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Idol Gives Back a success for FOX, raising record donations

By April MacIntyre Apr 23, 2010, 16:48 GMT

Co-Chairman of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Bill Gates listens to remarks during the announcement of an effort to fight Global Hunger and Poverty at the Department of Treasury in Washington DC, USA, 22 April 2010. The goals is to launch a global agricultural fund to boost food production in the developing world. EPA/SHAWN THEW

FOX's Idol Give Back has raised a whopping $45 million for various charities that it funds.

The effort, which culminated Wednesday night with a two-hour television event, has raised almost $45 million to benefit various U.S. and international charities including the Children’s Health Fund, Feeding America, Malaria No More, Save the Children’s U.S. Programs and the United Nations Foundation.

The event was broadcast live from the Idol stage and The Pasadena Civic Auditorium, where Queen Latifah emceed the evening and some of music’s biggest stars, including Sir Elton John, Alicia Keys, Carrie Underwood, The Black Eyed Peas, Annie Lennox, Jeff Beck & Joss Stone and Mary J. Blige & the All-Star Band, performed.

The evening also featured special appearances by President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama, Victoria Beckham, Morgan Freeman, Wanda Sykes, George Lopez, David Cook, Russell Brand, Jonah Hill, Bill and Melinda Gates.

 “Once again, I am over overwhelmed by the generosity of the AMERICAN IDOL viewers, our sponsors and our special benefactors.  I am so thankful to all of the celebrity guests and performers who appeared Wednesday night to support IdolGives Back” said Simon Fuller, creator of Idol.

Donations will continue to be accepted via the Internet at www.americanidol.com and by telephone at 1-877-IDOL-AID (1-877-436-5243).

Corporate sponsors were News Corporation, Ford Motor Company, Coca-Cola, AT&T, ExxonMobil, iTunes, FremantleMedia and 19 Entertainment.

Additionally, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is a not-for-profit partner on IDOL GIVES BACK.