After hiatus, 'Idol Gives Back' returns in 2010

The annual "American Idol" special "Idol Gives Back" is returning for a third year. The benefit concert will be back April 21, during the top 7 results show.

After two successful editions of "Idol Gives Back," plans for a 2009 special were nixed. Executive producer Cecile Frot-Coutaz said then that she wanted the charity event "to take a break, personally. ... I think that's the right amount of time. I don't think you should go back to the country and ask them to donate every single year. I think it's too much. Every two years to me feels right."

Proceeds from the next edition of "Idol Gives Back" will go to Children's Health Fund, Feeding America, Malaria No More, Save the Children and the United Nations Foundation. More than $140 million was raised in the two previous specials.

The ninth season of "American Idol" returns in January.

-- Denise Martin

Phil Stacey blog: The battle for the second finalist

Tonight, the guys fought it out for the final two spots in next week's finale. And they didn't hold anything back. We were shown three great artists giving amazing performances.

Adam Lambert was the strongest and most consistent man of the night. Unless Simon's fear is confirmed and America just happens to forget to vote (don't see that happening), Adam will be a finalist. For Round 1, Simon pulled some strings and Bono personally gave the OK for Adam to sing "One" by U2. Adam (with Simon's help!?!) rearranged the song and gave us an emotional rendition with killer vocals. Classic Adam. During Round 2, Adam flat out SANG — "Crying" by Aerosmith. Adam came into the competition understanding what it means to entertain, and he gave America what it wanted from him. I don't think anyone questions his rightful spot in the final.
 
Now on to the real competition — will Danny or will Kris survive tomorrow night? Both guys had decent first rounds, but each of their personal song choices could be included among the strongest performances of the season.
 
Danny was given Terence Trent D'Arby's "Dance Little Sister" by Paula, while Randy and Kara had high hopes for Kris and "Apologize" by OneRepublic. In retrospect, both Danny and Kris played it pretty safe during Round 1.  If I did have to give it to someone, it would have to go to Danny — the corny dancing tipped the scale.

Round 2 was the complete opposite. Danny gave us the perfect arrangement of the perfect song for his voice. Danny executed Joe Cocker's "You Are So Beautiful" flawlessly. After he sang, I thought there was no way Kris could overcome his first round and Danny's amazing performance — but I was wrong. Kris, in true comeback fashion, surprised us by completely revamping Kanye West's "Heartless" into a laid-back, guitar-driven groove. He put all his chips in by standing center stage with only his guitar and voice, trying persuade America to vote on his behalf. It might have worked. 
 
Just like Ryan Seacrest, I have no idea how the results will turn out tomorrow. Danny has a strong following from the get-go and pulled out my personally favorite performance of the night with "You Are So Beautiful." Kris is the underdog and has been picking up new fans every week. He was creative and bold with an amazing arrangement of "Heartless." We shall find out tomorrow who is left standing!
 

On another note &mdasyh; happy 300th episode, "American Idol," and congratulations on the $140 million raised to date through "Idol Gives Back."  My proudest and most meaningful moment on "American Idol" was my role during the first "Idol Gives Back." Thanks to everyone who has given to these worthy causes.

NOTE: Please join us for our regular post-game chat Wednesday, noon PT/3pm ET.

RELATED:

Richard Rushfield: Last stand in the Idoldome

Ann Powers: The boys state their cases

Buzzmeter: Who will go home?

— Phil Stacey

Photo: Top - Kris Allen and Danny Gokey. Bottom: Carrie Underwood earlier this month visits orphanages and health centers near Luanda, Angola for "Idol Gives Back." Credit: Fox

Michael Johns' Christmas gift

I am a bit late commenting on this, but the Christmas spirit has run strong in Michael Johns this year, who took the unusual step of making his first post-"Idol" single an all-for-charity effort, donating the proceeds to the Muscular Dystrophy Assn.'s amyotrophic lateral sclerosis division and to the Red Cross.  Johns wrote of the single and his involvement with it on his MySpace blog:

    I believe very strongly in these charities. ALS is a horrible disease that robs you of everything. You lose the ability to walk, talk and move. However, you keep all brain function. It’s like being in your own prison.

    The Red Cross is such an important organization and I am dedicating this song to all the troops serving abroad this holiday. "Another Christmas" is really about being away from loved ones and telling them you miss them and love them.

    I never intended to release a song I had written for my family; however, it’s for such a great cause. I know you will all help me in raising as much money and awareness as you can. Download "Another Christmas" at iTunes or Amazon.

Johns has been getting a fair amount of exposure with the single, including this appearance on NBC's "Today" show. Not too many details have been made public yet about his first solo album, due out early next year. But the first public outing is a big milestone in an Idol's post-show future, and hats off to Johns for using that moment for charitable ends.   

Getting involved in charity has been a major part of the post-show days of several -- at least -- of last season's contestants. I'm not sure if this has been as much what the contestants have raced to in previous seasons, or whether the influence of "Idol Gives Back" this year got them on that track. Or perhaps it's the times we're living in today.  But I've heard tales for a few of them about how charity work has immediately become a major part of their lives, and I hope to highlight those stories more as the season progresses.

-- Richard Rushfield

Photo: Fox

American Idol Daily: Let the giving back begin

With all "American Idol" has given us as a nation, America should feel guilty about taking anything more.  But take we must, because "Idol" is giving back once again.

Today, Idol Gives Back, the charitable arm of the "American Idol" complex, announced the disbursements of funds raised in its 2008 telethon.  The show, which aired in April featuring guest appearances by a multitude of stars such as  Bono and  Ben Stiller, raised $64 million to benefit children-centric charities in the U.S. and Africa.  In a press release to be issued  today, IGB announced it  had selected the following groups as this year's beneficiaries of the telethon: Children�s Defense Fund; Children�s Health Fund; The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria; Make It Right; Malaria No More; and the U.S. Programs of Save the Children.

�The fact that 'American Idol' has the ability to inspire millions, create hope and change lives is simply remarkable,� said "Idol" creator, executive producer and IGB mastermind Simon Fuller in the press statement. �We are extremely thankful to our viewers, sponsors and outstanding talent who continue to motivate each and every one of us to contribute to those who need it the most.�

IGB continues to accept donations at americanidol.com.

The rest of the day in "American Idol" after the jump.