Stars lend a hand for tsunami relief

LOS ANGELES — With Norah Jones singing “we’re all in this thing together,” movie and music stars contributed their talents for a hastily arranged benefit for tsunami victims televised live on Saturday.

The two-hour program aired on NBC Universal-owned stations, with all donations going to the American Red Cross International Response Fund.

“We have a choice,” actor Clint Eastwood said. “We can either look away or we can help.”

Women had their choice of heartthrobs answering phones and taking pledges in the NBC Universal studios in Los Angeles: Matt Damon, Brad Pitt, Leonardo DiCaprio, Ben Affleck, Nicolas Cage, Johnny Depp, George Clooney, Tom Selleck and James Caan.

The concert was reminiscent of a similar benefit that ran on more than 30 television networks less than two weeks after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks in 2001. That benefit raised nearly $130 million for that cause.

In an echo of that concert three years ago, Madonna sang John Lennon’s “Imagine,” dressed in a black dress. Singer Neil Young performed the same song at the 2001 benefit. Motown legend Diana Ross closed the concert with the song "Reach Out and Touch Somebody's Hand."

Actors told stories about the tsunami, and NBC showed pictures of the effects of the devastating waves and the agony of children left behind.

Morgan Freeman told of a 60-year-old man in Sri Lanka who survived for two weeks before being found by rescuers.

“Miracles do happen,” he said. “You can be that miracle also.”

While he was singing “Bold as Love,” John Mayer swore while backing away from the microphone during a guitar solo. The audio briefly cut out about a second or two after he had said it.

Appearing also was Fox News Channel commentator Bill O’Reilly, who had questioned on his show whether participating stars would follow through to see if the money made it to its intended beneficiaries. Clooney immediately challenged O’Reilly to do his part and participate.

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When people are in trouble, “they turn to friends who become their lifeline,” O’Reilly said. “Who are their friends? You are.”

Gloria Estefan sang “There’s Always Tomorrow,” former Beach Boy Brian Wilson sang “Love and Mercy” and Lenny Kravitz sang “Let Love Rule.” In pre-taped performances from London, Elton John sang “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me” and Pink Floyd founder Roger Waters sang “Wish You Were Here,” accompanied by Eric Clapton. Sheryl Crow and Annie Lennox also performed.

Viewers were continually urged to call 1-800-HELPNOW or log on to the Red Cross’ Web site. Besides NBC, the program was carried on CNBC, MSNBC, USA, Bravo, Telemundo, Pax TV, Trio and the Sci-Fi Channel. MSNBC is a joint venture between NBC and Microsoft.

NBC said it had no immediate estimate on how much money was raised.

Sony’s Connect music store will offer downloads of live performances from the concert, with proceeds going to the American Red Cross. SBC Communications is underwriting the commercial-free program.