Idol Gives Back Special Tops $60M
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The money raised from the two-night special will go to organizations funding relief programs from America and Africa, the network said. And Fox's parent company News Corp. also kicked in a $5 million pledge, giving 10 cents for each of the first 50 of the 70 million votes cast on Tuesday's show, a record for the hit reality-TV show, Fox said.
While Tuesday's show was devoted to Idol's singing competition, Wednesday's charity special was an all-star affair. Performances including those by inaugural Idol winner Kelly Clarkson, Celine Dion, Josh Groban with the African Children's Choir filled the two-hour special. And a myriad of Hollywood stars from Ben Stiller, Madonna to Bono taped messages encouraging viewers to donate.
It worked: With pledges still coming in, Fox said an updated total of the money raised will be announced on next Tuesday's show.
