Idol gives back tonight

MANILA, Philippines - Tonight on Q-11, American Idol’s Idol Gives Back will feature performances and appearances by some of Hollywood’s biggest stars — such as Alicia Keys, Carrie Underwood, The Black Eyed Peas, Annie Lennox, and Jeff Beck and a few surprises.

In previous years, Idol Gives Back  has featured Brad Pitt, Bono, Reese Witherspoon, Miley Cyrus, Eli Manning, Peyton Manning, Daughtry, Carrie Underwood, Mariah Carey, Gwen Stefani, Josh Groban, P!nk, Céline Dion, Robin Williams and Ben Stiller. 

This year’s edition will have Sir Elton John performing on behalf of the Elton John AIDS Foundation. A legend since forming his first band way back 1961, John continues to sell out concerts worldwide. He established the Elton John AIDS Foundation to support innovative HIV prevention programs, efforts to eliminate stigma and discrimination associated with HIV/AIDS and direct care, and support services for people living with the disease.

Also joining this year’s Idol Gives Back is Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation as a not-for-profit partner on the charity special. Believing that every life has equal value, the Gates Foundation works to help all people lead healthy, productive lives.

A brainchild of Simon Fuller, Idol Gives Back has made history by raising over $140-M for charity to date. The special will help raise awareness and funds to benefit various US and international charities, including Malaria No More, Children’s Health Fund, Save the Children’s US Programs, Feeding America and the United Nations Foundation. As previously announced, News Corporation, Ford Motor Company, Coca-Cola, AT&T and ExxonMobil will return as corporate sponsors of Idol Gives Back and will donate to the historic Emmy Award-winning television event. US viewers will once again be able to make donations during and after the show.

Tonight is also the results night where one more finalist will be cut from the competition. 

American Idol airs Wednesday, 6 p.m. (with same day replay at 8 p.m.), and Thursday, 6 p.m. (with same day replay at 7:35 p.m.)