Thaindian News

Apr 20 (THAINDIAN NEWS) Wednesday night at 8 pm EST, American Idol will once again “Pay It Forward” with their “Idol Gives Back” charity event. In the past two editions of the event, the show has raised and donated over 140 million dollars, and they hope to raise a great deal this time as well, although they are keeping their expectations realistic.

According to executive producer Cecile Frot-Coutaz “We did incredibly well both times. We raised a lot of money and we’re hoping, obviously, that we do incredibly well this year,” Cecile said, “but we’re very aware at this time that the circumstances are very different than when we first started doing this…[the event will be] much more low key, whatever people will donate will be great. We can’t go into this with the same expectation,” said Cecile Frot-Coutaz, CEO of series producer FremantleMedia North America and an “Idol” executive producer. How the money is distributed is also affected. In the past, donations have been split between African and U.S. charities, she told a teleconference. “This year, (it’s) a little bit more weighted toward domestic causes because we feel it is an American show,” Frot-Coutaz said. “It’s a very, very tough couple of years in this country and it’s only fair that we focus on U.S. causes as well as some big international causes.” Some of those causes include Children’s Health Fund, Feeding America, Malaria No More, Save the Children’s U.S. programs and the United Nations Foundation.

The show will air on Wednesday night from the Pasadena Civic Auditorium and Queen Latifa will be hosting the event with Ryan Seacrest. Carrie Underwood, The Black Eyed Peas, and others are set to appear, and Elton John will be performing to benefit his AIDS foundation. Annie Lennox will most likely not make the show as planned because she was trapped by the volcanic ash. Others performing for “Idol Gives Back” are Jeff Beck, Joss Stone and Mary J. Blige, with a pre-taped appearance by Justin Bieber.

“Everyone on this list is there for a good reason,” Fuller said of the performers, citing their efforts on behalf of various causes. “They help us, and we can reflect some gratitude and recognition on their charity work.” It will air as a part of the regular weekly elimination episode. There are seven contestants left after last week’s elimination, in which two went home.

Simon Fuller is being very hush hush about on part of the event in particular, the role which Bill and Melinda Gates will have in it. The couple has supported “Idol Gives Back” ever since it’s start in 2007. Microsoft Corp. founder Gates and his wife co-chair the world’s largest charitable foundation, which targets education, malaria vaccine development and other areas of need. This year they have done something which Simon calls “quite incredible” for the event, but he would not elaborate. “Tune in and watch,” he suggests. Frequently asked questions concerning “Idol Gives Back are answered here: http://www.americanidol.com/idolgivesback/faq/