GenQ
http://www.generationq.net/news/usa/celebs-at-idol-gives-back-taping-080484.shtmlCelebrities go 'Idol' for the cause
Various A-list celebrities have attended a charity taping of Idol Gives Back in Hollywood overnight
Various A-list celebrities, including comedians Billy Crystal and Robin Williams, Oscar winner Reese Witherspoon, pop stars Miley Cyrus and Fergie and Brad Pitt attended the taping of Idol Gives Back in Hollywood overnight.
In a tension filled moment during the show, Pitt – who was already struggling to be heard over a screaming crowd at the Kodak Theatre – lost the ability to communicate when his microphone failed. It can be said however, that his patience whilst it was getting fixed won him even more fans.
Organisers of the event expect to raise over $100 million for underpriveliged children, which would vastly surpass last year's $76 million.
"Tonight isn't just about raising money," Pitt told the audience. "Sometimes, to help people, we've got to travel outside of our comfort zone to really understand another situation."
Idol host Ryan Seacrest was MC for the night, but even he had to take a back seat as Fergie stole the show with a hard-out rendition of Heart's Barracuda, during which she even launched into two cartwheels on stage.
Other performers included Cyrus, Snoop Dogg and Charlie Wilson, John Legend, , Annie Lennox, Mariah Carey, Carrie Underwood, Gloria Estefan and Sheila E.
Also doing their bit was David and Victoria Beckham, Kiefer Sutherland, Ellen DeGeneres, Jim Carrey and Whoopi Goldberg, who appeared in pre-taped segments encouraging viewers to make donations. Hillary Rodham Clinton, John McCain and Barack Obama also appeared in pre-taped messages.
The charities chosen to benefit this year include the Global Fund, Malaria No More, Children's Health Fund, Save the Children, Children's Defense Fund and Make It Right, Pitt's campaign to help New Orleans recover from Hurricane Katrina.