will.i.am raises $5 million for charity during star-studded show

STEVIE WONDER and NE-YO have helped will.i.am raise $5 million for needy students by headlining a benefit concert in Los Angeles.

The I Gotta Feeling hitmaker hosted the first annual celebration of his i.am.angel Foundation at the Hollywood Palladium on Thursday (09Feb12) and dozens of stars turned up to show their support, including LeAnn Rimes and her actor husband Eddie Cibrian.

Addressing the crowd at the benefit, will.i.am revealed he was inspired to launch the organization after watching 2010 documentary Waiting for Superman, about underprivileged school systems in the U.S.

He said, "They might as well call that movie 'Waiting for William.' That's the reason why I'm doing what I am doing because that movie hits straight to heart because my mom went to one of those schools. Superman is not coming to save no neighborhood or no education system (sic)."

will.i.am then took to the stage with a Fergie-less Black Eyed Peas, while singers Wonder and Ne-Yo, and rappers Flo Rida and K'Naan also performed.

In total, the event, dubbed the Trans4mation Experience, raised $5 million for the singer's charity - far surpassing will.i.am's goal of $1 million , according to the Associated Press.