THE awards just keep coming for Bono. The campaigner for the disadvantaged in Africa - and, lest we forget, lead singer of U2 - was in New York last week to receive another honor for his humanitarian efforts, this time from Keep a Child Alive charity, an AIDS charity that was co-founded by singer Alicia Keys. "He is an inspiration and single-handedly made it cool to have something to speak about," said Keys at the group's annual Black Ball. She added Bono "works tirelessly at having a cause and fighting for it."

There were lots of other superstars in the audience who agreed, among them Sheryl Crow and Gwen Stefani. Bono's wife Ali was also on hand for the festivities.

The man of the evening was his typically witty self. "Rock stars always want to do two things. They want to have fun and change the world. If they can do both at the same time, you're okay," he said.

Mission accomplished. The ball raised over $1 million for its efforts towards providing medicines for children with AIDS in Africa. And Bono got to snuggle up to Crow and Stefani for pix. That's fun, right?