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Search forAlicia Keys throws star-studded ball
Friday, November 14, 2008, 13:06
The 27-year-old actress and singer threw her fifth annual ball - in aid of Aids charity Keep A Child Alive - at New York's Hammerstein Ballroom, and persuaded a host of celebrities to turn up and support the event.
Alicia told USA Today: "I bat my eyes and I wink. And we have great conversation, and they show up. It's a very important event.
"It's a difficult time for all of us, but due to our recent election, it's a hopeful time."
She also sent her best wishes to her Secret Life Of Bees co-star Jennifer Hudson, who had been scheduled to perform at the event, but was unable to attend following the murders of her mother, brother and nephew last month.
Queen Latifah, another Bees co-star, was honoured for her humanitarian work at the glitzy party, as was Simon Fuller, for his Idol Gives Back project.
Iman co-hosted the evening, which included a cocktail party followed by a live auction, dinner and musical performances.
Singer John Mayer said: "Alicia is a rare human being. I'm proud to consider her a friend. I'm kind of a creep. It's about supporting a friend, and it's about myself feeling strong enough about it to help."
Jessica Alba, who gave birth to a daughter, Honor Marie, earlier this year, agreed: "What she's done with this organisation, the money and awareness she's raised, is incredible. Becoming a mom makes everything more relevant. You feel the impact of every decision that's made."
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