Alicia Keys Honors Oprah Winfrey and Raises $2.9 Million at Gala Event

Her song "Girl on Fire," debuted at No. 1 on Billboard's album chart and now super woman Alicia Keys has raised $2.9 million during her charity's annual gala that was held last night (Dec. 6) at the Apollo Theater.

Her charity assists those affected by HIV/AIDS in Africa and India. Thursday's event was originally planned for Nov. 1, but was canceled due to superstorm Sandy.

"There are places in the world where Keep a Child Alive serves where they have a Hurricane Sandy every day," Keys said in an interview on the red carpet (via: cbsnews.com).

"They don't have electricity, they don't have heat ... and that made me more invigorated to make sure this Black Ball happened."




After the night came to a close, Alicia shared a snap, via Instagram, of herself and hubby Swizz Beats, who was her companion.

Alicia also honored TV mogul and humanitarian Oprah Winfrey at the event for the entrepreneur's philanthropic efforts, including her school, "The Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls" in South Africa, which launched in 2007, according to CBS News.

Oprah then said she was honored to receive an award from Alicia, and that it confirms she's "moving in the right direction."

"You try to keep a child alive and I try to educate them as best as I can," Oprah said onstage.

Before that, a video played onscreen detailing the launch of Oprah's school and how she struggled in her early years, riding on a bus with maids from the inner city to the suburbs to attend a better high school.

"When I look at Africans girls I see myself," Oprah said. "I continue to work for them to have the same opportunities that I have. "

The evening, hosted by Whoopi Goldberg, also saw the honoring of Beninese singer Angélique Kidjo, as well as performances by Bonnie Raitt, Brittany Howard of the Alabama Shakes, and Jennifer Hudson. Notably missing from the festivities were previously scheduled entertainers Beyonce and Carol King, who likely had to decline due to the change in dates.