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‘Idol Gives Back’ returns to ‘American Idol’

Show’s charity effort wasn’t held last year, but will return in 2010

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updated 6:37 p.m. ET Oct. 6, 2009

LOS ANGELES - "Idol Gives Back" is back.

Producers of "American Idol" say the show's charity effort will return next year, with "Idol Gives Back" set to air April 21.

The fundraising program will benefit national and international charities, including Malaria No More, Save the Children and the United Nations Foundation, Fox said Tuesday.

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"Idol Gives Back" has raised $140 million since its inception in 2007. The star-studded fundraiser has previously included appearances by Brad Pitt, Reese Witherspoon and President Barack Obama. Producers did not announce who will appear on the third "Idol Gives Back" special, which invites viewers to make donations during and after the show.

The "Idol" singing competition series returns for a new round in January.

Copyright 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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