An unprecedented collection of A-list entertainers from Tom Cruise to Tom Hanks took part in a historic telethon on Friday evening, raising an estimated $150 million for relief funds in the wake of the terrorist attacks in New York. An astounding 89 million viewers in 156 countries watched the two-hour event – featuring performances by Mariah Carey, U2 and Celine Dion – which was beamed live from New York, Los Angeles and London.
“This is a prayer for our fallen brothers and sisters,” said Bruce Springsteen before launching into an emotional performance of My City Of Ruins.
Oscar winner Tom Hanks’s stirring words opened the event, America: A Tribute To Heroes, which aired commercial free on some 30 major networks. “We’re going to try and do something,” he said, recalling the words of a brave passenger who led a revolt aboard one of the fated flights. “In their heroic, undying spirit, we all feel the need to do something. Those of us here tonight are not heroes, we are not healers, we are not protectors of this great nation. We’re merely artists, entertainers here to raise spirits… to honour the real heroes.”
Throughout the evening, stars including George Clooney, Meg Ryan, Halle Berry, Cindy Crawford, Penelope Cruz, John Cusack, Benicio Del Toro, Goldie Hawn, Jack Nicholson and Sylvester Stallone answered phones, taking pledges from thousands of viewers. Presenters including Robin Williams and Tom Cruise manned the phone bank after offering their tributes.
“Everybody feels the same way and wants to help,” said Clooney. “Brad Pitt rang me yesterday and said, ‘I want in – what can I do?’ So he came over and helped do whatever was needed – moving equipment around and helping out.”
The closely guarded event, paid for by the four major US networks and flawlessly organised in just one week, was broadcast from the CBS studios in Los Angeles and the Sony soundstages in New York City. U2 performed live from London as did Sting who dedicated Fragile to his friend Herman Sandler, an investment banker who worked on the 104th floor of the fallen World Trade Center and lost his life in the tragedy.
Video clips of victims’ family members were sprinkled throughout the show, which included musical tributes from Faith Hill, Stevie Wonder, Wyclef Jean, Alicia Keys, Bon Jovi, the Dixie Chicks and Sheryl Crow.
Mariah Carey sang the power ballad Hero in her first performance since her much-discussed emotional breakdown in July. Canadian chanteuse Celine Dion emerged from her brief retirement to sing God Bless America. And Paul Simon offered a heart-felt Bridge Over Troubled Water.Emmy winner Kelsey Grammer fought back tears while praising Frasier producer David Angell who died on board one of the flights last week.
Boxing legend Muhammad Ali, a noted Muslim, focused attention on the true nature of his religion. “I wouldn’t be here representing Islam if it was really like the terrorists make it,” said the legendary champion. “I think all people should know the truth, come to recognise the truth – Islam is peace.”
Willie Nelson and Stevie Wonder closed out the evening, leading the talented cast in a tearful rendition of America, The Beautiful.
Donations from the telethon are still streaming in, and insiders expect the worldwide total from all relief efforts to reach $450 million by the end of the week. Actress Julia Roberts alone has pledged $2 million to the fight.
“Like all Americans, Julia was profoundly affected by this horrific tragedy,” said her publicist. “She sends her deepest sympathies and prayers to everyone who has suffered such an unspeakable loss.”
The Erin Brockovich star donated $1 million to both the American Red Cross and to the September 11th Telethon Fund, joining the growing list of entertainers including Madonna, Britney Spears and Jim Carrey to give money to the cause. Even Queen Elizabeth has donated an undisclosed sum to the appeal.
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
