Idol Gives Back

Idol Gives Back is an annual televised charity drive that first aired on April 24, 2007. The second charity drive, during season seven, aired on April 9, 2008. The event raises money to help fund projects to fight disease and promote education, largely in Africa, but also in other under privileged areas as well.

While Idol Gives Back was spread over two episodes of Idol in 2007, it aired as one 2 1/2-hour episode on April 9, 2008. Celebrity guest spots included performances by Miley Cyrus and Snoop Dogg and a special appearance by actor Brad Pitt.

• Snoop Dogg with Charlie Wilson
• Teri Hatcher
• Fergie
• Heart
• Annie Lennox
• Carrie Underwood
• Jordin Sparks with Chris Brown
• Gloria Estefan with Sheila E
• Chris Daughtry
• Mariah Carey
• Miley Cyrus

Initiated by AI creator Simon Fuller and writer Richard Curtis, the first "Idol Gives Back" campaign sent funds to Africa and donated to Hurricane Katrina charitable funds. Corporations such as News Corp and Coca-Cola donated money based on the number of votes called into the show. Celebrity performances highlighted the two-night event, with appearances by Marc Anthony, Antonio Banderas, Bono, Tom Cruise, Ellen DeGeneres, Shaquille O'Neal and Gwyneth Paltrow.

• Earth, Wind & Fire
• Il Divo
• Carrie Underwood
• Jack Black
• Fergie
• Rascal Flatts
• Josh Groban
• Kelly Clarkson
• Celine Dion
• Annie Lennox
• Green Day
• Pink and Gwen Stefani were had taped segments for the show, but due to time constraints their segments were aired on later episodes.

• Save the Children
• America's Second Harvest
• Boys & Girls Club of America
• Children's Health Fund
• The Global Fund to Fight AIDS
• Tuberculosis & Malaria
• Malaria No More
• Nothing But Nets
• UNICEF

• Mahalo's Guide Idol Gives Back Photos

• YouTube Video: Fantasia Barrino and Elliott Yamin in Mongolia (Time: 2:51)