France’s first lady joined musical heavyweights in New York to celebrate the birthday of Nelson Mandela.
Carla Bruni was cheered on by husband President Nicolas Sarkozy as she performed two songs at the event to honour the 91-year-old former South African leader.
Mr Mandela missed out on attending last night's birthday bash in person, being deemed to frail to travel. But his life and spirit was honoured in fitting fashion by a host of African and international superstars.
The evening was capped by a performance of Stevie Wonder's
Happy Birthday— a song originally written to remember Dr Martin Luther King, but now dedicated to another civil rights leader.
Ms Bruni was said to be nervous about her first performance in public since becoming France's first lady.
But accompanied by former Eurythmics guitarist Dave Stewart, the former model put in an assured performance culminating in a version of Bob Dylan's
Blowing in the Wind.
She blew a kiss to the crowd as she finished and soaked up the warm applause at New York's Radio City Music Hall.
Any nerves she may have had beforehand would not have been helped by the stellar cast of musical greats assembled to honour Mandela Day and his charity 46664.
Queen Latifah was followed by even higher musical royalty, with Aretha Franklin receiving a standing ovation even before she opened her mouth.
More came after she reminded the audience why she is known as the Queen of Soul.
Cyndi Lauper was joined by Lil' Kim for a rendition of
Time after Time, while other highlights included Wyclef Jean, Alicia Keys and Gloria Gaynor.
The night was given a distinct African flavour, with stars from the continent including Sipho Mabuse, Vusi Mahlasela and Thandiswa Mazwai having made the trip to New York to participate in the event.
Throughout the evening, the Soweto Gospel Choir gave backing vocals to the succession of artists.
Speakers included actor Morgan Freeman who is to play Mr Mandela in a forthcoming biopic.
President Barack Obama delivered a personal message via video. In it, the US leader said that Mr Mandela's life "teaches us that the impossible can be done, but only if people have the courage to make change happen."
The concert took place on the first Mandela Day. Organisers hope that it will inspire people to celebrate the South African leader annually on his birthday, not as a holiday but as an opportunity to take his example and try to improve the life of others.
Mr Mandela himself sent a message to those celebrating the event. In it he said: "It is on your hands to create a better world for all who live in it."
Stevie Wonder, who performed at the first Mandela birthday concert in London in 1988, headlined the show.
As he began the opening chords of Happy Birthday, the soul legend was joined on stage by the other acts, who joined him in a chorus of 'happy birthday to ya' in honour of the non-present birthday boy.
PA
