names in contemporary music have joined together for the worldwide release of “Songs for Japan,” an unprecedented compilation of 38 chart-topping hits and classic tracks.

The digital album is available worldwide on the iTunes Store for $9.99. Proceeds from the album’s sale will benefit the disaster relief efforts of the Japanese Red Cross Society.

The “Songs for Japan” track listing features an all-star lineup:

Keith Urban And John Mayer To Headline Tiger Woods' Celebrity Charity Gig

Fri, 04 Feb 2011 14:00:00 +0000

Tiger Woods is excited to announce the return of his annual charity concert, Tiger Jam, and has announced the headline acts.

On April 30, two Grammy Award-winning artists will take the stage at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas for the 2011 Tiger Jam, an exclusive, VIP concert event. Keith Urban and John Mayer will join forces for an exciting evening that benefits the Tiger Woods Foundation.

“I’m thrilled these two talented musicians are joining us for Tiger Jam,” event host Tiger Woods said. “We have had so much success with this event over the last 13 years, raising more than $12 million for programs of my Foundation, and we are excited to continue that tradition.”

Music Superstars Create CD for Flood Victims

Mon, 24 Jan 2011 14:08:00 +0000

Dozens of artists, including Sting, Bon Jovi, Pink, Bob Dylan and Kings Of Leon have donated tracks to a CD benefitting the Queensland flood victims.

Flood Relief – Artists For The Flood Appeal will also feature songs from Australian bands Powderfinger, Crowded House and Midnight Oil.

59 previously-released tracks have been donated by the bands for the three-disc compilation, including songs by Beyoncé, Billy Joel, Bruce Springsteen, Foo Fighters and Keith Urban.

Rihanna Wants More Birthdays For Charity

Mon, 22 Nov 2010 12:00:00 +0000

Award-winning singer Rihanna is doing more this week than launching her new album, LOUD, and kicking off the American Music Awards. She’s also lending her time and talent to help the American Cancer Society, the official sponsor of birthdays, create a world with less cancer and more birthdays.

As the latest musician to join the more birthdays movement, Rihanna is helping draw attention to the fight against cancer and save lives. Her “happy birthday” video – inspired by the 11 million cancer survivors who will celebrate another birthday this year – will make its television debut during the AMA broadcast, and can be seen on morebirthdays.com. Rihanna joins Usher, Justin Bieber, Lady Antebellum, Keith Urban, and nearly two dozen other entertainers in supporting the cause.

Urban, Kidman, Midler and More Support Mayor's Fund

Mon, 20 Sep 2010 14:17:00 +0000

Auction Lots including items from Keith Urban and Nicole Kidman, Bette Midler and Mariska Hargitay are up for grabs in support of the Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York City.

The CharityBuzz auction will benefit New York City’s Family Justice Centers, serving victims of domestic violence and their children, as well as New York City Housing Authority’s Early Childhood programs, which provide children in public housing communities with high-quality early care and learning opportunities.

Featuring a variety of one-of-a-kind experiences and merchandise, the auction can be found online at www.charitybuzz.com/fete until October 6.

Keith Urban And Friends To Perform Benefit Concert

Wed, 15 Sep 2010 14:00:00 +0000

Keith Urban and an all-star lineup of friends returning to Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on Tuesday, October 5 for We’re All For The Hall, a concert to benefit the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.

Reserved seating tickets, which are priced at a family friendly $25 and $35 (does not include Ticketmaster surcharge), will go on sale Friday, September 17, at 10:00 AM. A limited number of VIP ticket packages will also go on sale on September 17 at www.countrymusichalloffame.org.

  The show — which will feature performances from Alison Krauss, Keith Urban, Vince Gill, Dolly Parton, Charley Pride, John Mayer, Alan Jackson, Martina McBride, Miranda Lambert and Billy Currington — promises to be a one-of-a-kind, once-in-a-lifetime evening of music, friendship and camaraderie.

Celebrities Want More Birthdays For Cancer Charity

Tue, 14 Sep 2010 15:30:00 +0000

The American Cancer Society, the official sponsor of birthdays, today announced details of a unique new campaign that marks the next phase of the Society’s movement for More Birthdays.

Over the past several months, dozens of the biggest names in music and art have come together, inspired by the efforts of the American Cancer Society, its supporters and everyone affected by cancer, to generously donate their talent and artwork to help amplify the voice of the More Birthdays movement. To date, artists such as Keith Urban, Justin Bieber, Jack Johnson, Colbie Caillat, Eric Carle, Maroon 5, Masha D’Yans and more have joined the More Birthdays movement, and others continue to join every day.

Musicians joining the campaign each perform their own special rendition of “Happy Birthday,” one of the most well-known songs in the world, while each visual artist creates or donates artwork inspired by specific facts about how the American Cancer Society has contributed to progress against cancer. The musician and artist contributions have been turned into traditional advertising elements such as television, magazine and online ads, as well as birthday merchandise housed in a new art and music gallery on morebirthdays.com. There the public can help celebrate More Birthdays by sending custom e-cards or buying gift wrap, posters, limited-edition prints and more – all created from the exclusive art and music donated to the campaign. Each donation made or item purchased will help the American Cancer Society raise money and save more lives to create a world with less cancer and More Birthdays.

Country Music Stars Release Charity Album For Fisher House

Thu, 26 Aug 2010 15:30:00 +0000

Fisher House Foundation will be the beneficiary of proceeds from Stadium Entertainment’s release, My Country: Smash Hits, a compilation of songs from country music stars Trace Adkins, Rodney Atkins, Dierks Bentley, Big & Rich, Rascal Flatts, Randy Houser, Jypsi, Lady Antebellum, Reba McEntire, Montgomery Gentry, Brad Paisley, Darius Rucker, Blake Shelton and Keith Urban.

The album was released on August 24 and had already reached #133 in Music and #15 in Country Music on Amazon’s Bestsellers Rank as a result of album pre-orders.

Keith Urban To Play Charity Gig For Grammy Foundation

Thu, 22 Jul 2010 12:00:00 +0000

The Grammy Foundation has announced three-time Grammy winner Keith Urban will headline its signature Starry Night benefit concert on July 23 at the Los Angeles Tennis Center at the University of California, Los Angeles. Rising folk combo the Avett Brothers will open the benefit.

This event is presented in association with the Farmers Classic tennis tournament and will be held three nights before the tournament opens. Starry Night will benefit the GRAMMY Foundation’s GRAMMY in the Schools music education programs for high school students and the Southern California Tennis Association Foundation.

“Keith Urban’s career is defined by both exceptional musicianship and extraordinary generosity,” said Neil Portnow, President/CEO of The Recording Academy and the GRAMMY Foundation. “And it is meaningful and moving that Keith is lending his time and talents during the busy summer touring season in support of the GRAMMY Foundation and our GRAMMY in the Schools music education programs. We are also delighted to have the Avett Brothers showcase their unique and powerful music at our Starry Night benefit.”

Celebrity Country Music Auction Raises Charity Cash

Sat, 19 Jun 2010 15:30:00 +0000

A host of country music’s hottest stars joined Martina McBride for her annual YWCA charity auction in Nashville last weekend.

The event, part of the CMA Music Festival – raised $102,000 to help eliminate domestic violence, and featured a range of items donated by stars such as Keith Urban (whose signed DVD and meet-and-greet package raised $3,800), Brad Paisley, Dolly Parton, Rascal Flatts and many more. Martina’s framed lyrics for her song She’s A Butterfly raised $22,000.

“It is Martina’s genuine support and the devotion of her fans that help make the auction so successful each year,” said Pat Shea, CEO of the YWCA. “It is so amazing to me that Martina has helped us raise over $100,000 in a few hours. Those dollars will help the YWCA help women and children who need counseling, medical care, support and emergency shelter as they flee violent homes. We are very grateful to Martina.”

Academy Of Country Music Donates To Charity

Fri, 11 Jun 2010 12:00:00 +0000

The Academy of Country Music has announced a $1 million endowment to ACM Lifting Lives, made on behalf of the artists who participated in the taping of ACM Presents: Brooks & Dunn – The Last Rodeo in Las Vegas in May.

Ticket proceeds from the taping went to ACM Lifting Lives, which in turn quickly earmarked funding for those affected by the recent floods in Middle Tennessee. The gift successfully completes a three-year funding commitment and fundraising campaign the Academy initiated in 2008.

Honorees Brooks & Dunn along with Jason Aldean, Kenny Chesney, Faith Hill, Jennifer Hudson, Lady Antebellum, Miranda Lambert, Reba McEntire, Tim McGraw, Brad Paisley, Rascal Flatts, Darius Rucker, George Strait, Sugarland, Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood and Keith Urban all participated in the taping, with more than 10 million viewers tuning in to the special on CBS on May 23.

Country Stars Launch Charity Auction For Musicians On Call

Wed, 09 Jun 2010 12:00:00 +0000

Some of country music’s hottest stars have donated items to a celebrity charity auction to raise funds for Musicians on Call, an organization that brings live and recorded music to the bedsides of patients in healthcare facilities.

Going under the hammer are opportunities to meet Kellie Pickler, Kenny Chesney, Keith Urban, Brad Paisley, Chris Young, Alan Jackson, Martina McBride and Miranda Lambert. There are also guitars signed by Kellie Pickler, Carrie Underwood, Vince Gill and others.

A new auction starts every Monday. Click here to find out more.

Nicole Kidman Visits Hong Kong For UNIFEM

Fri, 21 May 2010 15:00:00 +0000

The United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM)‘s Goodwill Ambassador Nicole Kidman raised more than US$175,000 last night for programs to advance gender equality and women’s empowerment in China at “A Night With The Stars” in Hong Kong.

Attended by more than 200 guests, the charity fundraiser took place during her first visit to Hong Kong, and was organized in cooperation with the luxury watch manufacturer OMEGA. The event also featured a private concert by Nicole Kidman’s husband, Grammy Award–winning singer Keith Urban.

“I feel passionately about support for UNIFEM because the work to empower women and advance their human rights is so important,” said Nicole Kidman. “Together with OMEGA we are in Hong Kong to raise awareness and also vital funding for UNIFEM’s projects in China.”

Country Stars Hit The Stage For Nashville Flood Victims

Tue, 18 May 2010 13:00:00 +0000

Nicole Kidman joined her husband Keith Urban at a concert on Sunday to help raise money for victims of Nashville’s recent devastating floods.

Keith performed on stage at the Ryman Auditorium with Sheryl Crow, Brad Paisley and others while Nicole manned the phones with Kellie Pickler, Holly Williams and many more at the show, which raised over $1.7 million.

Co-hosted by James Denton and Kimberly Williams-Paisley, other performers at the show included Dierks Bentley, Sam Bush, Lady Antebellum, Keb’ Mo’, CeCe Winans, Martina McBride and Will Hoge. Kenny Chesney addressed the crowd via video.

Ben Stiller Joins Artists For Peace And Justice Board Of Directors

Mon, 15 Mar 2010 15:30:00 +0000

Artists for Peace and Justice (APJ) has announced that it will merge with Ben Stiller’s Haitian school initiative (HSI).

The two organizations, both of whom were committed to improving living conditions in impoverished Haiti prior to the devastating earthquake, will combine their shared passion in helping build essential schools for the children of Haiti. Together they have engaged Global Philanthropy Group (GPG) to help develop and manage their philanthropic efforts. In partnership with an interim Country Director in Port-au-Prince, GPG will coordinate the day-to-day efforts of APJ.

“Ben Stiller understands the important role of schools in the lives of Haitian children. Together we share a mutual passion and determination to be as effective as quickly as possible,” says Paul Haggis, founder of Artists for Peace and Justice. “For the children of Haiti, schools provide so much more than education. They provide their only hot meals, their only clean drinking water and medical attention. These are critical elements for children, especially in a time of crisis.”

Keith Urban Building Schools In Haiti

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 15:00:00 +0000

Country singer Keith Urban spoke on the radio recently about a project he and his wife, actress Nicole Kidman, are involved in – building schools in Haiti.

“We’re going to be funding a school down there for the next five years,” he told CatCountry 96. “The kids will also have one hot meal a day. They’ll have all of their medical taken care of by the school, and clothing as well.”

Several other celebrities have joined the same Artists for Peace and Justice school building project, including Javier Bardem, Jackson Browne, Gerard Butler, Daniel Craig, Russell Crowe, Penelope Cruz, Clint Eastwood and Sean Penn, each committing $50,000 a year for the next five years. The schools will be attended by children living in slums and camps around Port-au-Prince.

Stars Make Long-Term Charity Donations To Help Haiti

Thu, 11 Feb 2010 19:45:00 +0000

Artists for Peace and Justice (APJ) is proud to announce the support of an impressive roster of Hollywood celebrities who have pledged their long-term support to Haiti through annual donations.

The stars are lending their financial support and influential voices to help rebuild Haiti by funding street schools for the children living in the slums and in the burgeoning camps around the city of Port-au-Prince. Getting children back to school – often the only place they receive clean drinking water, their only food for the day, medical attention, clothing and hope – has become a top priority. APJ remains committed to long term sustainability in the ravaged country.

The following donors will each contribute $50,000 annually for the next five years ($250,000 total). Each donation will fully sustain a street school in Port-au-Prince including providing clean water, meals, medical supplies and educational material to the children: Jackson Browne, Gerard Butler, Daniel Craig, Russell Crowe with wife and musician Danielle Spencer, Penelope Cruz, Clint Eastwood with wife Dina, Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban, Sean Penn and more.