`Idol Gives Back' charity event
LOS ANGELES (AP) - April 7, 2008 "Idol Gives Back," the Fox singing competition's charity
event, was taped Sunday night at the Kodak Theatre and is scheduled
to air Wednesday. The star-studded gala kicked off with "Idol"
finalists performing Rihanna's "Don't Stop the Music," while
performers from "So You Think You Can Dance" twirled in the
background.
"Idol" host Ryan Seacrest served as master of ceremonies of
the event, which featured several live musical performances and
celebrity appearances by Billy Crystal, Robin Williams, Peyton and
Eli Manning, Jimmy Kimmel, Sarah Silverman, Reese Witherspoon and
Brad Pitt.
"Tonight isn't just about raising money," Pitt told the
screaming crowd. "Sometimes, to help people, we've got to travel
outside of our comfort zone to really understand another
situation."
One highlight was a duet by Fergie and Heart. They performed a
lively but shorter-than-usual rendition of Heart's "Barracuda,"
which featured The Duchess launching into two cartwheels on stage.
"`Barracuda' is usually five minutes long, so we were sweatin'
it with the arrangement, and so was Fergie," Nancy Wilson said
backstage. "We had two chances to get it right. The first two
times we got it very wrong. We actually did it right when it
mattered."
Other performers included Snoop Dogg and Charlie Wilson, John
Legend, Miley Cyrus, Annie Lennox, Mariah Carey, Carrie Underwood,
Gloria Estefan and Sheila E. Instead of singing one of her own
songs, fourth-season "Idol" winner Underwood opted to croon
George Michael's "Hand to Mouth."
"It's not about self-promoting," Underwood said backstage.
"It's not about singing your latest single. It's not about trying
to be the most-downloaded whatever on iTunes. It's all about
getting people to call in and do something."
Celebrities including David and Victoria Beckham, Kiefer
Sutherland, Ellen DeGeneres, Jim Carrey and Whoopi Goldberg
appeared in pre-taped segments encouraging viewers to make
donations. Hillary Rodham Clinton, John McCain and Barack Obama
also appeared in pre-taped messages.
Beneficiaries this year include the Global Fund, Malaria No
More, Children's Health Fund, Save the Children, Children's Defense
Fund and Make It Right, Pitt's campaign to help New Orleans recover
from Hurricane Katrina.
Last year, "Idol Gives Back" raised $76 million for
underprivileged children. Producers anticipate this year's event
will raise $100 million.