Margaret Cho, Rufus Wainwright and Thelma Houston. (Mark Bieganski photos)
Melissa Etheridge and Cyndi Lauper
DENVER -- Brushing off the notion that America's Democratic party is divided, musician Melissa Etheridge said voters will rally behind Barack Obama -- and for change in the White House -- in the upcoming months leading to November election.
Etheridge -- flanked by an all-star cast that included Margaret Cho, Cyndi Lauper, Rufus Wainwright and Thelma Houston -- applauded the youth vote and increasing interest in the campaign.
"Are you referring to me?" Wainwright joked when talking about young voters.
"Hopelessness comes out of helplessness," Lauper said. "Information is power and I strongly believe the in power of the people -- instead of a country run by a few. In an inclusive world, we have a stronger chance of succeeding."
Lauper and company performed at a Human Rights Campaign event Tuesday at the Fillmore Auditorium during the Democratic National Convention.
"Voting is one of the ways to help yourself," Lauper said. "If you don't vote, you continue not to help yourself and continue that feeling of hopelessness."
Etheridge -- who said she's cancer free and feeling great -- said voters are united behind Obama and that the media has been focusing too much on a divided America.
"Don't vote insane," Lauper said to Hillary Clinton supporters who might not choose to vote for Obama. "If you want to vote for your pocketbook, think of if it's been picked off already and how much you dollar is worth already after this administration."
If there is any division in the party, it wasn't apparent during the concert. Organizers paused the show and broadcast Clinton's speech from the convention floor, which drew cheers and applause from the thousands in the audience.
Lauper and company performed at a Human Rights Campaign event Tuesday at the Fillmore Auditorium during the Democratic National Convention.
"Voting is one of the ways to help yourself," Lauper said. "If you don't vote, you continue not to help yourself and continue that feeling of hopelessness."
Etheridge -- who said she's cancer free and feeling great -- said voters are united behind Obama and that the media has been focusing too much on a divided America.
"Don't vote insane," Lauper said to Hillary Clinton supporters who might not choose to vote for Obama. "If you want to vote for your pocketbook, think of if it's been picked off already and how much you dollar is worth already after this administration."
If there is any division in the party, it wasn't apparent during the concert. Organizers paused the show and broadcast Clinton's speech from the convention floor, which drew cheers and applause from the thousands in the audience.
Melissa Etheridge poses with a fan.
Singer Cindy Lauper poses for pictures.
Looking for the latest news from the Democratic and Republican National Conventions? Visit the 
Rufus and Cyndi are wonderful.
I love them together.