ALTOS DE CHAVON, Dominican Republic (AP) — Haiti’s president performed a duet late Friday with Spanish crooner Julio Iglesias in a celebrity-studded concert in the Dominican Republic to help raise money for impoverished children.
Among the attendees were Dominican fashion designer Oscar de la Renta, Venezuelan fashion designer Carolina Herrera and U.S. journalist Barbara Walters.
Haitian President Michel Martelly, better known by his stage name of “Sweet Micky,” thanked Iglesias for dedicating a concert of his “1 World Tour 2012” to Haiti’s children. The proceeds will go to the Pink and White Foundation, a charity run by Martelly and his wife, Sophia.
The duet represented Martelly’s first performance outside Haiti since he was elected in May 2011. He was previously known for often bawdy performances before becoming president.
“I’ve been a singer my whole life, but I never thought I’d be here next to you, singing,” Martelly told Iglesias.
Between laughter, jokes and hugs, the two men sang “Corazon, Corazon” in Spanish and “To all the girls I’ve loved before,” in English.
Iglesias had visited Haiti following the devastating 2010 earthquake that officials say killed an estimated 300,000 people and left hundreds of thousands of people homeless.
“That’s why the Dominicans are here today, with love, so that your children will be taken care of,” Iglesias said. “This will show you, my president, the love of the Dominicans for Haitians.”
An estimated 5,000 people filled an open-air amphitheater in the Altos de Chavon, a high-end residential complex east of the capital of Santo Domingo. Ticket prices ranged from $50 to $1,000.
Raw: Jersey Shore Reopens for Summer
Officials: Tsarnaev Friend Linked to Slaying
Obama:Sexual Assault Threatens Trust in Military
Raw: Memorial Day Flags Placed at Arlington
Bridge Collapse Survivor: 'Rough Day'
Jersey Shore Open for Business
Officials: Truck Hit Bridge Before Collapse
First Person: Mom Discusses Famous Tornado Photo
Raw Video: Washington State Bridge Collapse
Boy Scouts Approve Plan to Accept Gay Boys
Sheriff: No Sign Killing of 2 Kids Was Planned
Obama Defends Drone Strikes, With Limits
Raw: Jurors Deadlock on Jodi Arias Penalty
Boy Scouts Decision "First Step" Say Activists
Raw: Utah Teen Arrested in Death of His Brothers
Closer Look at Okla. School Where Children Died
Boy Scouts Mom Supports Gay Inclusiveness
Obama Renews Call to Close Gitmo
Raw: Heckler Interrupts Obama on Guantanamo
Obama Offers Drone Strike Defense
American Held in Grisly Czech Murders
UK-bound Pakistan Plane Diverted, 2 Men Arrested
Today in History May 24
Two Suspects in Murder Known to London Police
Johnson: Don't Blame Islam or UK Policy
Raw: 80-Year-Old Climbs Mount Everest
Raw: Scuffles in London After Hacking Death
Britain Attack Believed Linked to Radical Islam
Today in History May 23
Raw: Aftermath of Deadly Attack in London
Today in History May 22
Raw: Students Clash With Police in Chile
Raw: Costa Rica Volcano Roars to Life
Tim Cook Defends Apple's Tax Accounting
Raw: Japan's WWII Atrocities Under Fire in Seoul
Raw: Aussie Zoo Shows Off White Rhino Calf
Today in History for May 21st
Bank Shooting Rampage in Israel Kills 4
Wave of Attacks Kills Scores in Iraq
Raw: Fierce Bombing in Qusair, Syria
