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Carla return to the stage for Mandela birthday concert
Ian Sparks, in Paris16.07.09
Carla Bruni is to perform live on stage for the first time since marrying President Nicolas Sarkozy.
The former supermodel vowed to stop performing in concert after becoming First Lady of France last year. But she has now persuaded her husband to let her sing in public again - at Nelson Mandela's 91st birthday celebration in New York.
The 41-year-old will sing a duet with former Eurythmics star Dave Stewart, 56, at the Madison Square Garden concert on Saturday Proceeds go to Aids charities.
Mr Sarkozy will be making a "private trip" to New York to watch his wife perform, his aides said.
Ms Bruni - who counts Mick Jagger and Eric Clapton among her past lovers - used to perform regularly before marrying Mr Sarkozy. She then agreed to put live performances on hold after Elysée palace officials told her it was "unfitting" for a First Lady. She is now said to have the blessing of her husband and advisers because of the "exceptional nature" of the event. The concert will also feature Aretha Franklin and Cyndi Lauper.
