Stars Gather At Inaugural Amy Winehouse Foundation Awards Gala

Tony Bennett and Jennifer Hudson took to the stage in New York City on Thursday night (21Mar13) at a special gala in memory of late singer __Amy Winehouse.

The Back To Black hitmaker's parents hosted the first annual _A_my Winehouse Foundation (__Awf) Inspiration _A_wards and Gala in the Big _A_pple to boost funds and raise awareness of the charity set up in her name following her death in 2011.

Bennett, who championed the troubled star while she was alive, was one of the A-list guests at the event, and took to the stage to sing classics Maybe This Time and Watch What Happens.

Speaking of how Winehouse fulfilled her ambitions before her death, Bennett explained, "Her dream was to become famous and a beautiful singer, and she accomplished that. Even though she had a short life, she had a great life because she ended up praying for the success that she wanted, and it happened. This is what this night's about."

_A_s part of the gala's prizegiving, Bennett was handed a lifetime achievement award.

Oscar winner Hudson also performed three songs at the event, which attracted guests including Harry Belafonte, Sean Lennon and producer Mark Ronson. Rapper Nas, who worked with Winehouse before her death, accepted The __Awf Inspiration _A_ward for a New Generation trophy via videolink.

The night's other winners were music producer Salaam Remi and charity boss Elhadj 'Moe' Kane.

Winehouse's father Mitch says, "These four men are extraordinarily talented individuals who have inspired greatness in others. It is only fitting that they are among the first _A_my Winehouse Foundation honourees."

The event took place at Manhattan's Waldorf _A_storia Hotel. Winehouse died from alcohol poisoning at her London home in July 2011.