FireAid benefit concert raised more than $100 million so far

By MARK KENNEDY, Associated Press Entertainment Writer

NEW YORK (AP) — The stars came retired for FireAid and truthful did wallets — the monolithic payment performance past week to rise wealth for those affected by the devastating Los Angeles-area wildfires is expected to rise much than $100 million.

Over 50 cardinal viewers streamed the implicit six-hour performance Thursday connected 28 broadcasting and online outlets. The wealth raised includes summons sales, sponsorships, merchandise income and donations from the public, including $1 cardinal from the set U2.

Three nights later, the Grammy Awards urged much donations and connected Tuesday reported that astir $9 cardinal was raised. Host Trevor Noah had urged viewers to springiness and a QR codification appeared connected screens to facilitate the process.

The Recording Academy and MusiCares besides raised implicit $24 cardinal for charitable activities implicit Grammy weekend.

FireAid featured performances from Southern California artists similar Billie Eilish, Katy Perry and the Red Hot Chili Peppers. More than 30 artists performed betwixt 2 Los Angeles venues, the Intuit Dome and the Kia Forum.

Every dollar raised during the performance was matched by L.A. Clippers proprietor Steve Ballmer and his wife, Connie. That matched magnitude is included successful the $100 cardinal total. The Clippers besides offset the costs of putting connected the show.

The wealth volition beryllium utilized to enactment the Los Angeles region’s contiguous needs and semipermanent recovery. Organizers accidental fundraising is ongoing and they expect to marque their archetypal grants by mid-February.