'Idol' plans big show
By Bruce R. Miller Journal staff writer | Posted: Friday, April 04, 2008
The last thing producer Nigel Lythgoe needs is another extravaganza to worry about.
But smack-dab in the middle of this season's "American Idol" he's staging the second "Idol Gives Back," an international benefit concert that's expected to raise millions.
"If it takes a program like 'American Idol' to bring this to light, so be it," he says during a conference call. "We're highlighting what's going on in America. There's an awful lot here that's hidden away."
Six charities -- designed to addess poverty, health and homeless issues -- have been earmarked to receive the funds raised. Last year, more than $76 million was raised. "Who was going to say we weren't going to do it this year?" Lythgoe says. "That would be crazy."
Because "Idol" is the No. 1 program on television and audience interest is at a peak, "people are watching. I didn't want to let another Idol off the hook: None of you is going home."
Last season, the "Gives Back" night was supposed to include an elimination announcement. During the program, however, host Ryan Seacrest revealed that no one was going home. This year, elimination will take place Thursday night. The Wednesday concert is dedicated to raising money.
In addition to the current contestants, stars like Bono, Alicia Keys, Jim Carrey, Miley Cyrus and Carrie Underwood will appear.
The show's highlight? "There's going to be a reunion of Heart," Lythgoe says, "and Robin Williams is going to do something special."
Interestingly, the British-born Lythgoe wasn't all that familiar with Heart. "There were a couple of records that were hits over there, but nothing we really knew about. They're so iconic on 'Idol.' Every girl who comes on wants to sing 'Alone' or 'Barracuda.' I'm delighted they're coming on."
Bono, Celine Dion and Cyrus are among the performers who will be seen in taped pieces going to locations receiving the funds.
"We're getting footage in now...and it's like putting together a jigsaw puzzle," Lythgoe says. "Miley Cyrus went to Kentucky for us and you're shocked at the level of poverty that exists in this country." The overriding message: "We've got to help."
Actors like Brad Pitt and Adam Sandler will also be on board. They're there, Lythgoe says, to show "everybody is going to take responsibility. It isn't just about the Idols. It's about everybody coming together. It's about finding your place in the world."
Presidential candidates John McCain, Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama are also on the program. But, Lythgoe says, "you expect them to be there. They're involved in politics. Most of us aren't. We're couch potatoes."
Despite talk of a recession, Lythgoe expects viewers to respond. "It depends on how you feel...what you feel your duty is as a citizen of the world. The smallest amount of money makes a difference."
Celebrities will do everything from answer phones to perform. Only Keys and Bono will be on tape. The rest, Lythgoe says, will be at the theater. "Nobody is doing their latest record, which I'm grateful for."
Because the charity's producers don't want to limit the giving, phone lines will be open for several weeks after Wednesday's concert. Seacrest will update viewers on the totals during weekly "Idol" broadcasts.
"It's so easy to critical about this process -- performers coming on and asking for money," Lythgoe says. "But somebody needs to do it. W'ere using a television phenomenon to bring the attention of America to something they should be told by other people."
"Idol Gives Back" airs at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday on Fox.
Among those appearing: Robin Williams, Celine Dion, Forest Whitaker, Billy Crystal, Dane Cook, Kiefer Sutherland, Vanessa Hudgens, Ashley Tisdale, Jennifer Connolly, Elliott Yamin, Fantasia, Amy Adams, Bono, Brad Pitt, Reese Witherspoon, Miley Cyrus, Mariah Carey, Eli Manning, Peyton Manning, Fergie, Chris Daughtry, Carrie Underwood, Annie Lennox, John Legend, Snoop Dogg, Maroon 5, Heart and Gloria Estefan.
The six charities: the Children’s Defense Fund (www.childrensdefensefund.org); The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (www.jointheglobalfund.org); Make It Right (www.makeitrightnola.org); Malaria No More (www.malarianomore.org); Save The Children (www.savethechildren.org); and the Children’s Health Fund (www.childrenshealthfund.org).
But smack-dab in the middle of this season's "American Idol" he's staging the second "Idol Gives Back," an international benefit concert that's expected to raise millions.
"If it takes a program like 'American Idol' to bring this to light, so be it," he says during a conference call. "We're highlighting what's going on in America. There's an awful lot here that's hidden away."
Six charities -- designed to addess poverty, health and homeless issues -- have been earmarked to receive the funds raised. Last year, more than $76 million was raised. "Who was going to say we weren't going to do it this year?" Lythgoe says. "That would be crazy."
Because "Idol" is the No. 1 program on television and audience interest is at a peak, "people are watching. I didn't want to let another Idol off the hook: None of you is going home."
Last season, the "Gives Back" night was supposed to include an elimination announcement. During the program, however, host Ryan Seacrest revealed that no one was going home. This year, elimination will take place Thursday night. The Wednesday concert is dedicated to raising money.
In addition to the current contestants, stars like Bono, Alicia Keys, Jim Carrey, Miley Cyrus and Carrie Underwood will appear.
The show's highlight? "There's going to be a reunion of Heart," Lythgoe says, "and Robin Williams is going to do something special."
Interestingly, the British-born Lythgoe wasn't all that familiar with Heart. "There were a couple of records that were hits over there, but nothing we really knew about. They're so iconic on 'Idol.' Every girl who comes on wants to sing 'Alone' or 'Barracuda.' I'm delighted they're coming on."
Bono, Celine Dion and Cyrus are among the performers who will be seen in taped pieces going to locations receiving the funds.
"We're getting footage in now...and it's like putting together a jigsaw puzzle," Lythgoe says. "Miley Cyrus went to Kentucky for us and you're shocked at the level of poverty that exists in this country." The overriding message: "We've got to help."
Actors like Brad Pitt and Adam Sandler will also be on board. They're there, Lythgoe says, to show "everybody is going to take responsibility. It isn't just about the Idols. It's about everybody coming together. It's about finding your place in the world."
Presidential candidates John McCain, Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama are also on the program. But, Lythgoe says, "you expect them to be there. They're involved in politics. Most of us aren't. We're couch potatoes."
Despite talk of a recession, Lythgoe expects viewers to respond. "It depends on how you feel...what you feel your duty is as a citizen of the world. The smallest amount of money makes a difference."
Celebrities will do everything from answer phones to perform. Only Keys and Bono will be on tape. The rest, Lythgoe says, will be at the theater. "Nobody is doing their latest record, which I'm grateful for."
Because the charity's producers don't want to limit the giving, phone lines will be open for several weeks after Wednesday's concert. Seacrest will update viewers on the totals during weekly "Idol" broadcasts.
"It's so easy to critical about this process -- performers coming on and asking for money," Lythgoe says. "But somebody needs to do it. W'ere using a television phenomenon to bring the attention of America to something they should be told by other people."
"Idol Gives Back" airs at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday on Fox.
Among those appearing: Robin Williams, Celine Dion, Forest Whitaker, Billy Crystal, Dane Cook, Kiefer Sutherland, Vanessa Hudgens, Ashley Tisdale, Jennifer Connolly, Elliott Yamin, Fantasia, Amy Adams, Bono, Brad Pitt, Reese Witherspoon, Miley Cyrus, Mariah Carey, Eli Manning, Peyton Manning, Fergie, Chris Daughtry, Carrie Underwood, Annie Lennox, John Legend, Snoop Dogg, Maroon 5, Heart and Gloria Estefan.
The six charities: the Children’s Defense Fund (www.childrensdefensefund.org); The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (www.jointheglobalfund.org); Make It Right (www.makeitrightnola.org); Malaria No More (www.malarianomore.org); Save The Children (www.savethechildren.org); and the Children’s Health Fund (www.childrenshealthfund.org).
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