Look To The Stars News: John Legend

All You Need Is Love At Starbucks For Charity

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 12:30:00 -0000

The holidays are all about giving, and Starbucks is passionate about supporting communities in which they do business. As part of the ongoing partnership between Starbucks and Bono’s (RED), this holiday season customers will have the opportunity to turn all of their purchases (RED)!

Beginning November 17, 2009 through December 1, 2009, when customers spend $15 on any purchase in participating Starbucks U.S. and Canada stores, Starbucks will automatically turn their purchase (RED) with a $1 U.S. donation to the Global Fund on their behalf. And as a thank you, customers will receive a copy of the exclusive “All You Need Is Love” Holiday CD for free with the qualifying (STARBUCKS)RED purchase. The CD features tracks from Playing for Change, John Legend, U2 and the Dave Matthews Band.

To date, Starbucks has generated contributions equaling more than 5 million daily doses of antiretroviral medicine through the purchase of select (STARBUCKS)RED products and will continue working with their customers to help improve the lives of those living with HIV/AIDS in Africa.

Additionally, on December 1, Starbucks will commemorate World AIDS Day by donating 5 cents U.S. from EVERY handcrafted beverage sold that day as well as $1 U.S. from every (STARBUCKS)RED product purchased in stores.

John Legend To Speak Charity At University

Mon, 21 Sep 2009 12:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Singer John Legend will speak in Goldstein Auditorium at Syracuse University in New York on September 23 to inspire students to get involved with charities.

Legend will perform songs and talk about his work with the Show Me Campaign, an organization he created to encourage social, economic, personal and educational growth of individuals, families and communities.

“John is hired as a speaker, so the event will be closer to a speech than a concert,” said Drew Sullivan, the performing arts director for University Union. “But he knows people love his voice and his music, so he will be performing songs throughout the evening.”

In 2008, Legend joined Dr Jeffrey Sachs for a tour of universities all over the US to encourage social, economic, personal, and educational growth. Called the Poverty Action Tour, the sessions challenged people to support the fight against poverty, and promote the charities and groups that champion the cause.

Tickets for this event are $10 for students and $20 for faculty and staff. They are available at the Schine Box Office.

John Legend Goes Red For HIV/AIDS

Thu, 13 Aug 2009 12:30:00 -0000

Grammy-Award winning artist and long-time (PRODUCT)RED supporter John Legend is joining with Gap to create an exclusive (RED)ZONE seating section for his concert at Madison Square Garden in New York City tonight, August 13.

For the last few weeks, every purchase at select Gap stores in the New York tri-state area has included a special access code enabling shoppers to obtain one ticket in the reserved RED section for John Legend’s MSG show. Even better, with each (RED)ZONE ticket purchase, shoppers automatically received a second ticket to the show free of charge. Additionally, a select number of fans seated in the (RED)ZONE section will be randomly selected to go backstage to personally meet Legend after the evening’s performance. Proceeds from the ticket sales in the (RED)ZONE will benefit HIV/AIDS programs in Africa supported by the Global Fund.

“I love working with (PRODUCT)RED because they provide an innovative way for great brands and great artists to come together to powerfully and effectively fight AIDS in Africa,” said Legend. “I’m proud to be partnering with Gap and (RED) on my upcoming Madison Square Garden concert, because I know the money generated will go directly to help get medicine to those who need it.”

Tickets to this exclusive (RED)ZONE area are available by visiting www.johnlegend.com/red and entering the special access code as prompted – tickets are $66.00 each and are subject to limited availability. Fans can log on to www.gap.com/johnlegend to locate participating Gap stores in the New York tri-state area.

Gap is celebrating its collaboration with John Legend and the launch of the new (PRODUCT)RED Artist Edition T-shirts by turning Gap store windows (RED) nationwide from July 29 through August 12. Gap also opened a special pop-up art gallery adjacent to its Fifth Avenue flagship store in New York City on Saturday, July 25th. The shop features Gap (PRODUCT)RED Artist Edition T-Shirts, as well as original works of art from some of these artists. Fifty percent of the profits all Gap (PRODUCT)RED Artist Edition T-Shirts benefit the Global Fund to help eliminate AIDS in Africa.

Lenny Kravitz To Headline Peace Day Concert

Tue, 11 Aug 2009 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Kasabian and Lenny Kravitz have been confirmed to play at a one-off gig at the Paris Le Grand Rex to mark Peace Day next month.

“I’m delighted to support Peace One Day once again to take the message of Peace Day to the people,” said Kravitz. “Peace One Day is all about uniting the world, and music can drive that message. I’m pleased to be carrying the torch for POD this year.”

The show will take place on September 19 – two days before Peace Day – and will also feature Keziah Jones, Ayo, Olivia Ruiz and Charlie Winston.

“These things are so intense, such hard work, with so much at stake,” said Jeremy Gilley, founder of Peace Day. “Take last year’s event at the Albert Hall. Introduced by [”Jude Law":http://www.looktothestars.org/celebrity/145-jude-law], with live performances from Bryan Adams, Peter Gabriel, Annie Lennox and John Legend, with a surprise appearance from Lenny Kravitz, it was pretty mind-blowing but you can imagine how nerve-wracking it was bringing it all together. Underwriting something so big when you are such a small organization is quite a responsibility. Our margins are really tight and, just covering our costs takes an awful lot of hard work. More than anything, we rely on the good will of the artists themselves; their time is so precious and I am eternally grateful to all of them for their unerring support. Standing on the side of the stage watching Annie Lennox singing for Peace One Day was an incredible moment for me.

“With a matter of weeks to go, an awful lot of people are working incredibly hard to pull off an event that exceeds all expectations. An estimated 250 million people around the globe saw last year’s concert. We can’t yet give any details away but let’s just say that we are aiming for something even bigger and better to commemorate our ten-year anniversary. I can feel the insomnia coming on already…

“Our goal is to reach three billion people with the message of peace one day by 2012. It’s not a pipedream, it’s a strategic process, but we all need to get involved.”

For more information and tickets, click here.

Go Back To School With Celebrity Items

Fri, 24 Jul 2009 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

The Grammy Foundation and MusiCares want you to rock in the new school year by taking part in a new charity auction that features unique memorabilia and VIP experiences that benefit their high school music programs.

Decorate your room with original artwork and photos from Taylor Swift and Paris Hilton, signed postcards from Kanye West and Stevie Wonder, and play on guitars signed by Depeche Mode, John Mayer, Tom Petty and Sheryl Crow.

The auction also gives you the chance to extend your wardrobe with hoodies signed by the Jonas Brothers and a T shirt signed by Iggy Pop. There are also items and experiences from Coldplay, Maroon 5, Joe Satriani, the Dave Matthews Band, Slash, Alice Cooper, Jennifer Lopez, Jennifer Hudson, Neil Diamond, 3 Doors Down, John Legend, Jason Mraz, U2, Melissa Etheridge, Green Day and many more.

The GRAMMY Foundation cultivates the understanding, appreciation and advancement of the impact of music on American culture through music education programs, scholarships and grants, and MusiCares provides a safety net of critical financial assistance and services for music people in times of need.

The auction runs until July 31 and can be accessed here.

Celebrities Flock To Charity Billiards Tournament

Fri, 17 Jul 2009 12:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

New York Giant and Super Bowl Champion defensive end Justin Tuck hosted the first ever Tuck’s Celebrity Billiards Tournament in New York on Monday, July 13.

The event attracted a host of stars from music, film and sports, including John Legend, Kelly Rowland, Spike Lee, Vivica Fox, Anthony Anderson and many more.

The star-studded tournament raised $140,000 for Tuck’s R.U.S.H. for Literacy, a charity initiative founded by Justin Tuck in 2008 to encourage children to READ, UNDERSTAND, SUCCEED, and HOPE as they continue to nurture literacy in their lives. This charity program is committed to raise funds to donate books and other reading materials to benefit the local New York and Central Alabama communities.

To find out more about the initiative, click here.

John Legend Headlines Four Seasons Of Hope Gala

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 12:00:00 -0000

Samsung’s Four Seasons of Hope, a goodwill program benefiting children and families, held its eighth annual celebrity gala last night at Cipriani Wall Street in New York City.

“Live with Regis and Kelly” host, Regis Philbin returned for his fifth Samsung gala and was joined by NBC Commentator Bob Costas, who returned for his third gala.

Samsung’s Four Seasons of Hope recognizes the charitable efforts of sports, entertainment, and political notables, including former NYC Mayor Rudy Giuliani, Wayne Gretzky, Arnold Palmer, Jimmie Johnson, Boomer Esiason and Dan Marino through fundraising programs tied to business partners major retailers such as Best Buy, Sears, and the recently added Lowe’s as well as some of its regional partners.

Grammy-Award winner and philanthropist John Legend gave a special live performance to more than 500 guests in attendance where his Show Me Campaign was one of the benefiting charities from the evening’s event. The Show Me Campaign’s mission is to end poverty through sustainable development, education and service at the individual, family and community levels. Legend also brought along singer songwriter Estelle and his brother Vaughn to help entertain the crowd as both are part of Legend’s new record label, Home School Records.

“All of the charities involved in this event are doing tremendous work and I applaud their efforts, I was excited to be part of this night,” said John Legend following his performance.

Other charities to benefit from the event were the Arnold Palmer Foundation, the Boomer Esiason Foundation to Benefit Cystic Fibrosis, the Joe Torre Safe At Home Foundation, the Dan Marino Foundation, the Jason Taylor Foundation, the Michael Strahan Foundation, the Wayne Gretzky Foundation, and the Milagro Foundation.

The event featured a roster of celebrities from the worlds of sports, entertainment, and politics including newly signed New York Jets Quarterback Mark Sanchez and current Quarterback Kellen Clemens, Amani Toomer, New England Patriots Wes Welker, members of the New York Jets – Kerry Rhodes and Darrelle Revis Green Bay Packers Running Back Ryan Grant, former NBA star and current ESPN NBA Analyst Jamal Mashburn, TV Star Molly Sims, “All My Children’s” Chrishell Stause, Shannon Kane, Brittany Allen and Melissa Claire Egan, music artist and producer Swizz Beatz, Recording Artists Kelis and Fabolous; Miss USA 2009 Kristen Dalton; Rene Fris of Bravo’s “Shear Genius” and the Winner of America’s Next Top Model Cycle 10 Whitney Thompson. An online and silent auction of unique experiences and sports memorabilia also helped raise funds for all of the participating foundations and charities. The online auction will continue through June 25th at www.gocharity.com/samsung.

“Samsung’s Four Seasons of Hope is proud to begin its eight year on such a positive note by raising nearly million dollars for the program’s charities and providing an amazing performance by John Legend who is also a true philanthropist,” said CS Choi, president and CEO, Samsung Electronics America, Inc. “It is especially exciting and encouraging to see all of our partners and celebrities coming together to benefit children and families. Even during this difficult economic climate, Samsung looks forward to being able to support these charitable efforts as we continue our corporate philanthropy initiatives.”

To date, Samsung’s Four Seasons of Hope program has raised more than $20 million for charity, while winning awards and recognition for its achievements. For more information, visit www.fourseasonsofhope.com or www.samsung.com/newsroom.

Stars For A Cause To Raise Charity Funds Tonight

Thu, 28 May 2009 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

A selection of items designed and decorated by some of Entertainment’s biggest stars will go under the hammer at Bonhams and Butterfields Auction House in Los Angeles tonight, May 28.

The Stars For A Cause Auction features a wide range of rare and collectable items, such as posters signed by Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, Glenn Close, Susan Sarandon, Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Anna Paquin, David Duchovny, Rumer Willis, Jonas Brothers, P. Diddy, America Ferrera, Hayden Panettiere, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Colin Farrell, Anne Hathaway, Steve Carell, Emma Thompson, Marisa Tomei, Dustin Hoffman, Tom Hanks, Sandra Bullock, Tina Fey, Steven Spielberg and many more.

There are also shoes from William Shatner and Ludacris, and bags adorned with kisses from Al Roker, Nancy O’Dell, Nicollette Sheridan, Marcia Cross, Hugh Laurie, Phillip Seymore Hoffman, Geena Davis, Eva Longoria, Felicity Huffman, Teri Hatcher, Reese Witherspoon, Kelly Clarkson, Green Day, Keira Knightley, Paula Abdul, John Legend and many more.

And if that is not all, there are also cufflinks from Miley Cyrus and Trace Adkins, and jewelry from many others.

A public preview of the lots will take place between 12pm and 5pm today, at the Bonhams and Butterfields Auction House at 7601 W. Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles. The auction will begin at 8pm.

Half of the proceeds of the auction will go to charities chosen by the participating stars, such as the The Art of Elysium, Keep A Child Alive, Red Cross, Elton John AIDS Foundation, UNICEF and many many more. The other half will go to the Prince’s Trust, which helps young people develop confidence, motivation and skills to find work.

More information can be found here.

Make Time For John Legend's Show Me Campaign

Wed, 27 May 2009 12:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Fans of John Legend have the chance to get their hands on a limited edition watch from Audemars Piguet engraved with his signature for charity.

The watch is just one of 500 produced, and proceeds from the auction will go to Legend’s Show Me Campaign. Founded in 2007, the campaign envisions a world in which all people have the opportunity to flourish free of the devastating effects of poverty. Their mission is to end poverty through sustainable development, education and service.

The self-winding Millenary Pianoforte watch features a black and white piano key-inspired dial fashioned of mother-of-pearl with date display and centre seconds, a 45 × 40mm white gold case, self-winding movement, transparent sapphire caseback and black crocodile strap with deployment buckle. It is water resistant to 20 meters.

Also going under the hammer for the Show Me Campaign are meet-and-greets with the singer, the chance to play golf with NBC broadcaster and former New York Giants running back Tiki Barber and New York Giants center Shaun O’Hara, a personal shopping experience with John Varvatos, and a bag signed by John Legend.

The auction runs until June 4 and can be accessed here.

John Legend Performs For Show Me Campaign

Thu, 21 May 2009 13:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Singer John Legend hosted a benefit for his Show Me Campaign on Tuesday, May 19, that raised over $300,000.

Along with Wyclef Jean, Jeffrey Sachs, former New York Giants player Tiki Barber and many others, Legend rocked a rooftop performance to raise support of the campaign he started two years ago to encourage social, economic, personal and educational growth of individuals, families and communities.

“Our organization by itself can’t do it, but we believe we can be part of the solution and we don’t want to wait around for everybody else to do it,” he said. “We’re funding a village in Tanzania and we’re seeing positive results on the ground that show that our work is making a positive impact over there, and if we were just to replicate that throughout the world, we can see a lot of progress made.”

Legend established the organization after watching Sachs discuss his book, The End Of Poverty, on television. Following a meeting with Sachs, Legend traveled to Ghana to witness the poverty problem firsthand. He established the Show Me Campaign soon afterwards, and has since become involved in a number of initiatives in the fight to alleviate poverty.

“This guy is just so talented and people love him, they love his music and when they listen to him he’s so smart and so compelling and he’s helping them understand what these issues are about,” Sachs said.

To find out more about the Show Me Campaign, visit its official website.

Madonna Book To Raise Funds For Malawi

Tue, 31 Mar 2009 12:30:00 -0000

Madonna’s charity Raising Malawi is launching a new book – I Am Because We Are – and an online auction on April 2nd to benefit children in Malawi, a country of only 13 million people, yet home to over 1 million AIDS orphans.

The auction will kick off with the release of I Am Because We Are, a poignant new book of images and testimonials of AIDS orphans and their families by award-winning photojournalist Kristen Ashburn. The book features images taken by Ashburn for Madonna’s feature documentary of the same name as well as her work documenting the pandemic throughout southern Africa over the last decade. All author proceeds from the book sales and the auction will go to Raising Malawi and The Raising Malawi Academy for Girls.

“It never ceases to amaze me that there is a complete disconnect between our daily lives and the severity of the pandemic in Africa,” says photographer Ashburn, whose large black and white portraits of AIDS orphans and struggling families will be displayed at the event.

With the global financial crisis taking a heavy toll on sources of funding that sustain the work of charities in Africa, the new I Am Because We Are book campaign seeks to expand that base. The book raises awareness of the crisis by introducing readers to the stories of children living with the effects of HIV/AIDS, and acts as a fundraising tool, because with each book sold, money goes to Raising Malawi.

“This book is a call to action,” says singer, songwriter John Legend.

An April 2nd book launch event at PowerHouse Arena in Dumbo, Brooklyn, will kick-off the book and the online auction. The collection of items on auction will include a number of one-of-a-kind items contributed by Madonna and her inner circle. The bidding begins April 2 on eBay , and remains open to a global audience through April 12. The auction can be accessed here.

In addition, a photo exhibition of Ashburn’s work is open to the public at the PowerHouse Arena throughout the month of April. More information about the book can be found at www.iambecausewearebook.com.

Wyclef Jean To Play Phoenix House Benefit

Mon, 30 Mar 2009 12:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Musician Wyclef Jean will perform at a charity gala tonight, March 30, to benefit the largest non-profit alcohol and drug abuse treatment and prevention facility in the US.

The 2009 Phoenix Rising Gala will benefit Phoenix House, the organization established in 1969 that treats more than 5,000 persons in nearly 100 residential and outpatient programs throughout nine states every day. The evening will feature cocktails and dinner, and will honor Lisa Ellis, a record executive whose work in the arts and entertainment has encouraged positive and responsible behavior in young people.

Co-chairs of the event include Eli Manning and Shaquille O’Neal, and the Host Committee includes John Legend and Michael Strahan.

Phoenix House hit the news earlier this year when Beyoncé Knowles donated $4 million to the organization.

The event will take place at The Plaza on Fifth Avenue, New York City, and more information can be found here.

John Legend To Perform Charity Concert In Korea

Thu, 26 Mar 2009 14:00:00 -0000

Written by Delinda Lombardo

Prior to his first solo concert in Seoul Sunday evening, Grammy Award-winning R&B singer John Legend will first host a charity event on Saturday March 28 to benefit Korean orphans.

The ‘Night of Charity for Children’ may be the hottest ticket in Seoul right now. With only 75 tickets available, those fortunate enough to get in will enjoy a duet between Legend and Korean R&B singer T Yoon Mi-rae. All proceeds raised will go to various Korean orphanages as well as Legend’s Show Me Foundation, which funds programs to eradicate poverty in Mbola, Tanzania. 

There will be a VIP reception for the attendees, and U.S. Ambassador to Korea Kathleen Stephens will be the special guest of honor. For information, e-mail seoulfoundation@yahoo.com.

Obama's Inauguration Set To Rock

Wed, 14 Jan 2009 15:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Barack Obama’s official inauguration concert this weekend is going to be a who’s who of the music industry, with some of the world’s biggest superstars confirmed to perform or attend.

The lineup for this Night Of Nights includes Bono and U2, Beyoncé Knowles, Bruce Springsteen, Stevie Wonder, Garth Brooks, Usher, Shakira, Sheryl Crow, John Legend, James Taylor, {celerity:Josh Groban}, and Mary J. Blige. Historical passages will be read by Jamie Foxx, Martin Luther King III, Queen Latifah and Denzel Washington.

The show will be aired on HBO at 7pm EST on Sunday, January 18, via an open feed, which means cable and satellite viewers will see the show for free.

“On that first day, we asked Springsteen, Bono and Garth Brooks within a period of 45 minutes and got three `yeses,’” said executive producer George Stevens Jr. “We said, `This is going to be fun.’”

The concert will be held at the Lincoln Memorial, and the Obama family is expected to attend.

U2 Believe In Father Christmas For Africa

Tue, 02 Dec 2008 14:30:00 -0000

Written by Delinda Lombardo

December 1st was World AIDS Day, and it also marked the launch of (RED)WIRE, an innovative new music service from (RED) that’s been set up to raise funds for HIV/AIDS charities in Africa.

Many artists have already lined up to premiere exclusive songs to help mark the event. Of course, Bono and his boys in U2 were one of the first to record an exclusive track for the new digital music magazine. Their cover of Greg Lake’s ‘I Believe in Father Christmas’ is only available on (RED)WIRE.

Those who purchase (RED)WIRE memberships- which are only $5 a month- will receive a weekly digital music offering including an exclusive song from a major artist, a song from an up-and-coming artist, and bonus content such as a digital short film or a reading from an artist or actor, as well information about the impact (RED) dollars have in Africa. Half of the $5 monthly fee goes directly to the Global Fund to fight AIDS in Africa.

Members who join before Wednesday, December 10, will become “Founding Members” of (RED)WIRE and receive the premier issue on December 10 as well as a special bonus song from Jay-Z.

Also, throughout the week, visit red.msn.com to see performances from U2, Jay-Z, Coldplay, John Legend, Dixie Chicks, The Killers & Elton John, The Police & Elvis Costello, Death Cab for Cutie and Sheryl Crow.

Christina Aguilera Performs At CNN Heroes Event

Fri, 28 Nov 2008 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Pop singer Christina Aguilera joined fellow Grammy Award winners Alicia Keys and John Legend at the CNN Heroes: An All-Star Tribute event that aired on CNN last night.

The event honored the top 10 CNN Heroes of 2008, and was taped in front of an audience of 2,500 at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood.

Liz McCartney, dedicated to helping survivors of Hurricane Katrina rebuild their homes, was named 2008 CNN Hero of the Year, and will receive $100,000 to carry on her humanitarian work.

“In this time of economic turmoil, it is such a relief to know that there are people like these heroes, people who care more for others than they do for themselves,” said Anderson Cooper, who hosted the show.

Cameron Diaz, Salma Hayek, John Krasinski, Forest Whitaker, Meg Ryan, Terrence Howard, Lucy Liu, Jessica Biel, Kate Beckinsale and Selena Gomez were among the stars that attended the event.

Aguilera has also spoken out about the recent Prop 8 decision and leant her support to the same-sex marriage campaign.

“They’re [gay couples] constantly pushing to be heard and given equal rights,” she said. “I think there’s a lot of unfairness that goes along with being gay, so the more I can do to give them a voice, then I’ll do so. But I think we’d be fooling ourselves if we thought that everywhere was accepting of gay rights and marriages. I think it’s unfair there has to be some kind of standard for marriage. Marriage should be about two people celebrating their love for each other. It shouldn’t have anything to do with someone’s sexual preference.”

Bono's RED(Wire) To Launch Next Week

Wed, 26 Nov 2008 15:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

A new digital music service offered by Bono’s (RED) campaign is set to launch on Monday, December 1 – the 20th anniversary of World AIDS Day.

The singer announced the new system in July, saying: “We are working on [a way that] will help change the way music is received, as well as change the lives of Africans who will die without the AIDS drug that (RED) can provide.”

RED (Wire) will be a subscription-based service that will deliver weekly magazine style installments. For $5/month, subscribers will receive an exclusive song from one of the world’s top artists, a song by an emerging artist, a piece of non-music content called a “Crackerjack surprise,” and stories of how (RED) funds are being used to combat the deadly disease.

MSN will host Monday’s launch, with new songs and videos from U2, Coldplay, Death Cab for Cutie, Dixie Chicks, Jay-Z, John Legend and Sheryl Crow to be available at red.msn.com. Bob Dylan, REM, and The Police will also have videos available exclusively on RED (Wire), and there will also be a special Christmas duet between The Killers and Elton John.

“I like that it stands alone as a creative and fun thing to both receive and participate in,” said Michael Stipe. “And it would be that with or without the charity aspect.”

Bid2Beat AIDS For Special Christmas Gifts

Tue, 25 Nov 2008 14:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

One of the biggest celebrity charity auction events of the year is currently gearing up for its launch on December 1.

Bid2Beat AIDS is an annual event that will feature over 1000 items from top stars such as 50 Cent, Adam Sandler, Adrian Grenier, Aerosmith, Alec Baldwin, Amy Winehouse, Antonio Banderas, Britney Spears, Cameron Diaz, Common , Death Cab for Cutie, Denzel Washington, P. Diddy, Donny Osmond, Elton John, Fall Out Boy, Foo Fighters, Good Charlotte, Green Day, Hanson, Hilary Duff, Jake Gyllenhaal, James Blunt, James Earl Jones, James Morrison, Jamie Foxx, Jay-Z , Jennifer Hudson, Jennifer Lopez, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Jeremy Piven, Jessica Alba, John Legend, Johnny Depp, Kanye West, Kirsten Dunst, Ludacris , M.I.A., Madonna, Mariah Carey, Neil Patrick Harris, Ozzy Osbourne, Phil Collins, Raven Symone, Razorlight, Rihanna , Sacha Baron Cohen, Sharon Osbourne, Victoria Beckham, Whoopi Goldberg, Will Ferrell, Wyclef Jean, and many, many more. Also up for grabs will be VIP tickets to concerts and backstage visits with stars like Bernadette Peters, Jewel, Aimee Mann, Joan Rivers, and Michael Feinstein.

The annual auction will raise money for LIFEbeat, the music industry’s AIDS fundraising and service charity. The first three BID 2 BEAT AIDS auctions raised nearly $250,000, and this year’s looks set to be the biggest yet.

More info about the auction can be found at the Bid2Beat AIDS website, and the auction will go live on World AIDS Day here.

Look To The Stars will keep you posted as the items are announced.

Stephen Colbert's Christmas Special For Charity

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 14:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Stephen Colbert will host his own holiday special this Sunday, November 23, with the show being released as a charity DVD next week.

“A Colbert Christmas: The Greatest Gift of All” is an hour-long tongue-in-cheek extravaganza with the Colbert Report host belting out Christmas hits from Andy Williams, Bing Crosby, and even David Bowie.

“This is just some good fun to watch during your eggnog-induced dementia,” Colbert joked.

During the show, Colbert will be joined by Willie Nelson, Toby Keith, Jon Stewart, John Legend, and Elvis Costello to sing Christmas songs penned by “Daily Show” executive producer David Javerbaum and composed by Adam Schlesinger.

“I had a clear, clear command to everyone involved: ‘No cynicism,’” said Colbert. “We’re not mocking Christmas specials. We’re doing MY Christmas special. And that was the aesthetic we tried to bring into it. Like, we’re really doing this. I want people to see this every year.”

Costume pieces from the special will be auctioned to benefit Feeding America, and a percentage of the DVD proceeds – to be released on Tuesday, November 25 – will also go to the charity.

The auction can be accessed via the Colbert Nation MySpace page, and the show will go to air on Sunday at 10 p.m. EST on Comedy Central.

American Idol Gives Back $67 Million

Thu, 13 Nov 2008 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

David Beckham, Bono, Annie Lennox and Carrie Underwood have all accepted cheques from April’s Idol Gives Back event on behalf of the charities they support.

The show raised over US$67 million for charities such as the Global Fund, Malaria No More, the Children’s Health Fund, Save the Children, and the Children’s Defense Fund.

“I saw first hand with my visit to Sierra Leone with [”UNICEF":http://www.looktothestars.org/charity/1-unicef] last year how devastating malaria can be to a country," said Beckham, who was presented with US$12 million by Idol winner David Cook on behalf of Malaria No More. “This money will help buy millions of bed nets and also protect many people, particularly the young children who are most vulnerable.”

Annie Lennox was also delighted to receive $500,000 for the Treatment Action Campaign.

“This is just to express my gratitude to everyone on Idol Gives Back, for putting together a show with a difference, and for inviting me to be part of it,” she said in a statement. “Because of this event, and the generosity of the viewers, who donated so kindly, I have been able to hand over a cheque for the amazing sum of $500,000 to Treatment Action Campaign, in South Africa. I can assure everyone that every single dollar contributed will go to excellent use, in the work to educate, assist and support people living on the frontline of the HIV/Aids pandemic, many of whom are women and children. Thank you so much.”

Bono received US$10 million on behalf of the Global Fund For AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.

“The Global Fund will keep thousands of people safe from HIV/AIDS because American Idol has donated $10 million,” said the U2 frontman. “That’s YOU people, who sent in your hard earned cash.”

The Idol Gives Back show featured appearances and performances by Snoop Dogg, John Legend, Miley Ray Cyrus, Annie Lennox, Mariah Carey, Gloria Estefan, Sheila E., Fergie, Billy Crystal, Robin Williams, Peyton and Eli Manning, and Reese Witherspoon, and pre-taped messages from David and Victoria Beckham, Kiefer Sutherland, Ellen DeGeneres, Jim Carrey, Whoopi Goldberg, Hillary Clinton, and Barack Obama. Britney Spears, who couldn’t be at the event, donate $25,000 to the cause.

Stars To Be BRAVE For Veterans

Wed, 22 Oct 2008 14:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Hip Hop stars 50 Cent and Ludacris will perform at a concert to raise awareness of veterans causes next month.

“A Night for Vets: An MTV Concert for the BRAVE” is part of MTV’s Choose or Lose campaign, an initiative designed to engage, inform and empower young voters on the political issues that matter to them most. The concert hopes to draw attention to a new petition launched by MTV called the Bill of Rights for American Veterans (or BRAVE) which calls on politicians to support vets’ issues and enact positive legislative changes.

“It doesn’t matter where you stand on the war — we can all agree that young veterans serving our country must receive the benefits they’ve earned for their sacrifices,” said MTV President Van Toffler. “By raising awareness through ‘A Night for Vets: An MTV Concert for the BRAVE,’ and by launching the BRAVE petition, we aim to elevate these issues and ensure they’re a top priority for our government officials.”

The concert – which will be taped on October 23 and aired on MTV on October 24 – will also feature performances by Kanye West, Kid Rock, Fall Out Boy, Juanes, Nelly and Taylor Swift, with appearances from Beyoncé Knowles, Will Ferrell, Common, Fat Joe, Seth Green, Jennifer Hudson, John Legend and Wyclef Jean.

Colin Powell Gets Funky For Africa

Wed, 15 Oct 2008 14:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Christina Aguilera and Seal may have headlined last night’s Africa Rising THISDAY Gala in London, but it was former US Secretary of State Colin Powell who stole the show with his funky Hip Hop dance.

The 71-year-old joined Nigerian rappers Olu Maintain on stage at the Royal Albert Hall for the show, which aimed to highlight the continent’s culture and talents.

“I stand before you as an African American,” he said before joining the group for their item. “Many people have said to me you became Secretary of State of the USA, is it still necessary to say that you are an African American or that you are black, and I say yes, so that we can remind our children. It took a lot of people struggling to bring me to this point in history. I didn’t just drop out of the sky, people came from my continent in chains.”

The musical acts were followed by a fashion show featuring Sudanese model Alek Wek and Tyson Beckford and the latest trends from the House of Momo.

“Asia is expanding, it created jobs for people, and Eastern Europeans are doing the same, in my continent – Latin America, it’s happening also – it’s now Africa’s turn,” continued Powell. “[With] all this wealth creation going on in the world, it won’t happen with just wishing, it will be done with hard work. Africa needs aid, but more than that it needs trade – it needs capital, but it has the same potential as Asia and Eastern European countries. There’s no reason a new Africa can’t be created here and now.”

The concert was the final leg in a four-show series that kicked off in Abuja in July before heading to Lagos and Washington DC, and featured performances from Youssou N’Dour, Jay-Z and John Legend. The shows also raised money for Africa Rising, an organization established in 2006 to reflect the culture and positive attributes of Africa’s social, political and economic progress.

“As Secretary of State, I pushed for support for the continent,” said Powell. “Aid quadrupled during my tenure. We supported the fight against HIV/AIDS with over $15 billion. However, Africans must rise and take the responsibility for the development of the continent. They must end the wars. They must fight corruption.”

Annie Lennox Hosts Amnesty Arts Fund Launch

Fri, 26 Sep 2008 13:30:00 -0000

Singer Annie Lennox hosted the launch of the Amnesty Arts Fund at The Twentieth Century Theatre in London last night, September 25.

The Amnesty Arts Fund brings together people who believe passionately in freedom of expression and projects which have the potential to reach new audiences and inspire creative activism around the world. Amnesty International has a long and proud tradition of working with creative industries and individuals to raise awareness for human rights issues across the globe. This work has inspired change, action and momentum throughout the audiences which have been reached. The launch event celebrated past, current and future creative projects and creative activism.

“Arts and artists have the unique power to bring people together and inspire positive action,” said Lennox. “The Amnesty Arts Fund recognizes that power and uses it to call for change.”

The Amnesty Arts Fund will provide essential resources and funding to creative projects across the arts including film, photography, music, fashion, art, comedy, theatre and literature. It will also support creative projects and individuals to ensure that the human stories behind the statistics and reports of global human rights violations are understood and brought further into the public consciousness. Founding members include Elton John and Nicolas Cage.

Lennox’s attendance at the launch follows her appearance at the World Peace Day concert at the Royal Albert Hall on September 21. The concert – which also featured Bryan Adams, John Legend, and Peter Gabriel – was a resounding success, and raised awareness for the annual Peace One Day campaign founded by Jeremy Gilley.

To view a video of the Peace Day Concert, visit the iConcerts website, or to hear Annie Lennox talk about the Amnesty Arts Fund, click here.

Celebrities Support In My Name

Tue, 23 Sep 2008 13:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

will.i.am has worked with more than thirty other celebrities and activists to create an inspiring short film titled Be the Generation, part of the In My Name campaign to end poverty.

The film, which can be viewed at the White Band Action website, explains how people can end poverty in our lifetime if leaders are held accountable to their promises. It is part of a campaign organized by White Band Action ahead of next week’s emergency UN Summit on the Millennium Development Goals in New York, and a host of activists and celebrities – including Her Majesty Queen Rania Al Abdullah of Jordan, Emeritus Archbishop Desmond Tutu , Annie Lennox, John Legend, Rahul Bose, Angélique Kidjo, Scarlett Johansson, Missy Higgins, Emmanuel Jal, Wyclef Jean, Kristin Davis, Fergie and Mischa Barton – have come together for the Global Call to Action Against Poverty (GCAP) to challenge their leaders to keep their promise to halve poverty by 2015.

Black Eyed Peas singer will.i.am has also penned a song for the campaign titled In My Name, which calls on world citizens to exercise their power and demand their governments keep their promises to the worlds poor. The song will be downloadable free of charge from September 25.

“We can be the generation that ends poverty,” said will.i.am. “Politicians promised in 2000 to halve poverty in 15 years. They made this pledge in my name, now they must act to achieve it.”

“Governments must be held accountable for their people and their promises,” added Lennox.

To drive the message home, Kidjo and will.iam will perform ‘In My Name’ live outside the UN buildings in New York on 25 September. They will be joined by Queen Rania of Jordan, UN Secretary General Ban Ki- moon, Ela Bhatt, Mary Robinson, Kristin Davis, Rahul Bose and activists from Africa, Asia and Latin America who will be amongst the first to sign their names to the “In My Name” pledge wall.

“If I put my name to something it means I am committed to its outcome,” said Angelique Kidjo. “I want to see this sort of response from leaders and others with power to effect change. People living in poverty have waited too long and want to see tangible changes in their lives immediately.”

The White Band Action initiative is a global collaboration between the Global Call to Action Against Poverty, Oxfam, Save the Children, and Comic Relief. It is not being run by any single organization, which demonstrates the breadth of commitment to ending poverty and inequality.

“The time for action has never been more urgent,” said Queen Rania. “Rising food prices have plunged 100 million more people into poverty, and the economic slowdown risks eroding political support for development.”

“We’re half way there, and thanks to people’s efforts and the Global Call to Action Against Poverty, there has been real progress,” added Kristin Davis. “There are more children in school. More people are getting essential medicines. But 30,000 children still die every day because of poverty.”

More information about the campaign can be found at www.whitebandaction.org.

Matt Damon Hosts ONE X ONE Awards

Wed, 10 Sep 2008 14:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Matt Damon returned to Toronto on Monday to host his third consecutive Difference Awards ceremony for ONEXONE.

Over 500 guest attended the gala, which featured performances from Wyclef Jean, John Legend, Nikki Yanofsky, and the African Children’s Choir.

ONEXONE is a non-profit organization that supports children in Canada and abroad. Established less than four years ago by Joelle Adler, it has already raised over $5 million and created partnerships with major corporations and foundations, such as H2O Africa, the Yéle Haiti Foundation, Millennium Promise, War Child and Spread the Net.

“This is stupid poverty we’re talking about,” said Damon, during his speech about helping people in Africa. “Every day, malaria claims thousands of lives that we didn’t need to lose.”

Damon also revealed that he credits becoming a parent for his commitment to helping children through charity work: “At a certain point it becomes difficult to look at other children and not see your own. Something does change in you once you become a parent… There definitely is a shift there that makes you, I think, a little more obsessed about helping children – But it’s not like before I had kids, I was like: ‘to heck with those kids!’”

ONEXONE will launch in the US in October, with an event featuring Carlos Santana planned for San Francisco. And Damon is proud to announce that next year Eddie Vedder has been confirmed to perform for the organization.

“A lot of my friends and a lot of the people I admire in the business choose to spend their celebrity capital trying to raise awareness about things and improve the conditions in people’s lives,” said Damon. “We’ll all be lying on that bed one day, and you have to make your peace with who you’ve been.”

Jude Law's Peace Tour

Fri, 05 Sep 2008 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Myrlia Purcell

Jude Law returned to Afghanistan earlier this week for a two-day mission in support of Peace One Day and UNICEF.

Film director and Peace One Day founder Jeremy Gilley was also on-hand, encouraging people to once again observe Peace Day on September 21st as part of Peace One Day’s global campaign for ceasefires and non-violence.

While in Kabul, the pair screened a new documentary, The Day After Peace, about how ordinary people in Afghanistan are working towards an end to the conflict.

The documentary shows the events that took place in Afghanistan in September of 2007, and highlights the support from UNICEF and the World Health Organization. The two groups have immunized 1.4 million children against polio, with last September seeing more than 10,000 vaccinators visiting insecure areas of the country as part of a ‘National Immunization Days’ polio immunization campaign.

“This is about saving lives despite anyone’s political beliefs. We hope to see the same commitments that we saw last year from all parties to the conflict. Our goal is to reach every child in Afghanistan,” said said UNICEF Representative in Afghanistan Catherine Mbengue.

Peace One Day supporters will celebrate 21 September with a special concert at the Royal Albert Hall in London featuring Annie Lennox, Bryan Adams and John Legend. Law is also scheduled to attend as one of the special guests. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit the Peace One Day website.

Said Law: “The message is simple. What will you do to make peace on 21 September?”

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