IDOL GIVES BACK – Charity Show Tuesday, April 24, 2007 & Wednesday, April 25, 2007 

IDOL GIVES BACK was a two-night special raising awareness and funds for organizations that provide relief programs to help people in extreme poverty in America and Africa. Almost $70 million was raised to aid those in need.  On Tuesday’s performance show, the finalists sang songs that could be considered “Life Anthems”  On Wednesday’s results show, the night culminated in Bono and Dave Stewart’s specially commissioned song “American Prayer,” performed by the Top 6 finalists. Also appearing on the AMERICAN IDOL stage, Celine Dion traveled back to 1968 to duet with the late Elvis Presley on his hit song “If I Can Dream,” and the Top 6 finalists sang Quincy Jones’ anthem “Time to Care” after being mentored by the legendary music producer. Additional celebrities appearing on the AMERICAN IDOL set included Jack Black and Seal.  

Earth, Wind & Fire, Il Divo, Rascal Flatts, Josh Groban with the African Children’s Choir, the original American Idol Kelly Clarkson and Annie Lennox gave live performances from Walt Disney Concert Hall, where Ellen DeGeneres hosted. 

The illustrious group of celebrity participants in IDOL GIVES BACK also included Madonna, as well as Kirstie Alley, Gillian Anderson, Marc Anthony, Kevin Bacon, Jason Biggs, Blue Man Group, Emily Blunt, Michael Bublé, Helena Bonham Carter, Tom Cruise, Matt Damon, Chris Daughtry, Mickey Dolenz, Hugh Grant, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Teri Hatcher, Goldie Hawn, LeBron James, Chris Kattan, Keira Knightley, Lisa Kudrow, Hugh Laurie, Rob Lowe, Joel and Benji Madden, Eric McCormack, Dr. Phil McGraw, Kevin McNally, Helen Mirren, Parminder Nagra, Shaquille O’Neal, Gwyneth Paltrow, Miss Piggy, Rob Schneider, David Schwimmer, the Simpsons, Ben Stiller, Twiggy, Harvey Weinstein and Forest Whitaker. 
 

CREDITS: 

EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: Nigel Lythgoe

                              Ken Warwick

                              Cecile Frot-Coutaz

                              Simon Fuller 

DIRECTOR:    Bruce Gowers 

EXECUTIVE IN CHARGE OF

PRODUCTION:   Wylleen May 

SUPERVISING PRODUCER: Charles Boyd 

SENIOR PRODUCER:  James Breen 

COORDINATING PRODUCER: Patrick Lynn 

VOCAL COACH:   Debra Byrd & Dorian Holly 

ASSOC. MUSICAL DIR.:  Michael Orland

 
HAIR/MAKEUP:   Dean Banowetz (hair)

                              Mezghan Hussainy (makeup)