Idol Gives Back Returns for 2010

American Idol will once again host Idol Gives Back, the Emmy Award-winning television event and musical celebration raising awareness and funds to benefit various U.S. and international charities, during the Top 7 Results Show Wednesday, April 21 at 8/7c on FOX. Children’s Health Fund, Feeding America, Malaria No More, Save the Children’s U.S. Programs and the United Nations Foundation are confirmed beneficiaries.


“I am very pleased to announce that we will be doing our third Idol Gives Back on April 21, 2010,” said Simon Fuller, Idol creator and CEO of 19 Entertainment. “This is our opportunity to reach out and support the people of America and around the world who need our compassion and generosity to improve or even save their lives. America will undoubtedly prove once again what a remarkable and generous nation it is. For American Idol to be able to facilitate this kind of initiative makes me very proud.”

“In today’s tough economic times, it’s more important than ever – but more difficult than ever – to raise money to help those in need,” said Mike Darnell, President of Alternative Entertainment, Fox Broadcasting Company. “With this year’s Idol Gives Back, we’re focused on raising awareness about the challenges that so many children and families currently face and demonstrating how even small donations can make a difference and help save lives. Every little bit counts.”

“There’s never been a more important and appropriate time to give what we can to help those less fortunate,” said Cecile Frot-Coutaz, executive producer of American Idol. “We all have less to give, and we may not raise as much as in previous years, but with the power of the Idol platform and the generosity of our viewers, we hope to extend a much-needed compassionate hand to those children and families who need us the most in these trying economic times.”

Idol Gives Back has made history by raising over $140 million for charity to date. Viewers will once again be able to make donations during and following the show. In addition, the week’s voting results will be revealed, sending one of the finalists home.

The brainchild of Simon Fuller, this year’s special will feature performances and appearances by some of Hollywood’s biggest stars – as well as a few surprises – live from the American Idol stage. In previous years, Idol Gives Back has welcomed President Barack Obama, British Prime Minister Gordon Brown, former President George W. Bush, Brad Pitt, Bono, Reese Witherspoon, Miley Cyrus, Eli Manning, Peyton Manning, Annie Lennox, Daughtry, Carrie Underwood, Mariah Carey, Gwen Stefani, Josh Groban, Pink, Céline Dion, Robin Williams, Ben Stiller and others.