Katie Couric Fundraiser
From Meryl Streep and Susan Sarandon to a singing Robert De Niro, Robin Williams, Whoopi Goldberg, the stars of the "Sopranos," and cast members from "Saturday Night Live" - the showbiz A-list was on Katie Couric’s guest list last night.
"The star power here tonight is not to be believed," Couric told "Extra."
Whether Katie was greeting country superstars Vince Gill and Amy Grant, or being blown away by Bette Midler and Broadway legends Chita Rivera and Rita Moreno, it was an extra special night for the NBC newswoman who put together this big-name bash benefiting The Jay Monahan Center for Gastrointestinal Health, a new cancer prevention and treatment center named after Katie’s late husband, taken from her in the prime of his life by colon cancer.
Even NBC chairman and CEO Bob Wright was impressed by Katie’s efforts. He said, "This is the will and perseverance of one woman."
The fabulous songs of "West Side Story" were given new life as stars including Kelsey Grammer and Josh Groban showed off their singing chops. Even "Destiny's Child’s" Beyonce Knowles belted out her mother's favorite song from "West Side Story." She said, "Katie's a very powerful, beautiful woman. I know when she called me to be part of it I was very honored."
And among the many highlights of the night was the jet set chorus of Robert De Niro, Kevin Kline, and "Saturday Night Live" funnymen Jimmy Fallon and Chris Kattan. The guys got an "A" for effort from seasoned Broadway songbird Heather Headly who performed "I Feel Pretty" with Whoopi Goldberg.
In another showstopper, Tony Danza, Jesse L. Martin, and the singing "Sopranos" serenaded former mayor Rudy Giuliani as officer Krupke.
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