Good Charlotte, Kelly Clarkson, Hoobastank and Simple Plan will lend their support to the ever-growing tsunami-relief effort by performing live at the MTV Asia Aid benefit event in Thailand.
Alicia Keys will also be featured the event, which is set to take place on February 3 at the IMPACT Arena in Thailand’s capital of Bangkok and benefits UNICEF and other Thailand- and India-based organizations.
Jennifer Lopez will contribute a prerecorded performance to the show, while Sting, Nelly, 50 Cent, Ricky Martin, Green Day, Moby and Ronan Keating will submit specially taped messages of support that will air during the broadcast. Top Asian acts, including Asha Bhosle (India), Bird Thongchai McIntyre (Thailand) and Jay Chou (Taiwan), will also perform.
“MTV Asia Aid will celebrate the resilience and spirit of the people affected as they look to recover, heal and move forward,” Nelly said in a statement released Wednesday. “History will judge us on our compassionate and immediate response. The tsunami in Southeast Asia has left a path of destruction, and our thoughts are with everyone affected by this unimaginable devastation.”
“The people of South Asia need our help to rebuild their lives,” Jennifer Lopez said in a statement. “This is an opportunity to keep giving, and show your generosity and compassion that has been so incredible over the last few weeks.”
To illustrate the need for continued support, CNN will provide nine originally produced segments of footage from the aftermath of the tsunami. The segments, including first-hand accounts from survivors, will air throughout the show.
MTV Networks Asia decided earlier this month to reposition the annual MTV Asia Awards into a global benefit event to support tsunami-recovery efforts. The network’s hope is that their ability to reach a global audience will add a significant contribution to the worldwide response.
“MTV Asia Aid will help to maintain the world’s attention on the devastation and loss that the tsunami has caused for millions of people,” UNICEF Deputy Regional Director Richard Bridle said in a statement.
MTV Asia Aid will be broadcast on all MTV channels worldwide and be offered rights- and cost-free to all broadcasters across the globe. “Our goal is to reach at least three-quarters of the world’s TV households with this event,” said Bill Roedy, president of MTV Networks International.
