LeAnn Rimes staging tornado benefit

Leann Rimes and her new husband Eddie Cibrian are staging a benefit show to raise funds for the victims of the recent tornado disasters.

A spate of storms hit southern states, including Texas, Oklahoma and Kansas, on Tuesday (24May11) - just two days after a powerful twister claimed more than 120 lives and devastated whole neighbourhoods in Joplin, Missouri.

The bad weather occurred just weeks after tornados swept across six southern states in April (11), with more than 200 people dying in Alabama alone.

Rimes, who hails from the southern state of Mississippi, was stunned by news footage of the disasters - and she has now decided to take action to raise money to help the survivors of the storms rebuild their lives.

The singer is organising an event in Jacksonville, Florida and she will take to the stage to perform at the 5 June (11) gig, while Cibrian will host the gala.

In a post on her Twitter.com page, Rimes writes, "I'm doing a benefit acoustic show in Jacksonville, FL on June 5 benefiting the tornado victims of AL. (Alabama) and MO (Missouri). Details to come and Mr. Cibrian will be hosting. Lots of fun auction items too!"

Meanwhile, Paula Abdul has appealed to her fans to donate to the American Red Cross to support the disaster funds.

On her Twitter page, she pleads, "Everything the midwest & south have gone through is shocking. It's just unimaginable. And the courage people have shown is extraordinary. To help, you can text REDCROSS to 90999 to donate $10 to Joplin relief efforts. You can also call Red Cross direct. Sending love to all."