Via Variety:
The smash talent competish is prepping a second edition of its “Idol Gives Back” fund-raiser, which will air April 9 at 8 p.m.
Two-hour event will include performances and appearances by stars and artists yet to be named.
Last year’s “Idol Gives Back” raised $75 million for charities in the U.S. and Africa. Funds went to domestic medical care, groceries and literacy programs for underprivileged children; the Africa funds went to orgs that handle health and education programs.
Hmmm. It’s a great idea, I mean, who can knock charity? But I think the show should be a stand-alone special, rather than integrated into the competition. Last year, it was a pretty awkward alternating between dramatic video of starving kids and doing the typical business of an American Idol elimination show. In the end, no one was eliminated, and it was just dumb.
April 9th is a Wednesday. They should just dispense with the eliminations all together upfront–announce it at the top of the show–or schedule a separate elimination show for Thursday.
In this interview with Star94 in Atlanta, GA, Elliott Yamin mentions that he might be going to Africa in February to film a segment for the special.
ETA: Idol Gives Back occurred during Top 6 last year. This year, it’s scheduled during Top 8 week. The earlier date may help keep the event from completely overwhelming the competition.
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Couldn’t agree with you more, MJ. Wonderful thing for them to do, but it was handled so awkwardly last year. I hope that experience will inform their choices this year and they’ll make it a stand-alone show. Considering the strike, I’m sure FOX won’t mind filling an extra hour or two of time!
MJ: Check out Dan Abrams Winners and Losers on the right page of this link…lol
Dan Abrams winners and losers
Blechhhh….just blechhhh….
This is really a fantastic example of how the news cycle works. Some guy at MTV finds AI spoilers while poking around the internet and he whips up a story about it, then a ton of news outlets pick it up.
My google account is full of alerts from different outlets that picked up the story. The headlines read “List of Top 50 revealed!” Meanwhile, Mila’s list for the Top 50 has about 11 contestants on it. (Though I’m sure she’ll find more. heh heh heh…)
Now, Dan Abrams and effing Carmen Rasmusen are on the case *eyesroll*.
And nearly everyone is acting like it’s some news flash when the same thing happens every single year. But, suddenly it’s news! LOL.
ETA: Edited for grammar. Sheesh, I suck!
LOL! You all are famous, or notorious! ;D
Carmen even stated that this has NEVER happened before. LOL.
I think it should be entirely past and present Idols (perhaps some from elsewhere as well), and no other guest stars.
I think that the Gives Back show should be entirely separated from the Idol Competition. That way people who were not enamored of the show last year can give it a miss without missing any of the Idol activities.
Hmm. I have to chime in and agree it should be a separate event. I also didn’t care for the combined vote totals.
I agree , separate event either before idol season starts or after ther ‘08 idol is crowned. There was entirely too much going on during last years season. Those competing were overlooked as too many washed up performers trying to promote their cd’s and too many “special” guests then the idol gives back was overload. I think the only special guests should be past AI performers and those should be used sparingly. If Clive wants to push his cronies design another show to revive the fossils. Good grief some of them looked embalmed.
:wacko_tb:
We all seem to be in agreement here. It is quite obvious TPTB do not pay attention to what is posted on the forums. It was a mess last year and totally unfair to Phil and Chris. It should be a separate event after the Idol is selected.
As far as guest appearances…only guests who have actually gotten involved with helping either here or elsewhere. There involvement proves they care. This is Nigel’s pet project and he won’t be listening to us any time soon.