idol gives back 2010

The “American Idol” Top seven results show aired live tonight on Fox with a special twist.The results took somewhat of a backseat to a special “Idol Gives Back” charity event.  “Idol Gives Back” is “American Idol’s” own charity which raises money for several different charities around the world.
Queen Latifah hosted the event live from Pasadena, and “American Idol” broadcast the event live on tonight’s show via satellite.  Other stars, including American Idol David Cook, Mary Jay Blige, and judge Randy Jackson, performed live on the “American Idol” stage itself.
Between performances, the stars talked about the charities they represented, and what they meant to them.  David Cook talked about his time in Ethiopia, where he spent time with young orphaned girls, and learned of their struggles.
Annie Lenox, who performed via satellite from London, talked of her passion for helping mothers and children in Africa affected by the AIDS virus and HIV.  Thanks to various donations, children born with HIV are getting the medicine and nutrition they need to stay alive and healthy.  We saw the emotional story of one little girl who lost her mom after she was born inflicted with HIV.  Lenox visited the little girl when she was so sick, you could see her bones right through her skin.  A few months later on a return trip, the little girl had put on weight, and was a beautiful, healthy-looking little girl.
Judge Simon Cowell talked about his trip to a small town in southern Arizona, where a pediatrician known as Dr. John is helping children whose families can’t afford health care.  “Idol Gives Back” was able to help Dr. John and the Southern Arizona Children’s Health Project.
Elton John spoke of his AIDS foundation with Latifah, and discussed how he was trying to make people aware of the disease through.  His ultimate message is get tested, get educated and be responsible.  He performed “Your Song,” which got a standing ovation, to no one’s surprise.
Near the end of the show, Simon Cowell announced that as of that moment, Idol Gives Back had raised over 15 million dollars during the evening.  Host Ryan Seacrest let viewers know that they could donate to the charity via phone at 1-877-IDOL AID ( 1-877-436-5243) and via Internet at AmericanIdol.com.  Viewers could also download any performance from tonight’s show on their Apple iTunes, where all proceeds would go to Idol Gives Back.
Although the show focused primarily on the charity event, it did not forget that it was the results show for the Top 7.  Throughout the show, Ryan Seacrest announced who was safe “sitting on the couch,” and who the bottom three were, “facing the fire.”  Those sitting on the couch were Crystal Bowersox, Lee Dewyze, Siobhan Magnus and Mike Lynche.  Those facing the fire were Casey James, Aaron Kelly and Tim Urban.
The show wrapped up with this week’s results:  Aaron was announced safe for one more week, leaving Casey and Tim.  Tim was announced the person leaving this week, which stunned the audience and judges alike.  An overview of Tim’s time on American Idol was shown via video clips, while the other contestants said their goodbyes to him.
I thought the show was amazing, despite the anticipation of who was going to be voted off tonight.  Idol Gives Back is a wonderful charity event, and it touched my heart to see all of the wonderful causes tonight’s donations were going to.  I also enjoyed the performances given at both Pasadena and the “American Idol” stage.
What was your favorite part of the evening?  Were you disappointed with tonight’s results?  Who will you be voting for next week?  I would have loved to hear your thoughts and opinions.