Music
Annie Lennox and Carrie Underwood Help 'American Idol' Give Back
By Dylan Vox

Apr 10, 2008

Annie Lennox

Last night on American Idol there were no eliminations, no back handed compliments from the judges, no cheesy endorsements. It was a night of celebration and inspiration with performances and appearances from some of the most legendary and successful talents in the entertainment business. It was a night when American Idol gave back.  

Last year the remarkable mini-marathon raised over $70 million for charities like The Global Fund to Fight AIDS and Tuberculosis, Nothing But Nets, Save the Children, The Children’s Health Fund and the U.S. Fund for UNICEF.  

This year, the show hopes to raise even more money for the charities, and welcomed an even more star-studded cast.  

Along with the eight remaining finalists were dozens of entertainers from Snoop Dogg, to Miley Cyrus.  

Terry Hatcher performed a campy cover of Carrie Underwood’s smash hit "Before he Cheats" while Underwood herself cut her vocal chops on George Michael's "Praying For Time". Heart and Fergie joined forces on the rock anthem "Barracuda", and Gloria Estefan performed her inspirational upbeat song “Get on your feet.”

The dancers from the first three seasons of So You Think You can Dance joined with the contestants to perform a memorable rendition of the Broadway smash “Season’s of Love.”  

But is was Annie Lennox’s moving performance that sent the crowd into tears as she walked on to the stage donning a pink HIV Positive shirt to send a message, and sang the soul stirring song Many Rivers to Cross.  

"I think they're showing that everybody's got to take responsibility in this," Executive producer Nigel Lythgoe told the Associated Press. "It's not just about the 'Idol' (contestants). This is about everybody coming together to make this work. It isn't just about Africa. It isn't just about America. It's about finding your place in the world.”  

The images of children suffering from disease and poverty left lasting impressions on all of those who participated, and hopefully will inspire those watching to help make a difference.  

Tomorrow night the results show will take place and another contestant will be eliminated, but for tonight, it was all about giving back.  

For More information about Idol Gives Back, visit  www.americanidol.com/idolgivesback.