Look To The Stars News: Simon Cowell

Celebrities Help Clean Up After UK Riots

Mon, 15 Aug 2011 13:00:00 +0000

Simon Cowell has donated £50,000 to a fund for those affected by the U.K. riots this week, joining other stars such as Wayne Rooney, Katherine Jenkins, Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson, Dragons Den star Duncan Bannatyne and many others in making financial commitments to reclaiming the streets of Britain.

“What happened has left behind thousands of innocent victims people whose businesses and homes have been attacked.,” said Wayne Rooney. “We all depend on the shops and small businesses in our communities. Its great that the Daily and Sunday Express is doing something to really help those whose livelihoods have suffered. They are people who work really hard for what they have and they deserve everyone’s support and protection. Coleen and I are delighted to open the fund by making the first donation to it.”

The stars have pledged their support to a campaign established by The Daily Express – Reclaim Our Streets – which has also garnered the support of Prime Minister David Cameron, TV presenter Kirstie Allsopp and television chef Antony Worrall Thompson.

Celebrities Call On World Leaders For Urgent Horn Of Africa Funds

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

A group of global artists, activists and business leaders have signed a joint letter urging world leaders to step up their response to the famine in the Horn of Africa. They call on them to act “without reservation, prevarication or equivocation” when they meet at an emergency summit in Rome.

Among the signatories are Annie Lennox, Bob Geldof, Simon Cowell, Richard Curtis, Stephen Fry, Eddie Izzard, Kristin Scott Thomas, and representatives from charities such as Oxfam, the ONE Campaign, Comic Relief, CAFOD, ActionAid, Save the Children and many others.

“As we write, more than 11 million people are suffering the great agony of the worst famine in Africa for many years. It is incomprehensible that in 2011 anyone should die of starvation. $600 million* is needed now for our fellow humans. Not a great sum for the world, even in a time of great economic difficulty for some. Last week European leaders found over hundred times this amount to shore up the euro and bail out banks, yet countries like France, Italy, the Arab States and Germany have so far given miniscule amounts of money to prevent people dying from hunger. Surely this must be unacceptable? A true measure of strength is how one cares for the weak. A true test of power is how one protects the frail.

Johnny Depp Raises Bids In Celebrity Charity Auction For Christchurch

Tue, 24 May 2011 14:00:00 +0000

The first round of celebrity charity auctions to benefit two schools damaged in the devastating Christchurch earthquake ended last night, with a new round starting today.

Stars 4 Kids has been set up to raise funds for two Christchurch schools, Shirley Primary and Avonside Girls’ High, both badly damaged in the February 22nd earthquake that killed over 160 people and left thousands without homes and jobs. The auction will be run through New Zealand’s #1 auction site – Trade Me – and can also be accessed by Australia.

The auction that just ended saw a signed photo of Johnny Depp go under the hammer for over NZ$500, a rugby league hat signed by Russell Crowe go for NZ$266, a book signed by British Top Gear presenter Jeremy Clarkson sell for NZ$102, while DVDs and a hat signed by The Mentalist star Simon Baker brought in NZ$200. Other items included a calendar signed by Kylie Minogue, which reached NZ$103, and items from Colin Firth (Best Lead Actor in The King’s Speech), Geoffrey Rush, Donald Trump, Sir Ian McKellen, Guy Pearce and Status Quo.

Unsung Children's Champions Honored At Celebrity Charity Awards

Thu, 31 Mar 2011 12:00:00 +0000

A host of British stars – including Simon Cowell, James Corden and Davina McCall – were spotted out-and-about at a special charity event in London last night to honor some unsung children’s champions.

With performances by Alexandra Burke and Peter André, The News Of The World Children’s Champions Awards 2011 honored those people – voted by the public – who have done a brilliant, unsung job for children.

In association with Barnardo’s and The Post Office, judges included Manchester United and England giant Rio Ferdinand, Gavin and Stacey star James Corden , singer and I’m A Celeb favourite Stacey Solomon, pop pin-up Peter Andre, BBC sports icon Gary Lineker, Dancing on Ice judge and former Spice Girl Emma Bunton and Olympic supremo Lord Sebastian Coe.

Simon Cowell, Helena Bonham Carter Believe No Child Born to Die

Wed, 26 Jan 2011 14:28:00 +0000

Helena Bonham Carter has offered her voice to the latest awareness campaign for Save the Children.

The campaign, No Child Born to Die, features the reactions of children in villages in Lindi, Tanzania as they view inspirational clips of David Beckham, Muhammad Ali and Nelson Mandela, among others.

Russell Brand Surprises Scottish Teenager With Charity Award

Mon, 08 Nov 2010 15:30:00 +0000

Scottish teenager Ryan McLaughlin, whose Shine on Scotland campaign aims to raise awareness of the importance of Vitamin D in the battle against Multiple Sclerosis, has been awarded a Pride of Britain Award by Russell Brand.

The comedian made a surprise visit to the Scottish parliament last week to make the announcement while 15-year-old Ryan was making a speech… although he made a minor mistake of confusing Ryan with his brother Darren.

“What a wonderful person you are and what a wonderful example of how things that are difficult and challenging in life can be turned around if you have a beautiful spirit like you obviously do have,” said Russell Brand.

Fashion Rocks For Charity At Bee Gee's Home

Tue, 28 Sep 2010 15:00:00 +0000

Against Breast Cancer served up a fitting close to London Fashion Week – blending designer fashion with rock n’ roll and a very English tea at the home of Bee Gee Robin Gibb at the charity’s ‘Splash of Pink’ Fashion Show & Couture Tea.

Staged at their Oxfordshire home on Saturday 25th September, the Bee Gee and his wife – a Patron of Against Breast Cancer – opened their doors to 400 guests. The designer Fashion Show & Couture Tea was topped off with a live performance by Robin and his band supported by Natasha Hamilton and Elan Lee.

In aid of Against Breast Cancer and marking the start of breast cancer awareness month in October, the Splash of Pink Fashion Show will help the charity reach its annual goal of £1m to fund its valuable research into breast cancer. A new blood test is being developed by the charity’s researchers to detect the secondary spread of breast cancer and they are working towards finding a vaccine.

Charity iPhone Application To Be Launched At Bee Gee Home

Fri, 06 Aug 2010 13:00:00 +0000

Against Breast Cancer is launching its own iPhone App, the first of its kind to be created for a charity fundraising event. The App will showcase the ‘Splash of Pink Fashion Show and Couture Tea’ taking place at The Prebendal, the home of Bee Gee Robin Gibb and his wife Dwina Murphy-Gibb in Thame, Oxfordshire on 25th September. Dwina is a patron of the charity.

Andy McDonald, Managing Director of Lifelyte iPhone and Android applications has developed the new App for the charity following his successful launch of the iThame App for the town of Thame.

Gordon Vallance, Director of Against Breast Cancer said, ‘This is a ground-breaking achievement for the charity and just one of the many ways we are using social media to share information about our valuable research. Better understanding the secondary spread of breast cancer will be the key to helping us develop a vaccine against the disease. We are extremely grateful to Dwina and Robin for allowing us to use their home for our fundraising event as we need £1m a year to continue our research work at University College and Westminster London.’

Bid On Tickets To American Idol Live For Charity

Fri, 09 Jul 2010 15:30:00 +0000

Two lucky fans will get the once-in-a lifetime opportunity to get up close & personal with this year’s “American Idol” champion Lee DeWyze and runner-up Crystal Bowersox at one of 48 cities featured on the 2010 American Idols Live Tour!

This fantastic concert package include two VIP floor tickets and meet-and-greets with DeWyze and the entire American Idol Top 10 (including favorites Bowersox and Casey James)! The proceeds will benefit the ACLU of Southern California. Visit www.charityfolks.com/americanidol to learn more and for a list of cities.

“American Idol” is television’s #1 hit series and empowers contestants and viewers to share their voices in deciding who will be America’s next singing superstar. Ryan Seacrest is the host and the judges include Ellen DeGeneres, Randy Jackson and Kara DioGuardi – and a soon-to-be named host to replace Simon Cowell.

Animals Matter To John Tartaglia

Thu, 24 Jun 2010 15:30:00 +0000

Tony Award (Avenue Q) and Emmy Award (Johnny and the Sprites) nominated John Tartaglia, the creative force behind the current off-Broadway hit John Tartaglia’s ImaginOcean, has pledged his support to the World Society for the Protection of Animals’ (WSPA) “Animals Matter to Me” campaign.

His personal video about why animals matter to him launched today at www.AnimalsMattertoMe.org, where other celebrities – including Simon Cowell and Leona Lewis – have already endorsed an international recognition to end animal cruelty and support animal welfare.

Simon Cowell Awarded For Charity Work

Mon, 24 May 2010 12:00:00 +0000

Simon Cowell was honored with Variety – The Children’s Charity’s prestigious Humanitarian Award at the Variety World Conference at the Grand Ballroom of the Renaissance Hollywood Hotel & Spa on May 23.

Since 1938, Variety International’s Humanitarian Award has annually been awarded to a person who has shown incredible dedication in the support of humankind.

Variety International recognize Simon Cowell has utilized his position in the entertainment industry, in business and his international profile as a fundraising tool to support many charities and individuals around the world and has helped transform many lives of those in need.

Idol Gives Back Launches Charity Auction

Fri, 09 Apr 2010 13:00:00 +0000

Idol Gives Back has launched an online auction in which American Idol fans will be able to bid on a unique selection of donated items and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Net proceeds will benefit the Idol Gives Back Foundation, and the auction will run from Wednesday, April 7 to 11:59 PM PT on Tuesday, April 20.

Idol Gives Back, airing Wednesday, April 21 (8:00-10:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed) on FOX, will raise awareness and funds to benefit charities, including the Children’s Health Fund, Feeding America, Malaria No More, Save the Children’s U.S. Programs and the United Nations Foundation. Viewers can help support Idol Gives Back and its beneficiaries by bidding on the auction items before the show airs.

Items featured in the online auction include:

Animals Matter To Simon Cowell

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

Simon Cowell has pledged support for the World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA) and its campaign to get international recognition of animal welfare.

WSPA is hoping more people will follow Simon’s lead and start telling governments why animals matter to them.

Anthony Kiedis Attends Elton John's Charity Party

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 12:00:00 +0000

On March 7, Anthony Kiedis of the Red Hot Chili Peppers – along with other Hollywood stars – joined the 18th Annual Elton John AIDS Foundation Party at the Pacific Design Center in West Hollywood.

The gala has always been the leading fund-raising event in Hollywood on Oscar night, and raises AIDS awareness with help of many adored and admired artists among whom at this year’s party appeared: Milla Jovovich, Heidi Klum, Miley Cyrus, Hayden Panettiere, Victoria Beckham, Sharon and Kelly Osbourne, Simon Cowell, Joaquin Phoenix, Jamie Foxx, Jason Mraz, Joe Zee to name a few.

Celebrity Guests Celebrate Oscars At Charity Parties

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 15:30:00 +0000

The stars were out for charity over the weekend to celebrate the 82nd Annual Academy Awards.

The eighth annual Night Before gala hit Hollywood on Saturday night to raise money for the Motion Picture & Television Fund, an organization that supports people in the Southern California entertainment community with health and human services needs.

Among the stars to converge on the Beverly Hills Hotel for the event were George Clooney, Jeff Bridges, Sandra Bullock, Tom Cruise, Katie Holmes, Tom Hanks, Rita Wilson, Steven Spielberg, Robert Downey Jr and many more.

Simon Cowell's Charity Single Smashes Records

Wed, 10 Feb 2010 12:30:00 +0000

Simon Cowell’s star-studded cover of Everybody Hurts aimed at benefiting Haitian earthquake victims has become the fastest selling charity single of the century.

Sales have topped 200,000 in just two days, and the single is on course to smash the first week sales of any single in ten years.

The version of REM’s Everybody Hurts includes contributions from Leona Lewis, Kylie Minogue, Rod Stewart, Robbie Williams, Gary Barlow, Take That, Jon Bon Jovi, Mariah Carey and many others. Funds will go to the Disasters Emergency Committee and The Sun’s Helping Haiti campaign.

Simon Cowell's Charity Single To Hit Shops Next Week

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 15:30:00 +0000

Simon Cowell’s charity single for Haiti has had its first airplay, and will be available for download from February 7 and in shops from February 8.

The version of REM’s Everybody Hurts includes contributions from Leona Lewis, Kylie Minogue, Rod Stewart, Robbie Williams, Gary Barlow, Take That, Jon Bon Jovi, Mariah Carey and many others.

The single can be ordered at mV.com, play.com and amazon.co.uk. Funds will go to the Disasters Emergency Committee and The Sun’s Helping Haiti campaign. To listen to a sneak preview, click here.

Simon Cowell Brings Stars Together For Charity Single

Mon, 25 Jan 2010 15:30:00 +0000

UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown and The Sun newspaper have asked Simon Cowell, the brains behind “American Idol” and “X Factor,” to orchestrate a single that will benefit the earthquake victims of Haiti.

Cowell immediately got busy, and he has so far assembled an all-star cast that includes Leona Lewis, Rod Stewart, Michael Buble, Susan Boyle, JLS and Cheryl Cole to record a remake of REM’s “Everybody Hurts.” Cowell has also approached Sir Paul McCartney and Sir Elton John, both of whom are very close to signing on.

Cowell reveals, “We haven’t got an awful lot of time, but we are going to do something and attempt to raise as much money as possible”.

Simon Cowell Named As Patron Of British Charity

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 14:00:00 +0000

Simon Cowell has been announced patron of British charity Children’s Hospices UK, which represents and gives voice to the UK’s network of 44 children’s hospice services.

Simon has been a long time supporter of CHASE hospice care for children based in Surrey, just one of the children’s hospice services that Children’s Hospices UK represents. His involvement compelled him to commit to the cause on a national scale.

Barbara Gelb, Chief Executive of Children’s Hospices UK said: “We’re absolutely thrilled and honoured to welcome Simon Cowell as a patron of Children’s Hospices UK. Simon’s generous and invaluable support will help us increase awareness of the much needed, unique care and support that children’s hospice services give to thousands of children, young people and their families every year.”

Linda Blair And Simon Cowell Save Canine Lives

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 14:00:00 +0000

Thanks to a generous $30,000 donation from America Idol judge Simon Cowell, Exorcist star Linda Blair will be able to keep her once cash-strapped animal shelter open for business.

The non-profit Linda Blair WorldHeart Foundation is an animal sanctuary designed to care for up to 50 abandoned dogs at a time. Earlier this year, the shelter was in danger of closing, but animal lover Cowell resolved that predicament and relieved Blair of her financial debt.

Simon Cowell is not the only person able to make a difference in the lives of abused and neglected LA pets. Visit the WorldHeart website to find out ways you can volunteer! Donations, no matter the size, are always welcome!

Stars Gather For Brent Shapiro Foundation Event

Fri, 11 Sep 2009 15:00:00 +0000

The Brent Shapiro Foundation for Drug and Alcohol Awareness will hold a star-studded benefit in Hollywood tomorrow night, September 12.

The private party at an undisclosed residence will be attended by many of the celebrity supporters of the charity, including Larry King, Jessica Alba, Sean Combs, Denzel Washington, Barry Bonds, Rod Stewart, Paula Abdul, Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson, Ryan Seacrest, Paris Hilton, Nicole Richie, Joel Madden, Lindsay Lohan, Brody Jenner, Maksim Chmerkovskiy, Karina Smirnoff, Lionel Richie, Sylvester Stallone, Brent Bolthouse, Danny Masterson, Adrian Grenier, Kim, Khloe and Kourtney Kardashian, Bruce and Kris Jenner, Warren Beatty and Annette Bening, Cheryl Tiegs, Jayde Nicole, Jacquelyn Smith, Nicky Hilton, Carolina Bacardi, Esai Morales, Ashley Hamilton and many others.

Brent Shapiro was the son of Robert Shapiro, who was an attorney on OJ Simpson’s defense team in 1995. Brent – who had battled with addictions most of his life – died in 2005 at the age of 25. It is the vision of the Brent Shapiro Foundation to fight the stigma of addictions through education, and help parents communicate with their children on addiction issues.

Stars Sign Mini For British Forces Morale

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 15:30:00 +0000

A car signed by some of Britain’s favorite stars will go up for auction at Bonhams Auction House tonight, July 3, to raise money for the British Forces Foundation’s Lap of Honour charity, which aims to boost morale in Britiain’s Armed Forces.

For the last year, the Mini cooper – adorned with a Union Jack on the roof – has been traveling around Britain, gathering autographs from well-known faces such as Michael Caine, Richard Branson, Sienna Miller, Simon Cowell, Terry Wogan, Joan Collins, Roger Moore, Michael Parkinson, Cliff Richard, Ranulph Fiennes, Tom Jones, Hugh Grant, Judi Dench, James Blunt, Katherine Jenkins, Jackie Stewart, Rod Stewart, Lewis Hamilton, Kate Moss, Joe Calzaghe, Elton John, David Beckham, Magaret Thatcher, Eric Clapton, Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, Joanna Lumley, Helen Mirren, Gordon Brown, Paul McCartney and many more.

“This fantastic car has been on an amazing journey during our tenth anniversary year,” said Mark Cann, director of the BFF. “It will be a unique addition to any car collection and we’re delighted that Bonhams offered so generously to help us achieve the best bid and raise as much money as we can. The very act of demonstrating support will send a clear message of solidarity to those on the frontline, which will in itself be a significant boost to their morale.”

Celebrity-Led Fundraising Campaign Supports Charities In Their Hour Of Need

Fri, 22 May 2009 15:00:00 +0000

How would you like to meet some of your favourite celebs, in the flesh? Are you a fan of Daniel O’Donnell or Tim Henman, maybe Raymond Blanc or Rock Legend Suzi Quatro?

Or, maybe celebrities are not your thing, so how about the ultimate behind the scenes day with the Red Arrows or backstage on GMTV? Perhaps even own one of Paul O’Grady’s iconic Lily Savage dresses or a stunning print signed by Ali and Joe Frazier!

All these and a lot more form part of a very timely and innovative celebrity led fundraising campaign which launches on Thursday evening May 21st to provide hard hit charities with much needed revenue at a time when their donation levels are plummeting.

Celebrities Paint Masks For African Education

Mon, 30 Mar 2009 15:30:00 +0000

Twenty of the biggest celebrities from music, film, sport and business have painted face masks for a new charity auction on eBay.

The auction is raising money for Education Africa, an organization established in 1992 to assist disadvantaged South Africans in their quest to obtain a quality, relevant education in order to ensure that they are in a position to become global citizens and a competitive force in the local job market.

Up for grabs in the auction are masks decorated by Paris Hilton, Bob Geldof, Stefi Graf, Andre Agassi, Lily Cole, Amanda Holden, Annie Lennox, Piers Morgan, Jude Law, Simon Cowell, Melanie Brown, Lewis Hamilton and many more. The masks will be on display at the chaity’s annual gala dinner to be held at the May Fair Hotel in London on March 31st 2009.

Henry Winkler Wins Cash For Charity

Mon, 30 Mar 2009 15:00:00 +0000

Actor Henry Winkler has won £40,000 (US$56,000) for an education charity in a radio competition.

The former Happy Days star was chosen in a public vote for the “Who’s Calling Christian?” competition on Absolute Radio in the UK, in which people had to get stars to call the station in order to win £20,000 for themselves, and £40,000 for the charity of the celebrity’s choice.

“I’m just so grateful to everyone who voted for me… and you can all start your weekend knowing you’ve done a very good thing,” said Winkler on Friday. “The Teaching Awards really deserve it. Thanks for giving me the opportunity to win this for teachers.”