(antiMusic) When it comes to charity, mediocre karaoke singers just won't do and all you have to do is say the word charity and Bono comes running [much to his credit of course]. We're talking about American Idol once again putting on their Idol Gives Back special. The two-hour special will air on Fox April 9th. Idol producers enlisted some other big names to take part (as well as some throw-aways that will be forgotten in a few years. Though Paula won't go away.) Here is part of the official PR on the event with hyperbole included: This year's event will be bigger and more ambitious than ever, and will feature incredible international talent including Bono, Brad Pitt, Reese Witherspoon, Miley Cyrus, Mariah Carey, Eli Manning, Peyton Manning, Fergie, Chris Daughtry, Carrie Underwood, Annie Lennox, John Legend and Snoop Dogg. Additional artists scheduled to appear to be announced.
The star-studded evening will echo the success of last year's IDOL GIVES BACK, which raised over $76 million for various U.S. charities that deliver support to underprivileged children in some of the most disadvantaged areas of the country, providing them with medical care, food and grocery products, health and life skills and literacy programs, among other important initiatives.
In Africa, funds were dedicated to organizations that support efforts to battle poverty through various health and education programs, including delivering medical supplies and providing clean water.
The brainchild of Simon Fuller, IDOL GIVES BACK has been recognized as a life-changing program, earning praise from many of the world's best known figures including President George W. Bush, HRH Prince Charles and British Prime Minister Gordon Brown. Last season's IDOL GIVES BACK special featured performances from the AMERICAN IDOL stage, where Ryan Seacrest hosted alongside judges Randy Jackson, Paula Abdul and Simon Cowell.
