The First Lady of France Carla Bruni passed through New York City this weekend for her performance with Dave Stewart (of Eurythmics fame) at Nelson Mandela's 91st birthday celebration at Radio City Music Hall.

Hosted by Whoopi Goldberg, the event was a star-studded event which included performances by Lil' Kim and Cyndi Lauper, as well as appearances by Matt Damon and Morgan Freeman. Damon and Freeman are currently filming a Clint Eastwood movie about Mandela's life during the 1995 Rugby World Cup.

When it was Bruni's turn to take the stage, the former supermodel-chanteuse was all business, dressed in head-to-toe black including a sharply cut blazer (inspired by Johnny Cash?).

As we previously reported, Bruni broke her promise to President Sarkozy that she would not perform while she was First Lady of France. But if ever there were an occasion that merits going back on your word, Mandela's birthday is it!

Bruni performed with Dave Stewart, as planned, and was joined by the Soweto Gospel Choir to sing Bob Dylan classic "Blowin' in the Wind."

But not one to be outshone, there was a jumbo screen behind the duo that showed a close-up of Bruni.

Despite being photographed at all times with Sarkozy, among other world leaders, we have to wonder if Bruni misses the onstage rush.