American Idol's "Idol Gives Back" Airs April 21st on FOX

American Idol is set to give back on April 21st with "Idol Gives Back" which will raise money for the AIDS foundation, Feeding America, the Children's Health Fund, Malaria No More and the United Nations Foundation. "Idol Gives Back" raised over $140 million dollars in 2007 and 2008. Although, the organizers of American Idol did not run the charity event last year due to the recession, they are hopeful this year that fans of the show will donate whatever they can.

A slew of celebrity performers will be on "Idol Gives Back" to encourage fans and help raise money for the charities they support. These performers include Canadian teen idol Justin Beiber, Sir Elton John, Annie Lennox, Alicia Keyes, Carrie Underwood, Mary J. Blige and the Black Eyed Peas. Jim Carrey and Jonah Hill will be appearing in comedy sketches during the two-hour TV special.

Fans of American Idol will be encouraged to donate money during the live broadcast but are also encouraged to bid online for cool stuff from the judges, performers and friends of American Idol. Some items up for auction include a Eurythmics box set, a Simon Cowell signed t-shirt, singing lessons from Randy Jackson and Kara DioGuardi, autographed sneakers from Ellen DeGeneres and front row tickets to a Sir Elton John concert. All money raised from the auctions will be donated to charities that provide food, education, housing and assistance to children and families in need in the U.S. and abroad. Items will be auctioned between April 7th and April 20th.

American Idol's "Idol Gives Back" episode will air on April 21st at 8/7c on FOX. The 2 hour TV special will include the weekly results from the Idol competition and one contestant will be eliminated at the end of the show. Contestant's still in the running to become the next American Idol include Crystal Bowersox, Siobhan Magnus, Michael Lynche, Tim Urban, Lee Dewyze, Casey James, and Aaron Kelly.

Sources:
Idol Gives Back Online Auction
American Idol Official Site