Alicia Keys' Black Ball Postponed Due To Sandy

Another high-profile event has fallen victim to superstorm Sandy, which inundated the East Coast on Monday (October 29). The 9th annual Black Ball to benefit Alicia Keys' Keep a Child Alive charity, which was to have taken place on Thursday, November 1, has been postponed. A new date will be announced in the coming weeks.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with all our fellow New Yorkers affected by this devastating storm," the organization said in a statement issued Tuesday (October 30).

The yearly event raises funds for children and family suffering from HIV/AIDS in Africa and India. Since its inception in 2004, the Black Ball has raised $13.8 million. Along with co-founder Keys, musician Jay Sean and "Top Chef" host Padma Lakshmi serve as ambassadors for the charity.

Actress Whoopi Goldberg was scheduled to emcee this year's proceedings, honoring the work of Oprah Winfrey and Grammy Award-winning artist Angelique Kidjo. Keys, Kidjo, Alabama Shakes, Beyonce and Carole King were all to perform.

MTV News caught up with Keys during the lead up to 2011's Black Ball, held in New York's Hammerstein Ballroom, where she told us what an impact it made to have so many bold-faced names participate in the benefit.

"What I love most about the Black Ball is the fact that all of these different artists from different places are on one stage on time," she said. "I don't think you get to see it like that in such an intimate place."

Stay with MTV News for updates regarding the Black Ball's new date.