Bono, Wonder star at anti-poverty fest
Bono served as an opening act for Stevie Wonder. The U2 frontman gave a funky, rousing introduction to Wonder, who headlined the Global Citizen Festival on New York’s Central Park on Saturday. It was the second annual concert to help end poverty around the world.
Wonder performed a number of his hits, wowing the audience of thousands who danced and sang along to “Superstition” and “Isn’t She Lovely.” “This is a global celebration,” Wonder yelled to the crowd. “We will end extreme world poverty in our lifetime.”
The Global Citizen Festival coincides with the U.N. General Assembly. Fans earned free tickets for helping spread the word or volunteering to help end world poverty. Some world leaders attended, including Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf.
“There is so much energy here tonight. We can power the world,” Ban told the crowd.
Other performers included John Mayer, Kings of Leon and Alicia Keys.
Miss Philippines takes world crown
Miss Philippines, Megan Young, was crowned Miss World on Saturday amid tight security on Indonesia’s resort island of Bali, where the contest’s final round was moved following protests by Muslim hard-liner groups.
“I promise to be the best Miss World ever,” Young, 23, said after winning the 63rd annual event, as a large number of Filipino fans who traveled with her celebrated by jumping and waving the country’s flag.
Despite threats from the Islamic Defenders Front to disrupt the contest, police said no rallies were staged Saturday. The group has demonstrated for weeks, calling for the government to cancel the pageant because members say it shows too much skin and goes against Islamic teachings.
British mint will honor Prince George
Britain’s Royal Mint says it will create a set of coins to mark the christening of Prince George next month. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s baby son will be christened at the Chapel Royal at St. James’s Palace on Oct. 23, just more than three months after his birth.
The production of the commemorative coins, approved by the royal family, will be the first time that new coins are produced to mark a royal christening in Britain. The 5-pound coins will be made of solid gold, silver or a more affordable option, and will sell for as much as thousands of dollars.
The birthday bunch
Actress Lizabeth Scott is 92. Conductor Richard Bonynge is 83. Actress Anita Ekberg is 82. Singer Jerry Lee Lewis is 78. Jazz musician Jean-Luc Ponty is 71. TV personality Bryant Gumbel is 65. Singer Suzzy Roche (The Roches) is 57. Comedian-actor Andrew “Dice” Clay is 56. Singer-musician Les Claypool is 50. Actor Zachary Levi is 33. Singer Phillip Phillips is 23.