British singing sensation Leona Lewis poses with an elephant stuffed animal in support of The Elephant Project, an organization to raise money and awareness for the Alzheimer’s Association.

The organization was started by David Niederhoffer, now 18, after his grandfather passed away from Alzheimer’s disease. There is a phrase that says “elephants never forget,” and in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease, Niederhoffer is striving for those affected by the disease to “never forget.”

Here’s how it works: Well-known celebrities pose with an elephant beanie baby and sign a special Elephant Project card, which are then auctioned off to raise money to fight Alzheimer’s disease. Each auction package comes with an 8×10 picture of the celebrity and the elephant, a signed card from that celebrity, and an elephant beanie baby. Such celebrities as Zac Efron, Adam Sandler, Julie Andrews, and MANY more have participated in the project. James Marsden, Julianne Moore and Jennifer Garner are pictured below.

Currently, over $11,500 has been raised for Alzheimer’s care, research and support! The Summer 2008 round of Elephant Project auctions began yesterday with five to six auctions going live each day until Sunday, July 27th.

For more information on the auction schedule and how to support the cause, visit ElephantProject.org.

British beauty Leona Lewis has been named Goodwill Ambassador for UK-Japan 2008 at the nomination ceremony in Tokyo, Japan on Tuesday. The 23-year-old singing sensation was joined by Dave Spector, the American television personality in Japan.

UK-Japan 2008 has been conducted by the British embassy in Japan to mark the 150th anniversary of the Anglo-Japanese Treaty of Amity and Commerce. The campaign showcases British culture in three categories: art, science and creative industry.

Leona said, “I’m really honored to become a Goodwill Ambassador for UK-Japan 2008. I recently visited Japan for the first time and I loved it. I’m very much looking forward to exploring such an amazing country further as well as supporting UK-Japan 2008. I’m very happy to have an opportunity to understand more about the wonderful country.”

Other pictures include Leona at performances earlier this month… More Here! »

Leona Lewis (in Missoni) arrives at Nelson Mandela’s 90th Birthday dinner on Wednesday in London.

The former South African president is in London for a series of events to celebrate his birthday, including a big outdoor concert at Hyde Park on Friday.

The fundraising concert in London’s Hyde Park will be attended by an audience of exactly 46,664 friends and supporters. 46664 was Mandela’s prison number during his 27 years of incarceration on Robben Island off the coast of South Africa.

Leona Lewis, Queen, Annie Lennox, Amy Winehouse, and Simple Minds will take the stage in Hyde Park on Friday.

10+ more pics of Leona celebrating Nelson Mandela’s 90th birthday…

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Singer Leona Lewis indulges in some retail therapy at the MAC cosmetics store in Sydney on Tuesday.

While in Australia, Leona appeared on the show Weekend Sunrise where she was interviewed and performed ‘Better in Time.’ She mentioned it was her first time in Australia and how she loved power ballads.

On Monday, Leona appeared at the Museum of Contemporary Art on Tuesday in Sydney.

More Here! »

Singer Leona Lewis poses for the media during a press conference at the Museum of Contemporary Art on Tuesday in Sydney, Australia.

Leona is scheduled to perform along with several other acts for Nelson Mandela’s 90th Birthday celebration in London’s Hyde Park.

We7, an ad supported free music service, has announced the immediate availability of 250,000 songs from major record label Sony BMG’s back catalogue, including songs from Britney Spears, Michael Jackson, and Leona Lewis.

10+ more pics inside of Leona showing us what contemporary art is…

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Leona Lewis does a sound check for her concert at the Australian Museum of Contemporary Art on Tuesday in Sydney, Australia.

Leona, 23, and Amy Winehouse, 24, will reportedly perform along with several other acts for Nelson Mandela’s 90th Birthday celebrations in London’s Hyde Park.

Tickets for the gig will be sold via an online registration system and will cost £65. Fans will be able to register from the beginning of next week.

Will Smith will host the event along with his wife Jada Pinkett Smith.

10+ more pics of Leona bleeding love for Nelson Mandela…

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Leona Lewis heads to the red carpet at the 2008 Australia MTV Awards at the Australian Technology Park, Redfern on Saturday in Sydney, Australia.

The British popstar’s wardrobe choice of her silver shoes was actually affected by her vegan diet. “I get really cheap shoes because it’s not leather!”, said Leona. Someone needs to get Ms. Lewis in touch with Natalie Portman! As most of you know, Nat launched her own vegan shoe line (The Natalie Portman Collection) earlier in the year. Hook her up Nat!

10+ pictures of Leona Lewis at the 2008 Australia MTV Awards… More Here! »

While Leona Lewis‘ album has hit number one, Mariah Carey’s album is predicted to have one of the biggest opening weeks of any album in recent years.

Leona’s album Spirit has sold 205,000 copies this week in the U.S.

Mariah’s new album E=MC2 opened with sales of 154,000 in the first day.

Mariah was this week’s music mentor and theme for the American Idol contestants.

WHO DO YOU THINK is the better singer?