Gwen Stefani of "The Voice" was hospitalized at Cedars-Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles on Tuesday. She suffered a ruptured Eardrum during a flight. Because her doctors wouldn't allow her to sing or fly from Los Angeles to Las Vegas, she was not able to perform on Thursday night for the Keep Memory Alive 21st Annual Power of Love Gala. The charity is committed to helping patients deal with brain disorders and memory loss, including Alzheimer's disease.
Stefani was scheduled to perform a 30-minute live set. The singer was able to get Grammy award-winner Jennifer Hudson to headline the event in her place.
Hudson sang four songs which everyone loved. She sang "Hallelujah," "Remember Me," Whitney Houston's "I'm Every Woman," and "I Wanna Dance with Somebody." The host of the gala, Robin Leach, thanked Gwen for sending her such a great replacement.
Sources say Gwen's ear injury might have happened after shooting last Tuesday's episode of "The Voice" where she is one of the four coaches, including her boyfriend, Blake Shelton, Adam Levine, and Alicia Keys. Gwen was given medical attention and released from the hospital. She is expected to be well enough to return to the NBC show next Monday night.
Apology to gala
Gwen is passionate about her singing engagements, and she felt bad that she couldn't go to Las Vegas to perform.
So, she sent a short video apologizing for her absence. She said she was sorry she couldn't be there, but she sent congratulations to Andre Agassi and her friend Ronald Perelman who were honored.
Two announcements were made about the change of plans for the evening. The first one was made at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
Another announcement was made during the show and the video from the 47-year-old singer was shown.
Highlights of the gala
Even though Gwen Stefani was not there, lots of other celebrities showed up to support the cause. Jon Bon Jovi performed several of his legendary hits. Supporters who attended the event included Steve Schirripa, Kenneth "Baby Face" Edmonds, Larry King and John Paul DeJoria. A surprise gift of $1 million was donated to the charity from Community Achievement Award recipient and tennis superstar Andre Agassi and wife Stefanie Graf.
