Gateway Gala Rocks

Gateway for Cancer Research is a non-profit organization dedicated to funding cancer research. Every year a star studded gala is held to raise funds for Gateway. This year it was an Oz theme at the Grand Ballroom at McCormick Place.

Some of the talent stopped to talk on the green carpet before the massive event that evening.

Cancer Treatment Centers of America founder and chairman Richard J. Stephenson spoke of the entertainment lined up, "This year is going to rock your socks!"

What is different this year? "The advances made in science this year. Cancer treatment centers should focus on winning the battle on cancer and not against each other. I founded Gateway to take care of people around the world. It hopes to change the face of cancer with real hard clinical evidence. We do that and more cell therapy than anyone else."

Singer Pia Toscano was asked about one thing she learned from American Idol. "I had a lot of doors slammed in my face auditioning for Idol when I was 16 years old. I used those "no's" to fuel the fire and get better, to grow and not be defeated."

Where would you like to see your career go? "Grammys, and I want to sing at the Super Bowl. I want to be a well respected singer with platinum albums. I look at the big picture."

What about singing at the gay bars? "All of the gay bars, let's do it!"

Do you think Idol needed to come back? "I am excited to see this new reboot. It is going to be awesome with the new judges. I didn't expect it to come back so soon, but America could not live without it."

Another reality competition star Laura Bretan from America's Got Talent stopped to talk about her young career. "I started singing when I was four years old. I transitioned to classical music four years ago. Before that I sang Christian pop contemporary music."

She was born in Chicago and raised in Skokie. Did you watch Jackie Evancho? "I actually voted for her on the show. She was a role model for me." Would to like to tour like her?

"Yes, I love traveling. I want to sing and share my voice with everybody."

Andrea Bocelli's son Matteo performed for the first time in Chicago at the fundraiser. "I have only been here once when I was little." Can your brother Amos sing? "No, he plays the piano. He is studying engineering so is going another way." He is studying at the conservatory in Italy and has more projects on the way once his technique is perfected.

Iconic band Earth, Wind, & Fire was asked about their song "September" and the recent version with Justin Timberlake for the Trolls Soundtrack. Verdine White said, "We did that together with Justin and Timberland. What a great session. All the kids in my neighborhood watch it at my house!"

For more information in the worth cause and organization visit www.gatewaycr.org today.