‘Idol Gives Back’ Raises Millions
"Idol Gives Back" announced the results of its fund-raising effort from Wednesday night's two-hour television event. The show raised almost $45 million to benefit various U.S. and international charities, including the Children’s Health Fund, Feeding America, Malaria No More, Save the Children’s U.S. Programs and the United Nations Foundation. "Once again, I am over overwhelmed by the generosity of the 'American Idol' viewers, our sponsors and our special benefactors," commented Simon Fuller , creator of "American Idol." "I am so thankful to all of the celebrity guests and performers who appeared Wednesday night." That list includes Queen Latifah , who emceed the evening, and some of music's biggest stars, including Sir Elton John , Alicia Keys , Carrie Underwood , Black Eyed Peas , Annie Lennox , J eff Beck , Joss Stone and Mary J. Blige and an all-star band performed. The evening also featured special appearances by President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama , Victoria Beckham , Morgan Freeman , Wanda Sykes , George Lopez , David Cook , Russell Brand , Jonah Hill , and Bill and Melinda Gates . The almost $45 million does not include monies raised by the iTunes Store, which will donate net proceeds from sales of the Top 7 finalist performances and from select guest performances to "Idol Gives Back." Donations will continue to be accepted via the Internet at www.americanidol.com and by telephone at 1-877-IDOL-AID (1-877-436-5243). "American Idol" returns on Tuesday at 8 p.m. on FOX, when the Top Six will perform. [Read full story on The Insider]
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'Idol Gives Back' Raises Millions
