Emotional night: Ali shares a touching moment with Bob Arum
The stars all congregated on Las Vegas’ MGM Grand last night to pay tribute to ”The Greatest” , Muhammad Ali. A diverse crowd came to celebrate The 16th Annual “Power of Love” gala celebrating Ali.
Stars in attendance included, Snoop Dog, Diddy, Kelly Rowland, Neyo, Common, John Legend, Samuel Jackson, Sugar Ray Leonard, George Foreman, Bob Arum, Lenny Kravitz and Mike Tyson.. Even Oprah came to the celebration.. President Obama sent Ali his best wishes through a video message.
Stevie Wonder jetted from performing at Whitney Houston’s funeral in New Jersey earlier in the day singing “Ribbon In The Sky” as his good bye to Whitney.
But when Stevie got to Vegas it was party time.. He sang his famous “Happy Birthday” song to The Champ.
The Greatest: Muhammad Ali with P Diddy on stage at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas
Ali didn’t arrive until well into the celebration, making his way into the MGM about 9:30 p.m. His energy level isn’t very high these days, but he stayed until the end of the event. While Stevie Wonder lead the crowd in singing “Happy Birthday” a huge cake was wheeled out to the stage by some of his former foes, including George Foreman.
Stevie Wonder sings Happy Birthday To Muhammad Ali on his 70th Birthday at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, February 18, 2012
Ali, who turned 70 last month, was feted at the 16th annual “Power of Love,” a gala celebration that will benefit the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health along with the Muhammad Ali Foundation.
Ali, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 1984 turned 70 last month. The 16th Annual “Power of Love” gala veted Ali and will benefit the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health along with the Muhammad Ali Foundation. Plates for the event attended by 2,000 People ranged in cost from $1,500 to $10,000 a plate.
Recording artist John Legend arrives for the 16th annual Keep Memory Alive "Power of Love Gala" and 70th birthday celebration for Muhammad Ali at the MGM Grand Garden Arena Saturday, February 18, 2012. Proceeds from the event benefit the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health in Las Vegas and the Muhammad Ali Center in Louisville, Kentucky.
R&B and pop singer/songwriter Ne-Yo arrives for the 16th annual Keep Memory Alive "Power of Love Gala" and 70th birthday celebration for Muhammad Ali at the MGM Grand Garden Arena Saturday, Feb.18, 2012. (Scott Harrison Photography)
X Factor judge Kelly Rowland arrived at the Las Vegas Birthday event wearing a show-stopping, floor length pink gown. Later she performed in a yellow mini-dress and then a one-shouldered, gold gown.
Honoring a legend: Kelly donned a gold dress as she performed in front of a picture of Muhammad Ali
Kelly's one-shouldered, gold gown fit her body to perfection
Kelly changed into a yellow gown when she took to the stage a second time
Actor Samuel L. Jackson and wife LaTanya Richardson arrive at the Keep Memory Alive 16th Annual "Power of Love Gala" honoring Muhammad Ali with his 70th birthday celebration on Saturday, Feb. 18, 2012, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Jeff Bottari)
Lenny Kravitz
Snoop hyped up the party during his performance.
Common Red Carpet
Because of his Parkinson’s, Ali couldn’t speak to the guests. Instead, his wife, Lonnie, thanked everyone for attending.
“Muhammad and I are so grateful and appreciative for your love and support,” she said.
The “Power of Love” gala will be televised next Saturday at 2 p.m. on ABC and 7 p.m. on ESPN2.
SideNote: For almost thirty years, Muhammad Ali has held the Guinness World. Record as the most written- about person in history. Yes, that means more than Jesus Christ…
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