In what I would consider one of the greatest nights in television history - last night the ratings juggernaut American Idol raised at least 30 million dollars to fight world poverty.

For those of you who watched it, I'm sure you can attest to the emotion and sense of purpose of the show.

I am proud to say that I donated a few hundred dollars to the cause and would encourage you all to think about donating to a charity of your choosing.

I know it sounds cliche - but every dollar counts.

NEW YORK (Reuters) -- Television singing talent show "American Idol" proved its clout as a U.S. cultural phenomenon on Wednesday by raising more than $30 million for young people in Africa and the United States.

A two-hour show filled with inspirational songs, movie, television and music stars and stories of poverty from Africa and the United States rounded off the two-night special.

"People say you can't be the generation that ends brutal, stupid poverty, but we can and we will," Bono, U2's lead singer and leading spokesman for the ONE Campaign to Make Poverty History, said in a prerecorded segment.

"I have been in front of 70,000 people here in L.A. and its a pretty amazing feeling. I can't think of any feeling better except perhaps the feeling that you can save somebody's life and there is not one person watching this program tonight who cannot save a life," he said.

The six Idol contestants closed the "Idol Gives Back" show with "American Prayer" -- the song written by Bono and Dave Stewart some years ago about the AIDS emergency in Africa.

The show's contestants received more than 70 million votes -- a new record and almost double last week's 38 million -- but the so-called "shocking" result promoted by host Ryan Seacrest was that none of the remaining six contestants were voted off.

Each vote cast by viewers via text and telephone triggered an undisclosed donation to charities by the corporate sponsors of "Idol" -- Ford, Coca-Cola and AT&T. News Corp., which owns the Fox TV network, donated $5 million after the vote tally hit 50 million.

Viewers were also invited to phone in donations that will go to Save the Children, UNICEF, Malaria No More, The Global Fund and Nothing But Nets for youth relief programs in Africa and poverty-hit areas of the United States, including hurricane ravaged Louisiana.

Throughout the show Seacrest regularly crossed to comedian and talk-show host Ellen DeGeneres at a concert she hosted at the Disney Hall in Los Angeles for musical performances by stars such as opera group Il Divo, Annie Lennox and former Idol winner Kelly Clarkson. DeGeneres herself donated $100,000.

Stars prerecorded appeals for donations, including Madonna, who was in Malawi -- the African nation where she adopted her son David -- and Academy Award winner Forest Whitaker, who was in Uganda where he filmed "The Last King of Scotland."

Once dismissed as a cheesy summer talent contest, Fox network's "American Idol" has become the nation's most watched TV show with an average of 30 million viewers.

That's a nice thing to do. I wonder how many of those millions are really going to fight world poverty.

I fast-forwarded through the entire thing to see who (didn't) get voted off.

It's nice and all, but 30 million is nothing. If we are serious about fighting poverty lets

a) fight poverty in the US first
b) then when a) is under control, lets focus on africa

Perhaps if we are serious then it won't be left to fox to create a ratings stunt, it'll be legislated. If the government puts something reasonable in front of me - a box to tick that says pay a certain amount in new taxes specifically for this and I know it's not going to line some already rich persons pockets then I'd go for it. American Idol - I want to see the crappy singers, I don't want to hear about Africa.

It's nice and all, but 30 million is nothing. If we are serious about fighting poverty lets

a) fight poverty in the US first
b) then when a) is under control, lets focus on africa

Perhaps if we are serious then it won't be left to fox to create a ratings stunt, it'll be legislated. If the government puts something reasonable in front of me - a box to tick that says pay a certain amount in new taxes specifically for this and I know it's not going to line some already rich persons pockets then I'd go for it. American Idol - I want to see the crappy singers, I don't want to hear about Africa.
I don't see how raising any kind of money is bad, but I guess your damned if you do and your damned if you don't...as with everything...:rolleyes:

a) fight poverty in the US first
b) then when a) is under control, lets focus on africa



I have to agree with this sentiment. Only 22% of the U.S. thinks the country is on the right track, and we're using our charity to tinker with Africa's monumental poverty problem. That's a misfocused effort IMO.

The money raised was going to several U.S. relief organizations in addition to aiding Africa. Save the Children, Boys & Girls Club of America, Second Harvest (there were two more)

Perhaps if we are serious then it won't be left to fox to create a ratings stunt, it'll be legislated. If the government puts something reasonable in front of me - a box to tick that says pay a certain amount in new taxes specifically for this and I know it's not going to line some already rich persons pockets then I'd go for it. American Idol - I want to see the crappy singers, I don't want to hear about Africa.

I think we should decrease or abolish taxes. Charitable causes should be a personal decision not a forced one. The less money the government takes from me the more charitable I feel, the more I can give. I would have definitely have given more than the $100 I gave the other night if I could have.

I agree it is just a ratings stunt. They are worried because this is like the 5th idol and people are beginning to think it is all superficial and does nothing for society.

I mean it took five years for them to become charitable.

And yes I agree we need to work on the US poverty first than africa.

Charitable causes should be a personal decision not a forced one. The less money the government takes from me the more charitable I feel, the more I can give. I would have definitely have given more than the $100 I gave the other night if I could have.

I completely agree with this much of your statement. Government has no place in the charity business. People should never feel entitled to charity, particularly in a oppurtunity-laden society such as the U.S. People should have to show some gratitude to the people who feed their children. People should have some personal say-so in the people they help. Our government should never have gotten so tangled in the charity business; It's making a real mess of our government.

Perhaps the solution is that charitable donations should be a tax credit, not a tax deduction. That way people can choose their charitable causes before the government can.

Hi, Leper! Are you saying that the money would have to be donated, to a place of your choice, or the government will decide for you?

and who is going to take care of the disabled? If the governement did not force you to pay for them they would be out in the cold. Yes when people donate themselves and attached strings to thier money that is really fair.. Like I will only donate to a christian church. Well not everyone is christian and people do not want to go to a christian church to get help because they try to shove thier religion down your throat. Non christians should not have to grovel to a fucking church for help.
You have no sense of community.
Humans are selfish by nature.
If the government did not force you to pay America would be on trial by the world for human right violation because the poor and the disabled would be dying and starving on the streets.

Hi, Leper! Are you saying that the money would have to be donated, to a place of your choice, or the government will decide for you?

Hi :)

Nonprofit organization of your choice.

keep dreaming it will never happen. YOu will always be forced to take care of the less fortunite and disabled.
I for one am glad.

I agree it is just a ratings stunt. They are worried because this is like the 5th idol and people are beginning to think it is all superficial and does nothing for society.


Warrior.....this is....without a shadow of the doubt....one of the dumbest thing's I've ever read. Looking past the fact that it's the 6th Amercian Idol, not 5th, why would anyone think the show is supposed to not be superficial? It's a singing contest. It started as a singing contest. It became a ratings powerhouse. They wanted to give something back - so they, along with the help of a who's who of financial backers raised money to fight poverty.

Why do they even need to do anything for society?


I couldn't agree with OD more - damned if you, damed if you dont.



As for the sentiment regarding America should be worrying about America first - they are donating part of the money to various efforts in America such as victims of hurricane Katrina, kid's in my home commonwealth who can't read, and some other projects such as Los Angeles among some more. I don't see why it is a problem that the show or anyone else has decided to help those in need in Africa. We are Americans first - but in the greater scheme of things - we're all members of Earth, right?

They wanted to give something back You don't seriously believe that do you?

Why do they even need to do anything for society? They don't, but they'll do anything they can to enhance and prolong the Idol ratings steamroller

They are losing ratings and they know people are getting bored with the same ol same ol. They want some good PR.

Hey I am glad that they raisd money for africa and all. I am not complaining about that. I just think the timing and the agenda behind it is a bit shady.
I mean why did they just now think about doing this?? WHy now??

I just don't buy it that American Idol all the sudden is interested in "Saving the world" in itself.

Come on people see that these people are raising money for thing they are passionate about and they say "wow they are not just using people here" ect and people begin to support it and rating goes up.

I don't think my idea is so dumb really.

sorry you think that.

helping africa is the hip thing to do. people dont want to help poor trailer trash hillbillies who they see as christian fascists. they would rather send taht money to africa so some government agency can squander it.

You don't seriously believe that do you?

They don't, but they'll do anything they can to enhance and prolong the Idol ratings steamroller


Yeah, it's quite obvious that they wil benefit from the show. Ratings will role in; positive publicity will spread. Though, again, what keeps them from wanting to do something good for the world?

Everything good is not inevitably bad, Drew.

It does beg the question though, why would a show that averages nearly 40 million viewers twice a week choose now to air this episode when they sit firmly atop the ratings heap?

They are losing ratings and they know people are getting bored with the same ol same ol. They want some good PR.

Hey I am glad that they raisd money for africa and all. I am not complaining about that. I just think the timing and the agenda behind it is a bit shady.
I mean why did they just now think about doing this?? WHy now??

I just don't buy it that American Idol all the sudden is interested in "Saving the world" in itself.

Come on people see that these people are raising money for thing they are passionate about and they say "wow they are not just using people here" ect and people begin to support it and rating goes up.

I don't think my idea is so dumb really.

sorry you think that.

Right off the bat, your post is illogical. Ratings aren't down at American Idol. In fact, this season has been the highest rated season yet.

they were slow at the beginning and only because sanjija kept winning and the media posted it that people started bringing up ratings again.

Please post proof that the rating were up from last year. Link Please?

American Idol and its hosts and all contestants past and present, and Rosie, should be shipped off to Skull Island for a rousing game of Survivor. I would pay to see Rosie eaten by an angry T-Rex, and see Simon trampled by a heard of brontosaurus. Every week instead of being voted off the island the contestants would be handed over to the natives for ritual sacrafice. Think about how much money that would raise.

they were slow at the beginning and only because sanjija kept winning and the media posted it that people started bringing up ratings again.

Please post proof that the rating were up from last year. Link Please?
http://www.realitytvworld.com/news/fox-american-idol-6-premieres-record-debut-ratingsagain-4574.php

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/16694944/


http://www.nytimes.com/2007/02/20/arts/television/20idol.html?ei=5090&en=6a21cd6f4f1a4dde&ex=1329627600&partner=rssuserland&emc=rss&pagewanted=print


These enough? Or do you need more?

Yeah, it's quite obvious that they wil benefit from the show. Ratings will role in; positive publicity will spread. Though, again, what keeps them from wanting to do something good for the world?

Everything good is not inevitably bad, Drew.

It does beg the question though, why would a show that averages nearly 40 million viewers twice a week choose now to air this episode when they sit firmly atop the ratings heap?

I didn't say it was bad, I sad it was business, the fact it brought a tear to your eye is mission accomplished as far as they are concerned.

I'd be more impressed if the did something like raise funds for the families of dead soldiers in Iraq, of course Idol would never do that, much safer to send money to Africa.

I didn't say it was bad, I sad it was business, the fact it brought a tear to your eye is mission accomplished as far as they are concerned.

I'd be more impressed if the did something like raise funds for the families of dead soldiers in Iraq, of course Idol would never do that, much safer to send money to Africa.

I can see where you may prefer one charitable cause over another...but in doing so, you're really just tossing fuel on to the "damned if you, damned if you dont" mindset.

They may do another Idol Gives Back episode next year where they very well choose to help those families who have been effected by war.

The point of the matter is this: it was still a good cause. As I said in the original post - choose a charity of your own to donate to. They did.

and who is going to take care of the disabled? If the governement did not force you to pay for them they would be out in the cold. Yes when people donate themselves and attached strings to thier money that is really fair.. Like I will only donate to a christian church. Well not everyone is christian and people do not want to go to a christian church to get help because they try to shove thier religion down your throat. Non christians should not have to grovel to a fucking church for help.
You have no sense of community.
Humans are selfish by nature.
If the government did not force you to pay America would be on trial by the world for human right violation because the poor and the disabled would be dying and starving on the streets.

Warrior, I do volunteer work for 2 organizations in my area, a food kitchen (every other week) and a Community Projects organization for low income and house bound Seniors (2-4 hours 2 to 3 weekends/month) in addition to donating money, food and clothing to several other charities. My point is that if there was not as much coming out of my check already for certain "support" systems (which, btw, are sorely abused) I would GLADLY give more on my own and I should have EVERY right to decide which organization will get the money that I EARNED and am giving. You have no cause to tell me that I have no sense of community. I have always stayed close to my neighbors and am the first one to take a meal, shovel or run errands for those in need. And if I choose to donate to a church of my affiliation then I should be able to do so. There will be plenty of other people that will choose a church of their tenets, or non-demoninational organization that those people can go to. In the meantime, you can donate all the extra money you'd like to the disabled if that trips your trigger, which btw, I never said did not trip mine. Now before I make any defining judgemental statements, how many hours of community service do you commit to per week? month? year? And your needy neighbors are all cared for when needed by you?

I can see where you may prefer one charitable cause over another...but in doing so, you're really just tossing fuel on to the "damned if you, damned if you dont" mindset.

They may do another Idol Gives Back episode next year where they very well choose to help those families who have been effected by war.

The point of the matter is this: it was still a good cause. As I said in the original post - choose a charity of your own to donate to. They did.

I do donate to charity, I don't need American Idol to pull at my heart strings to boost their ratings.

Warrior, I do volunteer work for 2 organizations in my area, a food kitchen (every other week) and a Community Projects organization for low income and house bound Seniors (2-4 hours 2 to 3 weekends/month) in addition to donating money, food and clothing to several other charities. My point is that if there was not as much coming out of my check already for certain "support" systems (which, btw, are sorely abused) I would GLADLY give more on my own and I should have EVERY right to decide which organization will get the money that I EARNED and am giving. You have no cause to tell me that I have no sense of community. I have always stayed close to my neighbors and am the first one to take a meal, shovel or run errands for those in need. And if I choose to donate to a church of my affiliation then I should be able to do so. There will be plenty of other people that will choose a church of their tenets, or non-demoninational organization that those people can go to. In the meantime, you can donate all the extra money you'd like to the disabled if that trips your trigger, which btw, I never said did not trip mine. Now before I make any defining judgemental statements, how many hours of community service do you commit to per week? month? year? And your needy neighbors are all cared for when needed by you?

Sorry but not everyone or even 20 percent of the nation is like you. You may do good but the rest of Americans are not so giving.
I am not intrusting the poor being taken care of by a select few when everyone needs to be helping.

http://www.realitytvworld.com/news/fox-american-idol-6-premieres-record-debut-ratingsagain-4574.php

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/16694944/


http://www.nytimes.com/2007/02/20/arts/television/20idol.html?ei=5090&en=6a21cd6f4f1a4dde&ex=1329627600&partner=rssuserland&emc=rss&pagewanted=print


These enough? Or do you need more?

Ok Ok

but that still doesn't mean it wasn't a financail stategic move to add charity to it.

Sorry but not everyone or even 20 percent of the nation is like you. You may do good but the rest of Americans are not so giving.
I am not intrusting the poor being taken care of by a select few when everyone needs to be helping.

Baloney, Americans are very giving, the amount Americans give to charity is staggering. Are you suggesting that we need A-Idol to spur charity giving?

They may be giving to Africa and AIDS and animal welfare but I am talking about the disabled and homeless and the poor. No I am not suggesting we need Idol to give I am saying some people need to be forced to give to these programs because it is proven if they didn't force them we would have a humanitarian crisis going on in America.

people are forced. You are confusing charity with taxation.

I was talking about taxing not charity????

The government knows it has to force people to pay taxes for the poor and disabled or our country would be put on trial in the international courts for neglect and creating a humanitarian crisis because people wouldn't give on thier own.

I was talking about taxing not charity????

The government knows it has to force people to pay taxes for the poor and disabled or our country would be put on trial in the international courts for neglect and creating a humanitarian crisis because people wouldn't give on thier own.

Well sure the government knows it has to gather taxes, but not to avoid being put on trial at the international court (whatever that is :@@: )

why make people pay taxes if Americans are so giving and would be willing to take care of the poor and disabled themselves?

The government knows it has to force people to pay taxes for the poor and disabled or our country would be put on trial in the international courts for neglect and creating a humanitarian crisis because people wouldn't give on thier own.

OK, I'm laughing here! Here we are talking about American Idol Gives Back and, IMO, was one of the better "fund raisers" I've ever seen as opposed to the "heartwrenching dramas" of the Jerry Lewis MD marathons. And, yet, Warrior is talking about international responsibility (I believe she means by the International Courts, yada yada). Warrior, do you know that the African leaders had been offered a bribe? Meet the needs of your country, just the basic needs or your people for food, water, basic healthcare, and we'll give you $500M and up for YOUR personal retirement if you can do that? In addition to $200M every year after? These leaders over there, once they come into a place of comfort are so selfish and YOU are putting America on trial? We ARE one of the most giving nations! I do accept your apology from earlier but let's not let our peronal situations get in the way of overall reality. Please? On another message board, one woman has pleaded for personal donations for a woman from France because her Country won't help her. No other country has as many social support systems as the U.S. to the extent that we have. In keeping with the African situation, some leaders live like Kings and rest on their laurels while WE sat back and donated what we could to HELP! The African governments and leaders should be more on trial than anyone for letting this neglect happen and depending upon other countries to save them. These are the same nations that let people get HACKED to death in Rwanda! I find your "trial in international court" thing to be grandiose and unrealistic.

On the subject of "forcing" people to pay? I go back to....if the money was their's they would be more willing. Yes, some would selfishly not. But those that give now would give more and make up some of the difference. Fair? Maybe not - but I stand by personal choice.