"Idol Gives Back" Donations for Children Have Topped $60 Million

'Idol" fans, as well as the final six Idol contestants, were stunned when voting results were made known by host Ryan Seacrest on this last week's "American Idol". At the finale of the show as the six 'Idol' performers awaited their fate, Seacrest informed them (the contestants) along with America, that they had been given a reprieve until next week's show. The elimination of the singer receiving the least votes was to have coincided with the huge nationwide fund raiser gala, "Idol Gives Back." The stunned singers were told that the votes would be added to the totals next week and the bottom two contestants would be given their walking papers. Seventeen year old Jordin Sparks couldn't hold back her tears after being warned that the results of the voting were shocking. Sparks has been one of the 'Idol' favorites. The other relieved contestants who were dressed identically in white, gathered around the girl with hugs and words of reassurance. This week's performances were of the spiritual nature as the young singers participated in the gala, star-studded fund raiser entitled " Idol Gives Back."

After just a few days, including the four hours of after show voting, the donation total to benefit the 'Charity Project Entertainment Fund', continues to add up. This charity known also as 'CPEF' was created to use the media and entertainment to aide and eliminate poverty and illness in the world's children, especially in the US and in Africa. More then $60 million dollars has been collected so far with contributions still flooding in. The show is raising money to benefit various children's charities including the 'Save the Children's Fund', and 'Malaria No More'. Other charities to benefit from the gala will be 'America's Second Harvest', ( a food pantry which helps combat hunger in the US), 'The Boy's and Girl's Club of America', and 'The Children's Health Fund'. Funds raised will also benefit Africa's children by giving money to 'The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria',' Malaria No More,' Nothing But Nets,' 'Save the Children's Fund' and the 'US Fund for UNICEF'. Wednesday evening brought in an unprecedented 70 million votes from American fans.

Sponsors for the show, including Coca Cola, AT&T,and the Ford Motor Company along with News Corp.and All State and Exxon Mobile have all made huge pledges of money. News Corp. has said it would donate 10 cents for each vote received for the first 50 million votes. The Ford Motor Company has created a video starring all six Idol finalists and has made it available for downloading on i-Tunes.com This video along with one done by American Idol's Carrie Underwood called, "I'll Stand By You," and another unique video called "Stayin Alive" starring various celebrities were also included in the offer. All proceeds are to be donated to 'Idol Gives Back.' The 'Stayin Alive' video was introduced on Wednesday night and included stars Madonna, Kirsty Alley, Gillian Anderson, Marc Anthony,Kevin Bacon, Blue Man Group, Emily Blunt, Michael Buble', Tom Cruise, Matt Damon, Hugh Laurie, Chris Daughtry, Mickey Dolenz, Hugh Grant, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Teri Hatcher, Goldie Hawn, LeBron James, Chris Kattan, Keira Knightley, Lisa Kudrow, Eric McCormick, Joel & Benji Maddow, Dr. Phil McGraw, Kevin McNally, Helen Mirren, Shaquille O'Neil, Parminder Nacra, Gwyneth Paltrow, Rob Schneider, David Schwimmer and Miss Piggy. Stars Twiggy, Harvey Weinstein and Forest Whitaker also appeared. Donations were also made to Idol Gives Back by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and Con Agra Foods. Host Ellen DeGeneres, personally donated $100,000 of her own money and challenged her wealthy friends and anyone else with money to match her donation.

Actor Ben Stiller threatened to sing until millions were raised. Comedian and actor Jack Black surprised the listening audience with his strong singing voice which was critiqued by singer, Sting and the American Idol judges. The Simpson's' also did a satirical skit appearing with Idol judge, Simon Cowell in cartoon character, where he attempted to sing and was given the boot by Simpson judges.

The home audience along with the audience at 'The Walt Disney Concert Hall' and on 'The American Idol stage' at The Kodak Theater were treated to a unique performance with super-star Celine Dion performing seamlessly together with deceased, legend-singer Elvis Presley singing "If I Can Dream." Both concert halls were simultaneously used for the fund raiser with hosts Ryan Seacrest at the Kodak Theater and comedian Ellen DeGeneres hosting at The Disney Concert Hall. Other performers were the original American Idol, Kelly Clarkson, Earth Wind and Fire, Annie Lennox, Josh Grobin singing along with the African Children's Choir, Rascal Flatts and Il Divo. The top six 'Idol' singers, dressed identically in white, performed a song created and directed by Quncy Jones called, "Time To Save." The American Idol singers also preformed the song created by Bono and Dave Stewart called "American Prayer."

Finalists Melinda Doolittle, LaKisha Jones, Blake Lewis, Jordin Sparks, Chris Richardson and Phil Stacey will perform this coming week tutored by rock-star and multi-platinum record selling,Jon Bon Jovi. The singers will do their take on Bon Jovi hits. The bottom two singers will be eliminated during Wednesday's two hour show. The window for voting will also be extended once again from two hours to four hours, starting during the show. Donations can continue to be made by calling 1877-436-5243 or on line at www.americanidol.com Donations may be made through May 31, 2007.