A Historic Night of Television

Bono and Rihanna perform from London during the 'Hope For Haiti Now' telecast. (MJ Kim/MTV Hope for Haiti Now via Getty Images)

Last Friday marked a heightened evening of television viewing for celebrity watchers and music fans. At least 25 networks simultaneously carried the “Hope for Haiti Now” telecast, and then later that night Conan O’Brien celebrated his last night as host of the storied late night institution, “The Tonight Show.”

Telethon

The biggest stars of film and music converged on three sound stages in Los Angeles, New York, and London to raise money for Haiti earthquake relief efforts. Spearheaded by actor George Clooney, Haitian born musician Wyclef Jean, and the MTV network, the two-hours of prime time commercial free programming was constantly intriguing.

CNN’s Anderson Cooper and Dr. Sanjay Gupta reported live from Haiti, and celebrities such as Jon Stewart, Brad Pitt, Tom Hanks, and Morgan Freeman summarized accounts of the human devastation incurred by the disaster.

Between vignettes of footage from Haiti, and celebrities thanking callers for their contributions were compelling musical performances. Emotional solo performances were given by singers such as Jennifer Hudson, Alicia Keys, John Legend, Mary J. Blige, Christina Aguilera, Beyoncé, and Shakira.

Perhaps even more noteworthy were the collaborations. Dave Matthews and Neil Young performed a duo of the Hank Williams song “Along and Forsaken.” Madonna performed her song “Like a Prayer” backed by a full choir. Strumming a genre-bending acoustic version of the R&B classic “Lean on Me” was the trio of Sheryl Crow, Keith Urban, and Kid Rock.

One of the evenings highlights was another melding of genres with rapper Jay-Z, singer Bono and guitarist The Edge from U2, and pop-soul singer Rihanna. While the rapping was somewhat uninspired, the harmonizing of Bono and Rihanna was a high-point in a night of more somber yet stirring musical renditions.

Finishing of the performance was event organizer Wyclef Jean. He performed a charged version of “Rivers of Babylon” in both English and Creole, as he danced around with a Haitian flag draped around his neck.

The event raised over $58 million through the phones, Internet, and text message pledges. This total doesn’t account for the “Hope for Haiti Now” album, which offers all the night’s performances through Apple’s iTunes. The album was a number one seller in 18 countries and set pre-order records for the music download site.

Conan Signs Off

Taking to the desk one last time was “Tonight Show” host Conan O'Brien, the tall red-haired comedian was both emotional and celebratory. He nearly teared up when thanking his fans.

“The massive outpouring of support and passion from so many people has been overwhelming,” he said.

The evening’s guests included a hilariously serious exit-interview conducted by Steve Carrell of “The Office.” Next came Tom Hanks, who joked with O’Brien before heading over the “Hope for Haiti Now.” Neil Young also played a touching version of “Long May You Run” before he participated in the Haiti benefit with Dave Matthews.

The evening ended in a semi-serious jam lead by Will Ferrell. The usual house band lead by drummer Max Weinberg backed a wig-donning Ferrell on Lynrd Skynrd’s “Free Bird.” Joining the band was Beck, ZZ Top’s Billy Gibbons, and O’Brien himself who strapped on a Gibson Les Paul guitar to strum rhythm.

After a week of tension, O’Brien ended his short tenure at the “Tonight Show” with class, humor, and gratitude.