Idol to Give Back Again
American Idol is bringing back Idol Gives Back.
After raising $75 million on behalf of unprivileged children both in the U.S. and Africa with last season's fundraiser (and racking up superior ratings in the process), the brain trust behind the singing competition is ready to take another shot at philanthropy.
Last season's event, which received a special Emmy Award, featured performances by Celine Dion, Josh Groban, Annie Lennox and past Idol winners Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood, among others.
Bono served as the charity week's mentor, guiding the six finalists through "American Prayer," the song he and Dave Stewart penned especially for Idol Gives Back.
Ryan Seacrest hosted portions of the fundraiser from the usual Idol stage in Hollywood, while Ellen DeGeneres presided over a live companion event at Los Angeles' Walt Disney Hall.
Among the celebs who contributed messages of support to the event were Tom Cruise, Matt Damon, Madonna, Forest Whitaker,Teri Hatcher, Eric McCormack, Dr. Phil, Hugh Laurie, Helen Mirren, Kevin Bacon, Lisa Kudrow, David Schwimmer, Marc Anthony, Kirstie Alley, Shaquille O'Neal, Chris Daughtry, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Keira Knightley, Rob Schneider, Jason Biggs, Helena Bonham Carter, Hugh Grant, the Blue Man Group, Goldie Hawn, LeBron James, Gwyneth Paltrow and Miss Piggy.
With a lineup like that behind the original Idol Gives Back, the forthcoming special has plenty of hype to live up to.
However, based on the latest round of auditions, the judges have already expressed confidence that this season is shaping up to be the best one yet, which can only bode well for Idol Gives Back 2.
American Idol returns to the airwaves with a two-hour premiere on Jan. 15. The charity-fueled segment of the talent show is slated to air Apr. 9 on Fox.
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