Stevie Wonder headlines NYC concert highlighting povery
Play
NEW YORK (AP) - U2 frontman Bono gave a funky, rousing introduction to Stevie 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."
Wonder has been a U.N. Messenger of Peace with a special focus on disabilities since 2009. Messengers have recognized talents in the arts, academia and sports and help bring attention to U.N. work.
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.
Will.i.am and Olivia Wilde were among the celebrity attendees.
Wonder ended the five-hour event, electrifying the crowd during his hourlong performance. He even teased concertgoers before singing "Signed, Sealed, Delivered I'm Yours."
"That's it!" he yelled, then added: "Y'all wanna jam some more?"
