Look To The Stars News: Alicia Keys

Paul McCartney Honored As MusiCares Person Of The Year

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 13:00:00 +0000

Beatles legend Paul McCartney was honored as the 2012 MusiCares Person of the Year at a special event in Los Angeles on Friday, celebrating his exceptional artistic achievements as well as his philanthropic work.

The sold-out tribute to McCartney benefits MusiCares’ emergency financial assistance and addiction recovery programs. Proceeds from the annual Person of the Year tribute — now in its 22nd year — provide essential support for MusiCares, which ensures that members of the music community have a place to turn in times of financial, medical and personal need.

Hosted by Eddie Izzard, performers included Cirque du Soleil, Tony Bennett, Coldplay, Foo Fighters, Alison Krauss and Union Station featuring Jerry Douglas, Duane Eddy, Norah Jones, Alicia Keys, James Taylor, Diana Krall, Neil Young with Crazy Horse, Sergio Mendes and Katy Perry. The evening also featured a special performance by 14-time GRAMMY winning artist and 2012 MusiCares Person of the Year Paul McCartney.

Stars To Come Out For Paul McCartney At Charity Gala

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 19:30:00 +0000

An impressive star-studded cast will come together to honor 2012 MusiCares Person of the Year honoree Paul McCartney during a sold-out gala on Feb. 10 in Los Angeles, two days prior to the 54th Annual GRAMMY Awards.

Hosted by actor/comedian Eddie Izzard, artists set to perform are current GRAMMY nominees Tony Bennett, Coldplay, Foo Fighters, Alison Krauss & Union Station featuring Jerry Douglas, and Katy Perry; GRAMMY-winning artists Duane Eddy, Norah Jones, Alicia Keys, Diana Krall, James Taylor, and Neil Young with Crazy Horse; two-time Latin GRAMMY-winning artist Sergio Mendes; and the cast of Cirque du Soleil’s “Love” Beatles tribute show. The evening will also feature a special performance by McCartney.

The 2012 MusiCares Person of the Year gala, which will celebrate McCartney’s exceptional artistic achievements and philanthropic work, will begin with a cocktail reception and silent auction sponsored by the Starkey Hearing Foundation that will offer an exclusive selection of luxury items, VIP experiences and celebrity memorabilia for bidding guests. The auction will be followed by a gala dinner sponsored by AEG Live, and a star-studded tribute concert sponsored by Acura/ELS. This year’s red-carpet press arrivals will be sponsored by Kinect for Xbox 360 and Dance Central 2. Other event supporters include CenterStaging — A SoundCheck LA Company, Classic Wines of California, Delta Airlines, Double Platinum, Gibson, Global Art, Heineken, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, Jackson Limo, Korbel, Patron Spirits Company, Pepsi, and Sweetwater.

Stars Mark Second Anniversary Of Earthquake In Haiti

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 18:55:00 +0000

Today, on the second anniversary of the 7.0 magnitude earthquake that struck off the coast of Paurt-Au-Prince, killing 230,000 and injuring millions more, over 40 high profile personalities are using their Twitter and Facebook accounts to rekindle the world’s interest in helping Haiti.

Celebrities leveraging their social influence to raise awareness for “HAITI: Aid Still Required” include Maroon 5, Sting, Alicia Keys, Lady Antebellum, Hugh Jackman, Sheryl Crow, Tim McGraw, Martha Stewart, Bonnie Raitt, Jackson Browne, Don Cheadle, Deepak Chopra and NBA stars Paul Pierce, Blake Griffin and Chris Paul, reaching a total of 125 million social media followers.

Alicia Keys To Honor George Harrison At Celebrity Charity Concert

Tue, 11 Oct 2011 19:00:00 +0000

Alicia Keys will host her annual Black Ball for charity in New York next month, in honor of former Beatle George Harrison.

Keys’ charity, Keep A Child Alive, will benefit from the concert, which will feature appearances by Usher, Norah Jones, will.i.am and Mary J. Blige, as well as Gary Clark Jr., Jay Sean, Midival Punditz with Karsh Kale and Alicia Keys herself.

This year marks the fortieth anniversary of George Harrison’s Concert For Bangladesh, the first time artists came together for a concert to benefit single cause. Today, the George Harrison Fund for UNICEF is a joint undertaking between the Harrison family and the U.S. Fund for UNICEF to support UNICEF programs that provide lifesaving assistance to children, including health, education, nutrition and emergency relief. In the tradition established by George Harrison and Ravi Shankar, The George Harrison Fund for UNICEF continues to support UNICEF programs in Bangladesh while expanding its influence to include other countries where children are in need.

Jennifer Aniston Visits Breast Cancer Center

Thu, 06 Oct 2011 14:30:00 +0000

Jennifer Aniston took time to visit a new breast cancer center near Washington this week, and listened to the emotional stories of those who have survived the disease.

Jennifer Aniston, listens to a breast cancer survivor tell her story at the Inova Breast Care Center. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster).

Jennifer Aniston, Alicia Keys And Demi Moore Direct Breast Cancer Film

Mon, 03 Oct 2011 17:45:00 +0000

Breast cancer is more than a disease, more than statistics. It’s people, whose lives are forever changed by a diagnosis. Their stories are the basis of “Five,” a movie that will premiere on Lifetime on Oct. 10 in collaboration with Ford Warriors in Pink.

Directors of the movie are Jennifer Aniston, Alicia Keys, Demi Moore, Patty Jenkins and Penelope Spheeris.

“Warriors in Pink has always been about the courage and the strength it takes to fight this disease,” said Tracy Magee, Ford’s primary brand experiential manager. “This year we’ve really been focusing on people’s stories – the stories behind the disease. This Lifetime project ties in extremely well with our Warriors in Pink campaign.”

Celebrities Remember 9/11 Ten Years On

Sun, 11 Sep 2011 21:20:00 +0000

Celebrities from around the world took time out this weekend to reflect on the tenth anniversary of the 9/11 terror attacks, using Twitter and other media outlets to commemorate the event.

“There’s so many stories that people don’t know,” Lady Gaga told MTV during her special documentary Inside the Outside. “I watched the towers fall from the roof of my school, holding all my best friends. I don’t know … just, my affinity and my love and the relationship I have with New York City — it’s like the husband I never married.”

The terror attacks have been on the minds of people not only in the US but around the world this weekend as we remembered those who lost their lives and loved ones in the attacks, and the struggles of those left behind.

Colbie Caillat To Perform Acoustic Show For Charity

Thu, 18 Aug 2011 15:00:00 +0000

On September 22nd, the VH1 Save The Music Foundation continues the Songwriters Music Series in Los Angeles with an acoustic performance by Grammy Award winning musician, Colbie Caillat.

This marks the third stop in the series, which launched in New York City this past May with a performance by Glee star Matthew Morrison and continued in Nashville, Tennessee in June with ACM Award-winning sibling trio The Band Perry.

“Starburst is excited to be a part of the final Songwriters in the Round series in Los Angeles to help raise money and awareness for the VH1 Save the Music Foundation,” said Michael Watt, Wrigley’s VP and General Manager US Confections. “The first two events had Starburst contradictory elements woven throughout the evening, the venue and the artist’s performance and we can’t wait to bring that to the LA event.”

Be Serenaded By Alicia Keys For Charity

Mon, 27 Jun 2011 12:00:00 +0000

This is your chance to meet Alicia Keys and help her celebrate the 10th Anniversary of her monumental debut album, Songs In A Minor, while helping charity.

A new auction is giving you the chance to meet the star and get VIP seats at a special concert: “Piano & I: A One Night Only Event With Alicia Keys” will feature Keys and a piano, in a special night of songs and storytelling. Listen to her sing her classic hits and even enjoy a few brand new songs. One lucky bidder will also get the experience of a lifetime as Alicia serenades them with their favorite song.

“I can’t think of a better way to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Songs In A Minor, than by holding a special, intimate concert for my fans,” said Keys. “Performing is the most extraordinary way for an artist to connect with their fans, and I’m thrilled to put on a great show at the Beacon Theatre to help thank everyone who has supported me throughout the years.”

George Michael To Honor Elizabeth Taylor At Charity Concert

Fri, 24 Jun 2011 15:00:00 +0000

George Michael is organizing a charity concert in London to raise money for the Elizabeth Taylor Memorial Fund, an initiative of the Elton John AIDS Foundation.

“I have seen how HIV can affect people lives, how it can destroy families and communities,” said George, who had to cancel an appearance at Alicia Keys’ charity Black Ball in London earlier this month due to illness. "The way that the Elton John AIDS Foundation gets help to the people around the world who need it most – often the most marginalized communities – really spurred me on to do something.

“I also really wanted to honor the inspiring efforts that Elizabeth Taylor made – especially in the early years of the epidemic – and to mark her passing this year I am delighted to announce that the Elton John AIDS Foundation will use all the proceeds from this show to create and manage a new fund in her memory – The Elizabeth Taylor Memorial Fund.”

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 Aniston, Demi Moore, Alicia Keys To Make Breast Cancer Films

Thu, 31 Mar 2011 15:00:00 +0000

Jennifer Aniston, Demi Moore, Alicia Keys and filmmaker Patty Jenkins will each direct a short film focusing on breast cancer for cable TV network Lifetime.

A fifth filmmaker is yet to be named for the Project Five series, which aims to chronicle the impact of cancer on people’s lives.

“Our hope with Project Five is to entertain, inform and inspire dialogue, research and prevention. Otherwise, our goals are small,” Aniston told UsMagazine.com. “We want these films to move people and empower those affected by breast cancer to stand tall through this challenge, which impacts all of our lives, no matter who we are.”

Lady Gaga Designs Charity Bracelet For Japan

Sun, 13 Mar 2011 09:30:00 +0000

Lady Gaga has designed a charity bracelet to raise money for victims of the devastating earthquake and tsunami in Japan.

The We Pray For Japan bracelet is on sale now for $5 from the singer’s website, with buyers able to add extra donations when they make their purchase. All money will go to japan tsunami relief.

DoSomething.org's Top 20 2010 Celebrity Charity Champions

Mon, 27 Dec 2010 12:00:00 +0000

DoSomething.org – the website that aims to inspire, support and celebrate a generation of doers: people who see the need to do something, believe in their ability to get it done, and then take action – has released a list of what it considers to be the top 20 “Celebs Gone Good” for 2010.

20. 90210 star AnnaLynne McCord ventured outside of her zip code more than once this year to support her favorite causes, including access to clean water in Africa and helping victims of global sex trade. This Christmas she’s off to Cambodia with Somaly Mam to bring needed supplies to sex trafficking survivors there.

19. Stephen Colbert, who is a massive supporter of the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, as well as being on the Board of Directors for the education charity DonorsChoose.org and has even testified before a House Judiciary Subcommittee on immigration.

George Clooney And Friends Support We Want Peace Campaign

Thu, 16 Dec 2010 15:30:00 +0000

London-based former Sudanese child soldier, political advocate and hip-hop recording artist Emmanuel Jal is spearheading a political awareness campaign supported by George Clooney, Alicia Keys, Kofi Annan, Richard Branson and Peter Gabriel. The singer launched the digital download single “We Want Peace” on Monday 13th December 2010.

The song will be available to download from all leading digital download retailers or from the official website www.we-want-peace.com. Emmanuel Jal is encouraging people around the world to visit the official website, to become ‘peace soldiers’ and sign a peace awareness petition that will call for a timely, free and fair referendum in Southern Sudan and equality, freedom, and justice for all Sudanese.

“The main objective is for supporters from around the world to visit the official “We Want Peace” website and sign up to become ‘Peace Soldiers’," says Jal.

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.

Rihanna Mourns Passing Of A Lion King Cub

Thu, 04 Nov 2010 11:30:00 +0000

Shannon Tavarez – the 11-year-old Lion King actress whose battle with Leukemia was supported by Rihanna, Alicia Keys and 50 Cent – passed away on Monday.

The young star – who played Young Nala on Broadway’s The Lion King for seven months – was diagnosed with an aggressive form of Leukemia in April, attracting the attention of celebrities who wanted to help. Both Rihanna and Alicia Keys urged their own fans to be tested to find a bone marrow match for Shannon and others who suffer from the disease. Keys even Skyped with Shannon while she was in hospital.

“(Tavarez) should be performing on Broadway, but is confined to her bed, fighting for her life,” said Rihanna in July. “She needs to find a bone marrow donor to survive. I urge all my fans to register (as donors). It’s the most beautiful thing someone could do, to give the gift of life.”

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.”

Eva Longoria To Launch TwitChange Celebrity Charity Auction

Mon, 13 Sep 2010 13:00:00 +0000

Eva Longoria has taken to Twitter to encourage her celebrity friends to support charity.

The Desperate Housewives superstar has enlisted the help of the stars to launch TwitChange, a massive online auction that will hit the Net on September 15. The idea is simple: TwitChange is the only global celebrity auction where Twitter users can bid to get three things: be followed by their favorite celebrity on Twitter, retweeted, or mentioned by them in a special tweet!

All proceeds from the TwitChange celebrity auction will provide AHomeInHaiti.org the means to ﬁnish rebuilding the Miriam Center. The Miriam Center houses, educates and loves on Haitian children with cerebral palsy, severe autism, and other major life challenges and is one of the only facilities of its kind in Haiti. The current facility houses children in the earthquakeʼs aftermath and is extremely overcrowded. These kids need and deserve a permanent home.

Good Morning America Launches Summer Concert Charity Auction

Tue, 07 Sep 2010 14:00:00 +0000

“Good Morning America’s” 2010 Summer Concert Series returned for the second straight year to the Rumsey Playfield in Central Park, where music’s biggest names performed live every Friday, from May 21 through August 27. And now you can bid on some special items signed by the bands that took part to benefit Stand Up To Cancer.

Each week, the concert series featured one of the hottest chart-topping acts in the country, including The Black Eyed Peas, Alicia Keys and Usher; pop sensations Jonas Brothers, Demi Lovato, and Miley Cyrus; country superstars Sugarland and Lady Antebellum; and the top ten finalists from this season’s “American Idol.”

Each of the artists autographed a special GMA 2010 Summer Concert Series poster on the day they performed and now YOU have the opportunity to own one! All fifteen posters will be auctioned off on eBay to benefit Stand Up To Cancer, a groundbreaking initiative raising much-needed funds for cutting-edge cancer research. The posters, plus photos of many of the artists signing them, are available now.

Stars Join Club Charity

Fri, 27 Aug 2010 12:00:00 +0000

ClubCharity.com, an online auction site for celebrity and corporate charitable giving founded by CharityBids.org and visionary entrepreneur Robert L. Johnson, today announced its launch in Canada through a partnership with Toronto Blue Jays centerfielder Vernon Wells.

To kick off the partnership, ClubCharity.com is auctioning a Toronto Blue Jays helmet signed by Wells and covered in Swarovski crystals. Proceeds will benefit Vernon Wells’ Perfect 10 Foundation, supporting single mothers and children in need.

Leveraging the Charity Bids platform, ClubCharity.com is a multi-faceted auction site featuring items from celebrities, athletes, artists, and corporations to support numerous charitable causes. Built by a team of longtime volunteer fundraisers, Charity Bids offers a secure, user-friendly, customizable solution to run fully branded auctions online, making it simple to find, bid on, and buy one-of-a-kind, unique auction items. Auctions can be displayed on multiple web properties simultaneously, allowing charities, corporations, and their affiliates to promote the same auction across multiple sites in a seamless, branded way – creating infinite fundraising opportunities, and maximizing exposure via the web.

Tinchy Stryder To Perform For Alicia Keys' Charity

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 14:00:00 +0000

Killing two birds with one stone hasn’t been difficult for London-based rapper Tinchy Stryder, who collaborated with 16 artists in the 2009 single I Got Soul to raise money for War Child UK. Once again combining his passion for music and charity, it has been announced that Stryder will headline a charity gig on November 4 at London’s O2 Shepherds Bush Empire.

Alicia Keys, as co-founder and global ambassador of Keep A Child Alive, a charity of seven years, participates by inviting her fellow musicians to hold charity concerts to benefit children and families who have been affected by HIV/AIDS. 33.4 million people worldwide are infected with

HIV/AIDS and 28 million have died from HIV/AIDS. Keep a Child Alive has provided clinics and medical services in India, South Africa, Rwanda, Uganda, and Kenya and practices anti-retroviral therapy, which is the treatment for HIV patients.

Alicia Keys And Rihanna Work To Save A Lion King Cub

Tue, 20 Jul 2010 12:00:00 +0000

Stars Alicia Keys and Rihanna have urged fans to become bone marrow donors, so they could possibly be a match for a talented young girl with a bright future and others suffering from leukemia.

Shannon Talvarez, an eleven-year old girl who played Young Nala on Broadway’s “The Lion King” musical for seven months, was diagnosed with an aggressive form of leukemia in April. A bone marrow transplant is vital for her survival, but the young girl from New York City has been having trouble finding a genetic match, due to her mixed heritage. Her mother is African-American, while her father is Hispanic; both of these racial groups are the most underrepresented in bone marrow registries.

Many have come together to support Talvarez’s fight against cancer, including R&B singers Alicia Keys and Rihanna. They are encouraging their fans to get tested to see if they could be a match for Talvarez, and others who are suffering from this disease. She needs all the help she can get, before it is too late.

Alicia Keys And Swizz Beatz Show A Little Kindness

Fri, 25 Jun 2010 12:00:00 +0000

Alicia Keys is taking South Africa by storm with her performance at the World Cup and the South African blessing of her unborn child, all the while infectiously spreading her goodwill to those around her.

Keys’ fiancee Swizz Beatz decided to go on an impromptu shopping spree while the couple were spending time in the slums of Soweto, purchasing enough clothes for the village in Ezimbuzini.

“He had promised he would go back and when he came back, everyone was SO excited to see him! “SWIZZYYYY!!!!” They yelled!!!," Keys said, on her blog “I Am a Superwoman”.

Celebrities Team Up For Father's Day Charity Auction

Fri, 04 Jun 2010 15:30:00 +0000

Charitybuzz.com, the leading destination for online charity auctions, has announced the launch of its Second Annual Dads and Grads Charity Auction, featuring exclusive experiences with renowned entertainers to raise funds for more than 50 nonprofits around the globe.

Chevy Chase, Emeril Lagasse, Derek Jeter, Carlos Santana, Tommy Hilfiger, Eli Manning, Elvis Costello, Joe Montana and Phil Mickelson are just a few of the celebrities and sports stars who have donated packages for the auction, which is open for bidding through June 16 at www.charitybuzz.com/DadsGrads.

The once-in-a-lifetime gifts that give back in this year’s Dad’s and Grad’s Auction will give recipients bragging rights for years to come and make a significant impact in the work of important nonprofits, including Malaria No More, The RFK Center for Justice and Human Rights, Oceana, Musicians on Call, Hollywood Unites For Haiti, Project Cuddle, American Cancer Society, Hollywood Note Foundation and many others.