TV Cocktail: A TV Blog at iVillage.com

Entertainment
TV Cocktail

American Idol Special: Feels Good to Give

Lately during season seven episodes, American Idol has been doing a nice job showing us personal stories of young people positively affected by Idol Gives Back '07.

This week, the push is on to get viewers to dial in and pledge money again for those who desperately need it.

For the second year in a row, this event impacts lives in and outside the country.

The six charities that will benefit this year are: Save the Children, The Children's Defense Fund, Children's Health Fund, Make It Right, The Global Fund and Malaria No More.

It's about making lives better and keeping kids safe. It's about raising awareness to problems that really exist by showing you real life situations. That devastation is here too, right on our soil, not just third world countries.

We have it easy. All we have to do is open our wallets.

Last year's efforts really have made a difference to so many families. When you are watching on Wednesday, you can call toll free or log on the internet to make a donation.

Why wait for the show?

You can make a donation right now online.

The not-for-profit organization, Idol Gives Back, was developed by American Idol producers. Last year they collected $76 Million dollars from generous viewers and sponsors. This year they hope to make that at least $100 Million.

The final guest performance of the night -- judge Randy Jackson. We've heard the talk. Now he is walking the walk. The ex-Journey man plays bass on "Fly Like a Bird" with Mariah Carey.

This show was taped on Sunday, April 6 at the Kodak theatre. It will air this Wednesday night from 7:30-10:00 on FOX.

The judges look slick and it appears they are ordering refills! Good times!

It's about time... The finalists perform a song together from today's music -- Rihanna's "Don't Stop the Music". Accompanying them were dancers from the show "So You Think You Can Dance".

Last year, during Idol Gives Back week, all the contestants were spared. Funny enough, Ryan tricked Jordin Sparks into thinking she was voted off. The poor girl had tears and everything. The joke was on him... Jordin went on to win the American Idol competition. Will the producers be as charitable this time around too? We'll find out Thursday.

From formal attire, to jeans... all the VIP's made their stance on giving back first and foremost.

Snoop Dogg says coaching football is a way he gives back. He provides an opportunity for kids to stay active and out of trouble. The team takes the stage with Snoop and Charlie Wilson. They perform "Can't Say Goodbye".

Snoop Dogg on American Idol - that's something to set your DVR's for.

Mariah Carey is giving back... first by not wearing one of those super-short skirts. Although it looks these days as if she's fit enough to show off those gams.

Look at what Fergie is showing off. My! Squashing those pregnancy rumors in tight black leather, Fergie sings with Heart. They performed a short version of "Barracuda".

Snoop Dogg says his daughter thinks Miley Cyrus and Hannah Montana are two different people. After meeting Miley at the event, the cutie told her dad (when he asked) that Hannah didn't make it yet. I'm just laughing that Snoop knows there's no difference between the two.

Miley says she's seen how poverty affects people. Her family is from Kentucky. For this show, she and her dad Billy Ray Cyrus show us impoverished parts of his hometown.

I think it's good for the younger generation to see their Disney idols making an effort to help people.

Miley Cyrus and Billy Crystal do what they can to rake in the bucks. After a skit about neither one knowing each other, Miley confessed she sorta knew who he was. She also noted that she's never watched American Idol, but reads about it in magazines.

Jimmy Kimmel focused in on Simon's nipples and Robin Williams (imitating Borat) gave Simon's butt a squeeze and Paula Abdul advice about her "doggies." Williams also gave a Brangelina a proposition - "I want you to adopt me."

Brad Pitt's charity, Make It Right, is one of the causes Idol Gives Back is funding. Pitt launched it in December to help Hurricane Katrina victims.

Other famous people like Reese Witherspoon, Eli and Peyton Manning as well as Kobe Bryant have joined to influence people to give what they can to this worthy cause.

Music artists like Bono, Alicia Keys and Annie Lennox were among the many who traveled to Africa. Lennox performed "Many Rivers". It was touching. At one point, the passionate activist stops playing piano and clinches her fists.

What would an '08 charity event be without taped video messages from our presidential candidates. Democratic contenders Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton participated and are locked in. Republican, John McCain is expected to submit something (again) too. He already did, but it didn't "meet the technical standards" of the show. These videos are to urge their fellow American's to donate to this cause.

We'll see other figureheads and celebs doing more of the same. Ellen DeGeneres, Jim Carey, Whoopie Goldberg, The Beckham's, and Kiefer Sutherland will appear in pre-taped segments.

Many Idol Alumni will lend a strong voice and helping hand too. Season four winner, Carrie Underwood decided not to perform any of her songs, but some other celebrity will. She picked George Michael's "Praying for Time" instead.

This show is packed full of entertainment. A free concert with this diversity -- right in your very own home. It's up to you to decide if you'll donate. Not what you think the show is worth - but what saving a life is worth to you.

What can you go without?