LeAnn Rimes to hold tornado benefit gig

LeAnn Rimes is to hold a benefit concert this weekend in the wake of devastation caused by tornadoes that have damaged several US states.

A series of tornadoes have struck the midwest and southern US in recent weeks, with Joplin, Missouri most recently sustaining 134 casualties from a May 22 storm.

Rimes has now claimed that she was inspired to organise the charity gig in order to help those who have had their lives torn apart.

She told the Florida-Times Union: "We wanted to reach out to the victims... A lot of these small towns, people don't have houses with shelters... They're living in what they can afford. It's terrifying. Where do they go? It's heartbreaking."

The country singer went on to reveal that she will be backed only by a two-piece band in a rare acoustic performance.

"It's really stripped down, but it's so much fun," Rimes said. "People want to hear my voice - that's the reason why they come. It's me and a guitar and beautiful percussion, like we're in your living room. It takes on a new vibe for sure, but it's a great vibe."

Her husband Eddie Cibrian will serve as Rimes's co-host for the charity gala.

Aside from Rimes's concert, Justin Bieber, Kim Kardashian and Kelly Clarkson have all donated items to be sold in a silent auction at the event.

The concert - dubbed 'An Evening with LeAnn Rimes' - is to be held Sunday at Ponte Vedra Concert Hall in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida.

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Watch LeAnn Rimes's acoustic performance of 'Can't Fight the Moonlight' below: