Fergie cozies up to rapper 50 Cent (yes, really!)

Dressed in a knee-length black dress, complete with plunging neckline, Fergie chatted casually to her companion and at one point, they held hands.

Clearly, the former royal is a fan of the star, whose tracks include 'Thug Love', 'In Da Club' and 'P.I.M.P'.

She personally requested that he perform at the event, which was held at New York's Cipriani Wall Street restaurant.

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The night was part of a seven-date series of charity functions, set to benefit UNICEF.

Other singers who are scheduled to perform at future benefits include Andrea Bocelli and Annie Lennox.

As well as her charity work, Fergie appears to be on a mission to cultivate Hollywood connections.

Last week she penned a letter of sympathy to Paris Hilton in jail, and gave words of comfort to Kathy Hilton over lunch in Beverly Hills.