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.
http://xml.channel.aol.com/xmlpublisher/fetch.v2.xml?option=expand_relative_urls&dataUrlNodes=uiConfig,feedConfig,entry&id=821727&pid=821726&uts=1264214045
http://www.popeater.com/mm_track/popeater/music/?s_channel=us.musicpop&s_account=aolpopeater,aolsvc&omni=1&ke=1
http://cdn.channel.aol.com/cs_feed_v1_6/csfeedwrapper.swf
'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.
More Coverage:
- Miraculous Rescues Continue
- Quake Orphans Thousands
- Aid Follows Refugees Into Jacmel
- Dad Found Alive With Goodbye Note
- New Satellite Photos
- Quake Stirs Painful Memories
- Did Katrina Spur Haiti Donations?
- DJ Hits Airwaves for Aid Mission
- Dead Left Where They Lie
- General Downplays Violence
Add a comment
Amen
Why must we be so immature. We must as individuals learn to look beyond ourselves and help each other instead of allowing our emotions to get the best of us. In our life times we will all experience trying times. It is in these times that our true character is revealed.
Who are we to judge the actions of others.
We shall all reap what we sow rather it be good or bad!
Celebrities should not dictate for the American people, we have a heart and soul, I won't watch, like I said, its really for their personal gain also. We need help in this country, I lost my home due to this wonderful economy, know ones doing a telethon for myself and the millions of people in my shoes.
Reply
so you would like help however i cant help the desperate people in Haiti? are your friends and family not helping you? do know that if their was a telethon for people in danger out losing their homes i would donate to that too - not if they lost their house because they are living beyond their means
I am so sorry you lost your home. I would like to know what haooen to all the money the gov. loan banks to help home owners. we should all snd post cards to the Presedent to ask for an accounting of our money.
all i have to say is since were sending my fellow brothers from bragg to help does that mean the rules of engagement still apply if i was gen casey id be like ok just line them up an finnish them all with a .50 cal waste of are money an troop resources rhinna should not sing an be like 1000 bucks to dee bow me in the face i really am getting sick of every american an im bout to move to canada cause us american are more concered with helping 3rd world countries than are own thanks obama u stupid n***er go back to your popeyes job get chuck norris in office blow me USA
Reply
Please move to Canada
LET ME BLOW UR ASS AWAY...RACIST CRACKER
MOVE MOVE MOVE
Where are you from russia because you don't sound like an american.That to ignorant. You need to move further than canada.
Jim, first of all it's "THE MISERABLE GOV'T WE HAD". Remember Bush. and this is a benifit concert that has nothing to do with the big scary gov't you republicans are always so scarred of. About assiting our own. We are, they're called human beings!Those who don't believe in a progressive gov't have no buisness crying that it's not doing enough.
Reply
I for one am very excited about the program tonight. My wish is that ADAM LAMBERT would perform, introduce, anything, I would just like to see him on the show.
It's a good thing, this telethon. It's an opportunity for everyone to contribute and be able to say that "they helped". Those poor souls in Haiti could certainly use every thing we can afford to give them.
Reply
I don't need a bunch of Liberal no nothing nimrods to tell me that I need to donate to Haiti. You would have to be a zommbie if you didn't already know what is going on. The only way I would pay anything attached with their names on it would be to donate to a fund that would give them money to leave America gor good.
Reply
screw haiti ==its time to send the world a message =where tired of taking care of you/at the expense of our own / its time to step up and take care of your selfs //
Reply
HELP WE ARE WITH OUT WATER HERE = PLANT CITY FLORIDA = AND HAVE BEEN FOR DAYS /THOSE (STORES) WHO HAVE BOTTLED WATER =MOST OWNED BY PEOPLE FROM INDIA HAVE RAISED THE PRICE OF IT = WATER = WHO CAN WE CALL =ARE ANY OF OUR POLITIANS LISTENING ??????
Reply
Call your local red cross. When we have situations like that here, my neighbor who is a red cross volunteer is usually taking care of the people within an hour. The other week someone's house burned down and he was there getting them in a motel before the fire was out.
Where were all of these "stars" when we had domestic disasters, like Mt St Helens, hurricanes Andrew and Katrina to name a few. Where are all of the people adopting orphans from the US. Though these people in Haiti need help desperately, why do they ignore their own country and focus on another. I have never seen a disaster get so much coverage and attention. Are our people from the US....who support these stars....that undeserving of their support. The only thing I can think of is that there has been so much hype about this they are looking for the publicity.....shameful.
Reply
you won't be able to throw a rock tonight, without hitting a degenerate Liberal.
Reply
How do you people know what these people gave to the Haitians! How much has Wall Street given to the American People much less the Haitians. Looks to me that you all are mean-spirted and definitely not the type of people I would be friends with.
Reply
You said a mouth full!
these are the same people who Danced in the Streets on 9/11
Reply