'American Idol' airs three days this week
For one night, "American Idol" isn't entirely about shattering dreams.
It's time for "Idol Gives Back," the philanthropy extravaganza that debuted last year and generated $76 million for charities in the U.S. and Africa.
Producers hope this year's event will raise $100 million.
When "Idol Gives Back" airs Wednesday, it will have its own two-and-a-half-hour time slot, sandwiched between performances by the remaining eight finalists (Tuesday) and elimination night (Thursday).
It's a change from last year, when the "Idol Gives Back" festivities were folded into the reality TV competition's normal schedule.
The new format could increase the event's popularity.
Perhaps on the most positive note, there's been no mention of another creepy duet featuring Celine Dion and a digitally reincarnated Elvis.
More importantly, as a stand-alone entity, "Idol Gives Back" has potential to attract do-good viewers skeptical of "Idol's" role as a singing competition.
Now, it's possible to watch "Idol Gives Back" without worrying about teary hopefuls intervening with glorified karaoke.
(Unless, of course, you count the dreaded group performance. Bathroom break, anyone?)
The show, most of which was filmed Sunday, will feature celebrities Miley Cyrus, Snoop Dogg, Mariah Carey, Carrie Underwood and Brad Pitt.
Hillary Rodham Clinton, John McCain and Barack Obama will also reportedly appear via taped messages.
Sure, "Idol Gives Back" still has some cynics -- viewers who watch Simon Cowell interact with starving orphans while criticizing the acerbic judge for not donating more of his own personal wealth.
But for the most part, the effort has been met with a positive response.
And likely, the feel-good nature of "Idol Gives Back" will lead to an easy honeymoon with viewers -- barring any major scandals involving the allocation of funds raised.
This isn't the first time music, celebrities and altruism have joined forces, yet "Idol Gives Back" holds some distinction in giving an often callous TV show a charitable face.
Will the spirit of generosity extend to "Idol" contestants?
Maybe not.
continue...
It's time for "Idol Gives Back," the philanthropy extravaganza that debuted last year and generated $76 million for charities in the U.S. and Africa.
Producers hope this year's event will raise $100 million.
When "Idol Gives Back" airs Wednesday, it will have its own two-and-a-half-hour time slot, sandwiched between performances by the remaining eight finalists (Tuesday) and elimination night (Thursday).
It's a change from last year, when the "Idol Gives Back" festivities were folded into the reality TV competition's normal schedule.
The new format could increase the event's popularity.
Perhaps on the most positive note, there's been no mention of another creepy duet featuring Celine Dion and a digitally reincarnated Elvis.
More importantly, as a stand-alone entity, "Idol Gives Back" has potential to attract do-good viewers skeptical of "Idol's" role as a singing competition.
Now, it's possible to watch "Idol Gives Back" without worrying about teary hopefuls intervening with glorified karaoke.
(Unless, of course, you count the dreaded group performance. Bathroom break, anyone?)
The show, most of which was filmed Sunday, will feature celebrities Miley Cyrus, Snoop Dogg, Mariah Carey, Carrie Underwood and Brad Pitt.
Hillary Rodham Clinton, John McCain and Barack Obama will also reportedly appear via taped messages.
Sure, "Idol Gives Back" still has some cynics -- viewers who watch Simon Cowell interact with starving orphans while criticizing the acerbic judge for not donating more of his own personal wealth.
But for the most part, the effort has been met with a positive response.
And likely, the feel-good nature of "Idol Gives Back" will lead to an easy honeymoon with viewers -- barring any major scandals involving the allocation of funds raised.
This isn't the first time music, celebrities and altruism have joined forces, yet "Idol Gives Back" holds some distinction in giving an often callous TV show a charitable face.
Will the spirit of generosity extend to "Idol" contestants?
Maybe not.
continue...
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