Mandela Day at Radio City Music Hall

Celebrities arrived at Radio City Music Hall in New York City on Saturday to celebrate Nelson Mandela turning 91. The "Mandela Day" birthday bash included performances from Lil' Kim, Aretha Franklin, Alicia Keys, Stevie Wonder, Cyndi Lauper and French first lady Carla Bruni-Sarkozy.

A frail Mandela was not able to attend the night's festivities, but was present in a video message that was aired. The message emphasized the power of collective efforts to change communities. Unfortunately, the 91-year-old has been advised from travelling internationally, but regardless, his spirit was present last night.

President Obama also had a video message, Reuters reports, in which he quotes Mandela saying, "It always seems impossible until it's done."

Two touching performances include Cyndi Lauper's "Time After Time" performed with Lil' Kim spliced with Alicia Keys and Angelique Kidjo singing "Afrika" and Stevie Wonder's rendition of "Happy Birthday" -- originally written in celebration of Martin Luther King Day. The resurrection of it for Mandela Day seemed very appropriate.