Celebs perform to help tsunami relief

NEW YORK, Jan. 16 (UPI) -- Madonna, Elton John, Stevie Wonder and other entertainers performed in a U.S. broadcast to raise money for tsunami relief.

Actors Robert De Niro, Bruce Willis and other celebrities appeared on the Saturday telecast that originated in Los Angeles, New York and London. The two-hour show included images of Thailand, Sri Lanka, Indonesia and other areas ravaged by the Dec. 26 tidal waves.

"When the world says please, let us help, extraordinary things begin to happen," said Willis during the show highlighted by music performed by Norah Jones, Sheryl Crow, Tom Jones and Eric Clapton.

Former Presidents George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton, who were named by President George W. Bush to spearhead U.S. fundraising for tsunami victims, also made appearances on the show.

Celebrities worked phone banks to speak with contributors in an effort reminiscent of a TV fundraiser after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks that raised $130 million for the families of the victims, the Voice of America reported.