Huge Stars Rally For 'Hope For Haiti Now'
Dedicated stars took up the Hope For Haiti Now cause on Friday night to earn money for the earthquake relief fund. Alicia Keys opened the show at her piano, singing 'Prelude to a Kiss.'
"Why? That's the question so many of are you asking," George Clooney said as he took the stage to introduce his telethon. "Why should you give more? ... At the core of every religion is that we care for one another and that we take care of each other, especially in time of need. The Haitian people need our help. They need to know that they are not alone."
Music Coverage After the Jump
After Clooney, Coldplay performed their song, 'A Message.'
Halle Berry then shared the story of a young boy who survived being trapped in a house all by himself for eight days due to the earthquake.
"He had no one to comfort him, no one to tell him that they loved him and no one to tell him that things were actually going to be all right," the actress described.
Next up -- Bruce Springsteen played a rendition of 'We Shall Overcome.'
Among the stars manning the telephones were Jewel, Tobey Maguire, Meg Ryan, Tim Robbins, Ben Affleck, Julia Roberts, Reese Witherspoon, and Anna Kendrick. They continued to take calls throughout the night -- some of which were highlighted during the show.
Watch Justin Timberlake and Matt Morris: 'Hallelujah' and
See All the Night's Best Performances >>>
Broadcasting from Haiti, Anderson Cooper appeared with a special report.
Following the CNN anchor, Leonardo DiCaprio read an entry from Dr. Mark Hyman's journal. The doctor is working in Haiti under the extreme conditions to help as many patients as he and his team can.
'Bridge Over Troubled Water' was Stevie Wonder's choice for a tribute.
Wyclef Jean told of his journey to Haiti last week, and even added words in Creole.
"To tell you the truth, I'm not no news reporter, so I was not there to take the news. I was looking at my country go through so much trauma. I was there to clear away concrete and pull my friends from the rubble," he explained solemnly.
An emotional Shakira belted out 'I'll Stand by You' in support of the cause.
Back with Anderson Cooper, he introduced the director of a Haitian orphanage whose children are sleeping outside.
A segment on orphaned Haitian children showed their struggles in the troubled country.
Fittingly, afterward, John Legend played the traditional spiritual, 'Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child.'
"The grief is everywhere we look. Now the challenge is ours to take the grief and transform it into real and lasting help for Haiti. Hundreds of thousands of Haitians lived through this nightmare ... They want to rebuild their country and with your help, they will. The people of Haiti are listening tonight, what will they hear?" 'Daily Show' mastermind Jon Stewart said, before Mary J. Blige sang for the telecast.
"We want you to give. We want you to give so we can all come together and help Haiti rise from the ruins," Samuel L. Jackson implored.
Taylor Swift and Christina Aguliera added their talents by performing.
At the phones, Julia Roberts talked to a mother who donated in honor of her young boys.
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'Hope For Haiti Now' Snapshots
In this image released by Hope for Haiti Now, actor Leonardo Dicaprio works the phone bank at the "Hope for Haiti Now: A Global Benefit for Earthquake Relief", on Friday, Jan. 22, 2010 in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark Davis/Hope for Haiti Now)
AP
Hope for Haiti Now
Hope For Haiti Now Snapshots
In this image released by Hope for Haiti Now, actor Leonardo Dicaprio works the phone bank at the "Hope for Haiti Now: A Global Benefit for Earthquake Relief", on Friday, Jan. 22, 2010 in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark Davis/Hope for Haiti Now)
Hope For Haiti Now Snapshots
In this image released by Hope for Haiti Now, actor Leonardo Dicaprio works the phone bank at the "Hope for Haiti Now: A Global Benefit for Earthquake Relief", on Friday, Jan. 22, 2010 in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark Davis/Hope for Haiti Now)
Hope For Haiti Now Snapshots
In this image released by Hope for Haiti Now, actor Leonardo Dicaprio works the phone bank at the "Hope for Haiti Now: A Global Benefit for Earthquake Relief", on Friday, Jan. 22, 2010 in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark Davis/Hope for Haiti Now)
Hope For Haiti Now Snapshots
In this image released by Hope for Haiti Now, Mary J. Blige performs at "Hope for Haiti Now: A Global Benefit for Earthquake Relief", on Friday, Jan. 22, 2010, in New York. (AP Photo/Evan Agostini/Hope for Haiti Now)
Hope For Haiti Now Snapshots
In this image released by Hope for Haiti Now, Mary J. Blige performs at "Hope for Haiti Now: A Global Benefit for Earthquake Relief", on Friday, Jan. 22, 2010, in New York. (AP Photo/Evan Agostini/Hope for Haiti Now)
Hope For Haiti Now Snapshots
In this image released by Hope for Haiti Now, Mary J. Blige performs at "Hope for Haiti Now: A Global Benefit for Earthquake Relief", on Friday, Jan. 22, 2010, in New York. (AP Photo/Evan Agostini/Hope for Haiti Now)
Hope For Haiti Now Snapshots
In this image released by Hope for Haiti Now, Mary J. Blige performs at "Hope for Haiti Now: A Global Benefit for Earthquake Relief", on Friday, Jan. 22, 2010, in New York. (AP Photo/Evan Agostini/Hope for Haiti Now)
Hope For Haiti Now Snapshots
LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 22: In this handout photo provided by MTV, actor Jared Leto at the Hope For Haiti Now: A Global Benefit For Earthquake Relief telethon on January 22, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jeff Kravitz/MTV Hope for Haiti Now via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Jared Leto
Hope For Haiti Now Snapshots
LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 22: In this handout photo provided by MTV, actress Rose McGowan at the Hope For Haiti Now: A Global Benefit For Earthquake Relief telethon on January 22, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jeff Kravitz/MTV Hope for Haiti Now via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Rose McGowan
Hope For Haiti Now Snapshots
LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 22: In this handout photo provided by MTV, singer Justin Timberlake (L) and actor Bradley Cooper at the Hope For Haiti Now: A Global Benefit For Earthquake Relief telethon on January 22, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jeff Kravitz/MTV Hope for Haiti Now via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Justin Timberlake;Bradley Cooper
Hope For Haiti Now Snapshots
A bearded Robert Pattinson in London spoke of the technology connecting us to the tragedy, prior to Sting's performance in New York with The Roots.
Matt Damon and Clint Eastwood appeared together to appeal for help and donations. In another pairing, Chris Martin accompanied Beyonce on the piano as she sang 'Halo.'
"Do what you can, give what you can. They need you," Morgan Freeman urged.
The trio of Kid Rock, Sheryl Crow and Keith Urban harmonized to 'Lean on Me.'
President Bill Clinton spoke from New York. "I'm very grateful that our Clinton/Bush Haiti fund will be one of the recipients of the fundraiser tonight. Through our fund, we'll focus on helping the Haitian people build back a stronger nation."
Madonna was up next with 'Like a Prayer,' supported by a gospel choir in the background.
"Here's something you might not know. In Haiti, the kids go to school in the afternoons. That means at 4:53 PM last Tuesday, the elementary schools and high schools were packed with kids. They were in their classrooms, sitting at their desks, walking to the blackboard or opening a book when everything crashed down around them," Ben Stiller described the destruction during his turn on the broadcast.
Other musical interludes included Justin Timberlake and Matt Morris taking on 'Hallelujah' and Jennifer Hudson's huge voice on 'Let It Be.'
"It just kind of fit for the telethon, so hopefully you guys download it on iTunes," Timberlake explained of his song choice.
Brad Pitt used his star power to ask for people's help and introduce Haitian artist, Emily Michelle.
In Los Angeles, Tom Hanks shared the story of a brother's search for his sister, and in London, Jay-Z, Rihanna, Bono and The Edge performed together. "This song is really important, because lyrically it's really deep," Rihanna said after the show of the original work.
Then, Julia Roberts talked of a mother's strength for her trapped child. Neil Young and Dave Matthews followed the actress.
"Even in these trying times, none of us can afford to lose hope. As Dr. MLK jr once said, if you lose hope, somehow you lose the vitality that keeps life moving. You lose that courage to be, the quality that helps you go on in spite of it all. It took seconds to tear down so much, it will take years to build back something better. It will be a struggle, it will take patience, but we are ready to do this -- not for, but with the Haitian people," Denzel Washington said.
"Let us all pledge to do what we can, what we must, to help bring hope for Haiti now," he finished.
Wyclef Jean ended the night back on stage, singing for Haiti.
"I was fortunate enough to be asked by Mr. Clooney to assist this evening. It was my pleasure to do so. This is where everybody's priority is," Drew Barrymore said about her participation when the show ended.
'Hope For Haiti Now' was broadcast in Haiti, too. A 23-year-old survivor was even able to translate it in it's entirety into Creole.
"I hope we made some money out of this. The only way to make this a success is to make a considerable amount of money," Clooney told MTV after the event.
People can purchase the night's musical performances for 99 cents each through iTunes starting Saturday. All proceeds will go to Haiti relief.
The funds raised from the telethon will be donated to several organizations, including UNICEF, Oxfam America and Partners in Health.
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That's right - these morons will spend more on having themselves pampered during the telethon, and dinner after the telethon -- than they'll raise from picking the pockets of working Americans whose tax dollars have already been sent to Haiti - thanks to our idiot in chief.
I really know that most people will give to help everyone in Haiti, we don't require BANDS or SINGERS to GIVE. We are not morons. Why do they think they need to give us a push....I gave before they thought of doing some publicity stunt for their own gain...Booo we live in the real world.
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some people need a little push. In the Netherlands they had a telethon yesterday, and the Dutch government had pledged to double the amount. So that is 84 million euros from a country with 15 million people
Other people have sent money to charities like the Salvation Army, Red cross etc
What ever works!
We have homeless, hungry, and unemployed in the United States. Let's take care of our Americans before we start taking care of more foreigners.
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You are so right. I have been saying for years that the American gov't cares more about other countries and their needs than they do for their own people.
For every disaster that struck the USA, countries from all over the world collected money for the people in the disaster area. It is what people do in times like this.
So now it is time to help Haiti. And in the mean time be grateful for what you have. Did you have a roof over your head today and food on the table?
Funny the way you speak of "foreigners" like if it was a disease or something.... We are all from the same world. And please REMEMBER that your ancestors Americans were all "foreigners" at the beginning, all immigrants!!!
Let`s stop thinking with borders... And get some education!
Have you ever made a contribution to help a needy cause?
Where was all this help from the goverment and private sectors when Galveston to a direct hit? Not much news when it's a fellow citizen.
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Maybe you should blame the media for not informing you about the donations, army, navy, airforce and other help from other countries when some disaster hits the USA
We as American's are broke!!!!
Where is the goverment going to steal this money from
to pay for all this relief were giving those people.
All the hollywood stars are having a tel-a-thon
friday or saturday to raise millions of dollars.
I AM SICK TO DEATH of our American Goverment
and American people giving trillions of dollars to other countires when we HERE in America
are jobless,homeless,and hungry!!!!!!
I would not give 1 red dam dime to Haiti or any other
country for that matter.
When New York fell Sept.11th what bloody countries
were over here helping our fireman,policeman,and children.
NOBODY!!!!!!!!!!! that's who.
Thank You,
Give @ home first
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Peanut, I agree with all that you said. Saved me some typing time.
Well, that's not true - on 9/11 many countries offered to send aid to America. But it an historical fact that not one Muslim country offered to help, nor did any Marxist country. However, Israel offered to send doctors, nurses and other forms of aid - but was denied by the government because of flight restrictions. Israel is our only ally in the Middle East, yet Obummer is forcing them to bend over and grab their ankles while he rapes them of their dignity and self-defense against terrorists.
Go move to Haiti.
noone helped in part because we had resources,HAITI has none of it's own
apparently a peanut sized brain- get off your ass and do something about it if you think its so wrong or better yet move to another country. wah wah wah poor you.
Some of you forget that these stara all stepped up when September 11th happened and also when Katrina happened. They always step with when anything happens andy where. They have all given their money. If you don't care for what they are doing don't watch. If you feel like giving then do so. If you don't then don't.
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Wer can't because they're on every freaking channel tonoght for some out of this world reason.....I guess so we have no chice but to watch them or go to bed while they rake in the dough for their own notorious use!!!!
Yeah... but the Haitians didn't send us money when Katrina hit.
Hamachi - No, Haitians did not contribute. That's because on a GOOD day BEFORE the earthquake they earned less per month than you probably spend on fast food in a week. But over 100 countries DID offer aid after Katrina. Canadian Mounties were among the first to reach standed victims in the St. Bernard area. However, our government in its infinite wisdom turned down most offers.