Actually, that's not accurate either because donations are still pouring in. In fact I've heard reports that the figure is actually closer to $90 million.

However, I couldn't verify that figure, so I chose not to print that.

At the time I began writing my article, the show had raised over $30 million, according to TV Guide.

Access Hollywood later reported the figure at over $60 million, which is why I used the range of $30 to $60 million you read in my article.

The fact of the matter is, donations are pouring in so quickly, it's impossible to report a completely accurate figure at this time.

I guess we'll just have to wait until the dust settles, to see how much the show actually raised.

SP

First... the show... with donations from viewers... the show itself and the corporate sponsors... raised over $70 million.

Second... I think one of the reasons they didn't specifically mention the corporate sponsor's donations up front is to make the public think they had a lot more to do with the 70 mill than they did. I would guess 50 mill was corporate.

Third... another reason they didn't announce exactly how much each corporation gave, was because they were still getting sponsors even after the show aired and the exact amounts weren't even known.

As for why have the competition, I think the answer is simple... half that audience of teenyboppers couldn't care less about africa. They wanted to see what Melinda was singing... what jordin was wearing... how "cute" chris would look.

Many of the show's fans are kids. They weren't even born the last time Madonna had a hit record. They never even heard of Earth Wind and Fire and Celine Dion is an old lady and Elvis is a cartoon character. To them, it's still all about the kids on the show.

Plus... kids aside... It was still "American Idol" gives back. You can't do american idol without your american idols.

Finally... it really wasn't much of a competition that night. No one went home.

No, but only $5 mil from Fox? Last I knew, advertising rates run into the $600k range for 30 second spots during Idol. I'm sure they didn't take too much of a hit.

And no matter how much money they dump into the sponsorship of Idol, those kids don't compel me in any way to buy a Ford

Actually, that's not accurate either because donations are still pouring in. In fact I've heard reports that the figure is actually closer to $90 million.

However, I couldn't verify that figure, so I chose not to print that.

At the time I wrote my article, the show had raised $30 million, according to TV Guide.

Access Hollywood reported the figure at over $60 million, which is why I used the range of figures you read in my article.

The fact of the matter is, donations are pouring in so quickly, it's impossible to report a completely accurate figure at this time.

I guess we'll just have to wait until the dust settles, to see how much they actually raised.

Steve Peterson

Hello everyone:

With the amazing popularity of American Idol, I thought this might be an interesting topic to discuss.

Last week, the hit Fox reality television series American Idol premiered two special episodes in support of its Idol Gives Back charity campaign. The event aired April 24 and 25, and benefited charities in Africa, as well as here in the U.S.

Titled "Idol Gives Back, the two-night mega event featured appearances by some of music’s top performers, including Celine Dion, Pink, recent Idol mentor Gwen Stefani, Bono and Earth, Wind & Fire. In addition, the original Idol, Kelly Clarkson, performed at L.A.’s Walt Disney Concert Hall. Her performance was open to the public.

Also, Carrie Underwood, the Idol champion of season four was in attendance. Ellen Degeneres served as MC for the event.

For the most part, it was a worthwhile and entertaining event that reportedly raised between $30 and $60 million, which I think is fantastic. Here's the problem I had with the show.

It was announced during the event that Fox’s parent company donated $5 million...an impressive amount to be sure. However, the donation amounts of other corporate sponsors were not disclosed. My question is why not? What's the big secret? Don't viewers have the right to know what everyone involved with the program actually donated? After all, it was a charity event.

Here's something else that bothered me. It was supposed to be a charity event. Why not suspend the performances of the contestants for one week, since the show already had plenty of guest performers lined up for the event.

I just think the focus of the program was split in too many different directions. Then again, not having the contestants perform would have almost certainly affected viewership. So I somewhat understand that particular business decision.

As for the performances by the stars themselves, they really weren't bad at all. Celine Dion performing with a hologram of Elvis was seamless and very interesting to watch.

All in all, the show was actually pretty good, and a huge success. And although there were a couple of things that bothered me, since it was all for charity, I'll give Fox an A+ for its effort.

Here's my question: Did anyone here see the show?

If so, what are your thoughts?

Steve Peterson

I don't know why mr. peterson posted his same post again, and at the same time changed his original, but I'll respond here.

Mr. Peterson... 90 million is "over $70 million" as I said.

Hello everyone:

With the amazing popularity of American Idol, I thought this might be an interesting topic to discuss.

Last week, the hit Fox reality television series American Idol premiered two special episodes in support of its Idol Gives Back charity campaign. The event aired April 24 and 25, and benefited charities in Africa, as well as here in the U.S.

Titled "Idol Gives Back, the two-night mega event featured appearances by some of music’s top performers, including Celine Dion, Pink, recent Idol mentor Gwen Stefani, Bono and Earth, Wind & Fire. In addition, the original Idol, Kelly Clarkson, performed at L.A.’s Walt Disney Concert Hall. Her performance was open to the public.

Also, Carrie Underwood, the Idol champion of season four was in attendance. Ellen Degeneres served as MC for the event.

For the most part, it was a worthwhile and entertaining event that reportedly raised between $30 and $60 million, which I think is fantastic. Here's the problem I had with the show.

It was announced during the event that Fox’s parent company donated $5 million...an impressive amount to be sure. However, the donation amounts of other corporate sponsors were not disclosed. My question is why not? What's the big secret? Don't viewers have the right to know what everyone involved with the program actually donated? After all, it was a charity event.

Here's something else that bothered me. It was supposed to be a charity event. Why not suspend the performances of the contestants for one week, since the show already had plenty of guest performers lined up for the event.

I just think the focus of the program was split in too many different directions. Then again, not having the contestants perform would have almost certainly affected viewership. So I somewhat understand that particular business decision.

As for the performances by the stars themselves, they really weren't bad at all. Celine Dion performing with a hologram of Elvis was seamless and very interesting to watch.

All in all, the show was actually pretty good, and a huge success. And although there were a couple of things that bothered me, since it was all for charity, I'll give Fox an A+ for its effort.

Here's my question: Did anyone here see the show?

If so, what are your thoughts?

SP

Yeah, but that's the way it always is with corporate donations.

Those companies can always give a lot more than they do.

Dale King