American Idol Gives Back 4/21/2010; Who Got Voted Off of Round 7 This Week?

The President said, "American Idol is about changing lives. Thank you for your continued generosity as part of Idol gives back. Since its inception American Idol Gives Back has been responsible for raising $140 million dollars. They have used that money to fight malaria in Africa, and to provide food and health care here at home. Every dollar makes a difference. Thanks for American Idol for setting a great example, and thank you for your generosity, and as Randy Jackson would say," You're all my dawgs."

Michelle Obama said, "And Simon be nice!"

Ryan welcomed everyone to Idol Gives Back which is a fund driver to raise money for desperately needy families. The judges' have brought back their stories from around the globe. Ryan introduced Randy Jackson, Ellen DeGeneres, Kara DioGuardi, and Simon Cowell.

Ryan said thanks to the corporate sponsors: Exxon, NewsCorp. Coca Cola, Ford, AT&T, Fremantle Media, and 19 Entertainment. Then he told Idol fans that American Idol would be broadcast from two different locations.

Ryan hosted from the Kodak Theatre and Queen Latifah was in Pasadena, CA at the Civic Auditorium.

Queen Latifah said she was so proud to be a part of this cause and she thanked the Exxon Mobile Company for sponsoring her segment. In Pasadena, Queen told us she had an amazing line up: Black Eyed Keys, Carrie Underwood, Jeff Beck, John Stone, and Annie Lenox, and Sir Elton John.

In Hollywood, Ryan had Alicia Keys, Mary J. Blige and an all star band, and the results of this weeks' votes.

The top 12 did a medley of songs, and we got a chance to see Didi, Paige, Katie, Andrew and Lacey again.

Jennifer Garner was broadcast live via tape. "Idol gives back is keeping the dream alive for help and hope. Jennifer Garner went "deep inside the Appalachians' mountains of Kentucky, in Breathitt County, Home of Chad Warrix.

Jennifer told American Idol fans, "It isn't far from Charleston, West Virginia, where she grew up. Here 45% of the children are growing up in poverty. Most kids don't have access to the same things most of us take for granted. Four-year-olds who grow up in poverty, on average, are 18 months behind the rest of the kids their age.

Jennifer visited a family that lived in a house that was two rooms and had no heat. They use kerosene heaters or the oven to heat when it is cold. 'Save the children' give the kids an extra boost. All of Theresa's kids, (the mom Jennifer was visiting) are in Save the Children Programs and receive books, puzzles, and games that have been donated. Kids like these need our help. We know that parents love their kids and it doesn't matter where they live. They deserve whatever we can do to help them."

Next up was Victoria Beckham, a previous guest judge, joined by two kids. She recently spent a few days watching more than 6000 new books being handed out to help thousands of kids. Some kids don't get healthy food; in fact, 1 out of 5 children in the US today live in poverty and they don't get the right foods to eat. Victoria introduced the two children that were with her.

Roy said, "When I was in 4^th grade, my reading was low, and now in 6^th grade I'm reading at a 7^th or 8^th grade level." Brianna, said, "I wasn't reading very good, and now I am, and I am president of my school."

Ryan Seacrest said, call 877-436-5243 to donate or 1-.877-IDOl-AID or go online to Americanidol.com

Captain Sully Sullenberger told everyone that he landed the plane on the Hudson in New York and 155 lives had been saved. He wanted people to help others, and asked for folks to please donate and make a difference and save more lives.

Ryan asked the contestants how they were doing. Mike Lynche said he was happy to be still around. Tim said he was glad to be part of an awesome show. Lee said, "Before I sing, I get into the zone and the mood of the song...whatever it calls for. If it is a ballad I try to tap into my emotional zone, or if it is a rock tune, get amped up to rock harder."

The show moved back to Pasadena with Queen Latifah. She reminded everyone that they could download the evening's performances from I-Tunes and the proceeds will go to the cause.

The Black Eyed Peas performed Rock that Body which sounded like a rap techno song. The stage show included lights, smoke and mirrors, but the sound levels weren't very good. The crowd went crazy but I wasn't really impressed.

Malaria has been cut in ½ but we still have a ways to go.

The tape that followed included a visit to a Malaria clinic in Africa. Ninety percent of malaria deaths occur in Africa, and every 30 seconds a child dies of the disease. Getting to a hospital is often impossible.

In Uganda, Jacqueline was admitted to a hospital. In the time she made it to the hospital, the bugs attacked her central nervous system and her respiratory system was failing. Her liver and kidneys had shut down. Her husband was in shock. His beautiful wife and unborn baby were slipping away. She arrived too late for any treatment and died 11/26/2009.Her husband, Dismus, lost everything - his family and his future.

A mosquito net could have saved both of them, and the cost would have been only $10.00

One of the 7 American Idol Contestants has to leave tonight.

The chance to host, went to the highest bidder Ryan Seacrest joked, and then George Lopez took the stage.

"Don't worry Ryan, I've got it. I can take it from here." He told him, "Don't you have four other shows to take care of? I got it."

Then George had the techies dim the lights, then brighten the lights. He said, "I love the power, and I can see how it makes you feel five feet tall."

Ryan smiled and replied as he stood near the stage, "I'm your binky."

Then George said, "I want all the idols to stand up (to which they did). I've been watching you all season and you guys have been amazing. Ok. All of you please sit down and relax. It's about time somebody judged the judges for a change!"

George told Randy, "Every night you say, you that was pitchy, Dawg. What do you think? Concentrate and formulate your own thoughts. Feel me? My cousin who works at the dog pound says you say "dog" more than they do. But you're the only brother on the show so Randy, you are safe."

"Kara, Karla, DeGuido, However you pronounce it. Every night you say, I wanted you to make it your own. I'm so disappointed in you and I was expecting so much more. Also every night you say I wrote that song. Then you came on my show and you sounded great, and you weren't pitchy at all. I love that about you. I also wall- papered my room with your nudie pictures, so Karla, you are safe! Although no cute boy on this show is."

"Ellen D. What's up girl? How are you? I'm okay. Every night you say I love that, you moved me, Simon stop touching me. You've done a good job being Courtney Kardashian. On your show you get up and dance, how do you stay still here?"

"Simon, every night, you say, rubbish, that was ghastly, Ryan stop touching me. Mix it up, where a large T-shirt. Look I'm not saying your shirts are tight but people can tell how cold it is in the studio. And I have to ask, saline or silicone? America has voted and you have to go back to England, but since there is a big cloud of ash, and it will keep you from traveling, you are safe."

Next, Crystal and Casey were up on the stage. Casey is in the bottom three.

Then it was Aaron and Lee. Lee was safe and Aaron is in the bottom three.

Guitarist, Jeff Beck and soul diva Joss Stone sang "I put a spell on you'. She was one of the best singers I've seen on idol this season. She gave it her all.

We watched a clip of David Decoveny, Chris Rock, Josh Groban and others which opened a trailer about mothers and motherhood and Aids. Mom's die in child birth and kids grow up without them. More than 250,000 mothers die in childbirth. Tonight you can help. Please give what you can.

Enter a sweepstake with ATT to win a million dollars, text 'win' to 4004.

Morgan Freedman said, "I was raised in the public systems of Mississippi and they prepared me for my dreams. I wish for today's children to have the same or better opportunities. Many don't graduate and for those that do, they are left behind the rest of the world academically. Unless we change this, our kids won't be competitive. We must encourage physical activity and learning. Randy and I spent some time there, to see how 'Save the Children' is making a difference. Mayou Bayou is one of the poorest areas in the US. Illiteracy, Health, Food and Nutrition are severely lacking. Save the Children literacy program helps pave the way out of poverty."

We met a woman who watched as her 13 year old son was doused by a neighboring kid with gasoline and burnt before her eyes. She said her son used to have A's and B's but his report card went to D's and F's. His siblings and saved the children literature was there to help. Morgan reminded us these kids 'have to be fit enough to climb. Millions of kids need our help. Together we can make a difference."

To text a donation of 10 dollars, text "idol' 2022, and reply yes when prompted; up to 3 times per phone.

Alicia Keys sang 'Empire State of Mind - Part 2'. Alicia sang off key, and seemed a little overpowered on the stage. But she sang and asked people to give all you can give. Then she sat down at the piano and that is where Alicia really shines in my opinion.

Carrie Underwood sang beautifully. Her lyrics were, "Are you just a fool that believes you can change the world. The world is so big; this is a sure way to start. Close your eyes and imagine a kid in the dark. Don't listen to them when they say you're just a fool when you think you can change the world." Carrie told the crowd she is donating 36 cents for every ticket sale to Save the Children for one of her upcoming shows.

Ellen shared that she went to Pasadena with David Arquette to let everyone know what they are doing. Today, one in 6 Americans doesn't know where their next meal is coming from. At the Foothill Unity Center. 415 W. Chestnut St, David has been working with Feed the Children for three years.

Most of the people that come through are working Americans. 37 million people will be forced to rely on social services to feed their families. This facility feeds 4000 families a year such as one guy who was a math teacher.

He can't afford to feed a family with three kids but thanks to feeding America we have food.With just ten dollars, 90 lbs of food can be purchased. Your generosity will make a difference. Ellen said, "I would like to see people make a difference."

Ryan reminded us that last week we saw Sister Domingue and her work at the orphanage with Kara.

Elton John, Annie Lennox, and more

Bill and Melinda Gates advocates for health

Next on the American Idol Gives back show was Bill and Melinda Gates. They started the 'Creative Fund" and the number one fund raising group was Adam Gives Back which was a team from CT. Ryan said "We like to salute the Bill and Melinda Gates foundation", and then he sat down for a pre-taped interview.

Ryan sat down with them to hear about the work they are doing. Ryan asked about why global healthcare and Bill Gates said, "Global health is our top priority because the inequity of children is really unfair. If we can help we should."

Ryan asked him "Why is it important to give to something like this?"

Melinda Gates said, "American people are generous. If I said you could change a neighbors life for 10.00 you would do it. When you think about the cost of saving these lives, people can get energized by getting involved and giving whatever they can."

Bill Gates closed with,"For diseases like Malaria, just having that bed net means they don't get bitten and they live. So many good things happen in the community when they live. We have 9 million children a year dying every year. Yes it was 23 million and we have done good work but we are not done. We can look back or we can look forward and try and get our goal to zero. There is possible change, and we hope that people realize that they can make a difference."

"Some people think they don't know if their money will make a difference. Melinda and I track the money, we buy bed nets, and we get the kids vaccines. We would love to have people give back, and join the One campaign for people to get involved."

Melinda closed with," I hope people wake up tomorrow and feel good about making a difference."

Wanda Sikes did a funny spiel

Wanda said, "It is really exciting to be here, I'm a fan of American Idol. The season is getting exciting. Simon looked bored earlier in the season. You can tell when Simon is bored because he plays with his nipples. I like American Idol because it keeps the meanness in it. They make the loser sing, like you know. - Ok, America has voted you off, let's take a look back before America crushes your dreams, Yes, let's look back to when you were happy when you thought you were going to Hollywood but oh, no not now. Ok, then next I want you to sing .and remind America why they didn't vote for you. Let them know why they are right. "

To the judges, Wanda said, "You used up the save, and you kept Big Mike here and that's a good thing. But let's face it, Who's gonna tell that big brother he's going home. Seacrest out! Good luck to you guys, I love you all. Congratulations."

Down to the last three: Tim, Mike and Siobhan

Siobhan was safe. Mike defeated the odds, and was also safe.Tim Urban is in the bottom three.

Next up, American Idol fans were happy to see season 7 winner, David Cook. David Cook went to Ethiopia and said, "The reality is so different there. I had preconceived ideas before I went of what it was going to be like; I met some really cool and amazing people. There is an underlying sense of hope."

In Adisca Bobway, girls are being married at age 5, and they are forced to fend for themselves. A lot of people are brokers, and they bring girls into domestic abuse. "

David said, "Fifteen percent of these girls have lost both parents and introduced us to Magnus. Magnus is 7 and she has gone through losing both of her parents but she is powerful. To see these girls is inspirational. These girls deserve to get a chance."

Then Annie Lennox introduced Avinlili and tells us, "If she had been able to get the drugs she needed, Avinlili might have been born without HIV. Her mother died and Avinlili is sick; although she never complains. Scotland born, world renowned Annie Lennox shared her story via satellite as she was stranded in Europe due to the Volcanic Ash.

Annie said, "Avinlili is so sick, but she is so incredibly strong. It is hard to explain how this little girl got to me. And what is heartbreaking is that she could have been living a normal life if her mom had been able to get the treatment." Then Annie shared a tape of the little girl months later, and she looked so much healthier. It was too late to save her mom but it is not too late to help Avinlili. Give what you can - pick up the phone."

Next up was an all-star, cast, including Randy Jackson, Mary J. Blige, Orianthi, Travis Barker, Steve Vie, Monty Newval, Ron Fair, with "Stairway to Heaven" by Led Zepplin and their performance is available on I-Tunes.

Simon said, "Two years ago, I visited the rural Douglas, Arizona, founded in 1901. It is always good to see where the money has been spent, so we are going back there to meet Dr. John. He is the local saint. With the help of the Children's Health Fund, Dr. John has a bus that can go out and help kids who can't get care. "

We meet Joan. A few months ago, Joan was diagnosed with CPD. She lives with it because she has to. Dr. John tells us she is going to need superb medical care. What difference did the mobile unit make? It gave Silene a better quality of life.

Simon said, "Dr. John is a saint but he needs help. They care for about 5000 people in the community. How do we add more Dr. Johns? I've seen it for myself, the money goes straight to the cause, and these are nice people getting help."

Then Simon told the audience that since the start of the show, they had already raised 15M since the program has been on the air.

Pasadena was rocking with Sir Elton John

Queen Latifah said, "Tonight is about saving lives."

Sir Elton John said, "Well I started the Aids Campaign in 1992, because I wanted to do something more. There are 33 millions of people living with aids and 1.5 million that we know of, infected in America."

"Everyone needs to get tested to find out if they are positive. There should not be a stigma, don't be afraid to go get tested. If you need help, email the ejaf.org. And we can help you. Wear condoms and be safe. Help yourself and other people."

Elton rocked the house with "I hope you don't mind". He sang it a little differently than the recorded version and there were clips from all the segments of the show played up on the screen. Even as he ages, Sir Elton John is still a crowd pleaser.

Which one of the idols is going home? Shania Twain will be the mentor next week.

Casey, Aaron and Tim...1^st safe is Aaron. Casey is safe, and Tim Urban is going home.

Teflon Tim, the comeback kid has hit the end of the road. Ryan told him," We'll miss you, keep smiling."

Then they showed his goodbye clip but they were out of time, in fact over by about 20 minutes so Tim the Turban didn't get his closing song, which was probably, a good thing because of the Wanda Sikes bit.

Source:

Fox Television, American Idol Gives Back, 4/21/2010