During the 12th annual Black Ball at the Hammerstein Ballroom, the American singer, songwriter and actress Alicia Augello Cook, better known as Alicia Keys, had her Keep a Child Alive foundation's gala, produced $3.8 million in one night. The 'Girl On Fire' hitmaker, was joined onstage by the American actor, comedian and producer - Chris Rock, who emceed the event.
In the stitches were the co-anchor of CBS This Morning - Gayle King, Carmelo Anthony (professional basketball player who currently plays for the New York Knicks of the NBA), the Australian film director - Baz Luhrmann, Clive Davis (American record producer), the British Formula One racing driver from England - Lewis Hamilton, the Scottish-born American musician - David Byrne, Maxwell (American singer-songwriter and record producer), the English reality TV show personality and filmmaker - Nigel Barker and the French-born, Los Angeles-based filmmaker - Mr. Brainwash.
"The Great Gatsby" helmer Mark Anthony "Baz" Luhrmann stated that it was his first time at the Keep a Child Alive foundation's gala, and the Australian film director and producer came because of his close friendship with Alicia Keys' husband - the American hip hop recording artist Swizz Beatz, whom he nicknamed "Swizzy."
Director Luhrmann said, "Alicia asked me to come along to the event and I said absolutely," "I know Alicia Keys well and I know her husband Swizzy. Swizzy was the first person, with Jay-Z, to see the film 'Gatsby.' He saw a rough cut very early on. I've known Swizzy for a long time."
The African-American singer and songwriter - Lenny Kravitz, and the American rapper from Gaithersburg, Maryland - Wale, later joined Alicia Keys on stage.
Alicia Keys who had recovered nicely from last week's New York Marathon, stated that it was difficult subsequently.
She stated, "It was very hard to walk the day after. Like the minute you sat down it was over for walking, it was really tricky." "I felt like I lost steam at mile 23. I was like, 'I can't believe these three more miles. Where are they? Why is this taking so long?' So that was where I began to have a meltdown, but I did it!"
