‘Idol’ charity special pulls in $60 million

Relief programs in Africa and U.S. benefit; record 70 million phone in

	The final six contestants on ‘American Idol’ — from left, Jordin Sparks, Blake Lewis, Melinda Doolittle, Chris Richardson, LaKisha Jones and Phil Stacey — perform Wednesday. And none of them were eliminated.
Frank Micelotta / AP

Interactive

Simon says
Sometimes the best part of “American Idol” is the latest sly comment from acerbic judge Simon Cowell. Here are some of our favorites from this season.

‘American Idol’ video

Adam Lambert says he’s gay
June 9: In a candid interview with Rolling Stone magazine, this season’s “American Idol” runner-up, Adam Lambert, talks openly about his sexuality. NBC’s Chris Jansing reports.

Kris, Adam reflect on ‘Idol’

Adam Lambert: ‘There’s not a conspiracy’

Kris, Adam ready to rock the Plaza

Kris Allen performs ‘Heartless’

Adam Lambert performs ‘Mad World’

Kris Allen sings ‘No Boundaries’

updated 10:36 p.m. ET May 1, 2007

LOS ANGELES - An “American Idol” charity special filled with wrenching pictures of impoverished children and celebrity appeals raised more than $60 million, Fox said Thursday.

The money from “Idol Gives Back,” a two-night special that was combined with the regular talent contest, will go to organizations funding relief programs for America and Africa, the network said. Donations came from viewers and corporations.

A total of $5 million was pledged by Fox parent company News Corp., which gave 10 cents for each of the first 50 million votes received for contestants on Tuesday’s show. More than 70 million votes were cast, a record for the show, Fox said.

Story continues below ↓

advertisement | your ad here

Pledges were still coming in, and an updated total was to be announced on Tuesday’s show, Fox said.

In the spirit of the evening, “American Idol” decided not to bounce a contestant as usual Wednesday — meaning two singers will be going home next week.

Performers on Wednesday’s two-hour special included Earth, Wind & Fire, Kelly Clarkson and Josh Groban with the African Children’s Choir. Ben Stiller, Madonna and other celebrities encouraged viewers to donate.

Slide show
Season 6 of ‘Idol’
The votes — and the surprises — are adding up and the 'American Idol' hopefuls now number 6.
Ellen DeGeneres, co-host with Ryan Seacrest of Wednesday’s show, said she was making a donation of $100,000.

Funds will go to the newly formed Charity Projects Entertainment Fund for distribution to groups including America’s Second Harvest: The Nation’s Food Bank Network, Boys & Girls Clubs of America and the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB and Malaria.