Stars gather for hurricane relief

Mary J Blige and Bono performing at the programme

The hour-long "Shelter from the Storm" appeal was an echo of a sombre event held four years ago to benefit victims of the September 11 terrorist attack, with the same producer. This time the telethon had more determination than shock and featured native jazz, gospel and swamp-rock sounds.

"Tonight let's show people on the Gulf Coast that they have friends all over the world, friends who care, who understand and are there to give them shelter from the storm," said stand-up comedian Ellen DeGeneres, who was raised in New Orleans.

ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox, UPN and the WB -- the six biggest broadcast networks in US -- aired the programme along with several cable networks. Viewers in nearly 100 countries were able to tune in. Contributions were being solicited for the American Red Cross or the Salvation Army.

It was the most high-profile of several such televised benefits. NBC stations televised an appeal last week, marked by rapper Kanye West's off-script comment that "George Bush doesn't care about black people." The performers largely stuck to scripts during the "Shelter from the Storm" appeal Friday, including West, who sang Jesus Walks with a gospel choir.

"We've all heard the question," actor/comedian Chris Rock said. "Why didn't these people just leave when they had the chance? But now we realise that not everybody can just jump into their SUVs and drive to a nice hotel. These people depend on public transportation, and these people can't afford a nice hotel, because some of them work there. Now it's your chance to help them."

Rock singer John Fogerty, who sang passionately about the Mississippi Delta a generation ago, wasn't there but his music was: the Foo Fighters sang Born on the Bayou and Garth Brooks did Who'll Stop the Rain.

Mariah Carey and Neil Young were also backed by gospel singers and Alicia Keys was joined by several gospel stars. U2 needed only one powerful voice, singer Mary J Blige's, to enliven the rock band's anthem One. Keys sang her hit If I Ain't Got You, and Patti LaBelle sang the Pretenders' song I'll Stand By You.