Madonna joins ‘American Idol’ charity show

LOS ANGELES - Madonna has been added to the roster of stars appearing on tonight's "Idol Gives Back" charity special.

"American Idol" executive producer Nigel Lythgoe made the announcement this morning on Ryan Seacrest's KIIS-FM radio show.

"I'm gonna blow [a secret] now: Madonna came on board yesterday," said Lythgoe. "And that is just fantastic."

Madonna's rep confirms the appearance, noting that it will be a pre-taped message.

She will join an impressive roster of artists on the two-hour special benefiting African and American children in need.

Others set to take part in the special include Bono, Ellen DeGeneres, Celine Dion, Hugh Grant, Rascal Flatts, Gwen Stefani, Earth, Wind & Fire, Il Divo, Keira Knightley, Josh Groban with the African Children's Choir, Jack Black, Helen Mirren, Quincy Jones, Annie Lennox and past "Idol" winners Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood.

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