American Idol: Idol Gives Back

Ellen DeGeneres joins Ryan Seacrest to host “Idol Gives Back”, a star-studded event to raise money for U.S. and African children’s charities. The blockbuster night of entertainment will include performances from past Idols Kelly Clarkson & Carrie Underwood, Josh Groban, Rascall Flatts , Celine Dion, etc. Celebs slated to appear include Hugh Grant, Keira Knightly, Quincy Jones, Helen Mirren, Jack Black among MANY others. The Idol contestants will also debut a new song written by Bono and Dave Stewart called “American Prayer”.

Those in charge of the show recognize they are walking a fine line, said an executive producer.

“We have to be really careful, because people watch “American Idol’ for entertainment and to see their favorite contestant,” said Cecile Frot-Coutaz, who oversees “Idol” as chief executive officer of producer FremantleMedia North America Inc.

“Maybe some people don’t want to spend two hours watching poverty and people suffering,” she said. “But we’re going to try to do it in a way that gives them great entertainment but raises awareness for people who are very poor, and children in particular, in the United States and Africa.”

With seemingly ubiquitous American Idol fan base “Idol Gives Back” has the potential to be a very important night. “Idol Gives Back” actually started last night as sponsors donated money for every single vote cast, raising probably millions in just one night. Good job Idol – I like that you’re taking your world domination and using it for good rather than evil (and by evil I mean those cheesy Ford commercials).

What can you do to support Idol Gives Back:

• Watch the shows on April 24th and 25th.
• Vote for your favorites.
• Make a donation here.
• Read more at www.cpefund.org.
• Tell your friends about Idol Gives Back.
• Get all the kids you know to go to Scholastic.com/idolgivesback
• If you want to learn more about how you can help to make poverty history go to www.one.org.
• If you would prefer to donate offline, please send checks, made payable to:

Idol Gives Back
c/o Citizens Bank
PO Box 4365
Woburn, MA 01888-4365

The Show Must Go On…
Despite the positive impact this night will surely bring, it’s still American Idol and we still have to say goodbye to one contestant tonight.

Based on the performances, I’m thinking that Miss LaKisha’s time has run out. Sorry, but she can’t live off “And I’m Telling You” forever. She’s been warbly and off for weeks now. I think the competition had really gotten to her. Chris Richardson still has the girls vote and that will keep him (in the bottom two) but safe. Jordin Sparks performance of “You’ll Never Walk Alone” (perhaps one of my favorite songs of ALL time) was phenomenal, and she might have just surpassed Melinda Doolittle as my personal favorite. Then again, it might just be that I can’t have any higher expectations for Melinda than I already do, and she meets or exceeds them every week (as she did last night – fantastic performance!!). I thought Blake’s performance of John Lennon’s “Imagine” was sweet and he brought a touch of soul to the classic. Phil Stacey continues to rock an amazing vocal, but I fear he did too much damage in the beginning of the competition to make up for his really strong performances the past few weeks. I’ve liked Phil from the beginning, so I’m hoping he outlasts LaKisha and Chris.So with the celebs, the singing, the elimination – it’s going to be a pretty awesome night for American Idol fans. All this and Seacrest promised a HUGE surprise!! I have no clue what it is although I’m personally hoping for a reunion of past Idols…is that wrong? Clay, Kelly, Justin Guarini, Tamyra Gray, EJ Day – I want them all back!!
American Idol- Idol Gives Back (Tonight at 8pm EST on FOX)