Fans Go Crazy for Brad Pitt at Idol Gives Back Taping

Alissa R — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 08:56:28 -0400

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<b>Miley Cyrus</b> and <b>Carrie Underwood</b> were among the stars at Sunday's taping

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The real Idol at Sunday's taping of Idol Gives Back? Brad Pitt!

When the actor, 44, hit the stage at Hollywood’s Kodak Theater, the crowd wouldn't stop screaming, one attendee tells Usmagazine.com.

Idol floor manager Debbie McVickers stopped the show because the actor's mic wasn't working.

As she tried to attach his mic, she joked, "I just needed a reason to touch him!"

Pitt — whose efforts to rebuild New Orleans were recognized on the show — then erupted out in laughter.

The screaming continued, as he introduced a video of rocker Daughtry. (See Pitt through the years here.)

Robin Williams, who also presented, even joked, "I want Brad and Angelina to adopt me!"

The show airs Wednesday on Fox.

Last year, Idol Gives Back raised more than $75 million for charities worldwide. This year, producer Nigel Lythgoe wants to rake in $100 million.

Miley Cyrus told Us she believed the number was attainable.

"It doesn’t matter if it’s a penny or a dollar or anything, it’s one more penny than they had before," she said.

Added Carrie Underwood, "The opportunity will be presented to the
world to call in and donate money and hopefully a few people will rise to that occasion."

Check out American Idol Extra for more Idol Gives Back coverage!

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Brad Pitt on IDOL GIVES BACK, airing Wednesday, April 9, 2008.

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Idol’s Jordin Stays Alive

Allison Corneau — Thu, 26 Apr 2007 11:27:26 -0400

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Well, America, the joke’s on us. Team Idol really made us sweat during last night’s Idol Gives Back results extravaganza with that whole “most shocking results in Idol history” hoopla. We really wondered who would be sent packing last night: we loved Blake’s “Imagine” and LaKisha’s Fantasia Barrino impression was lost on us, but did America like it? For the first time in our Idol viewing history, it took us a full nail-biting hour and 59 minutes to come to terms with the fact that one of our favorites may be forced to say goodbye before their time.

Our fears were confirmed when, at the end of the evening, Seacrest called both Chris Richardson and Jordin Sparks to the stage to learn their fate. As we just started accepting the things we cannot change, a surprised Richardson was told to sit down. Seacrest then told a stunned Sparks to have a seat. We’ll never know if what happened was a deliberate act of charity or an effort to skyrocket show ratings, but we speak for Sparks and all of her fans when we say phew!

Turns out that the masterminds at Fox were in a giving mood this week, choosing to pardon all our Idols and let them work with mentor Bon Jovi for the next performance round. However, they weren’t too giving, since the execs decided that two belters will get the boot come the next results show. (We’re already preparing ourselves now)

In order to placate us before the results were revealed, Idol unveiled their Idol Gives Back charitable campaign, which solicited donations during the two-hour episode. As viewers watched Elvis take the stage with Celine Dion in a stunning display of musical evolution, Ellen Degeneres hosted a portion of the event at L.A.’s Walt Disney Concert Hall. Before a crowd of 1600, the original Idol, Kelly Clarkson belted out a heartfelt tune as images of poverty-stricken African children scrolled behind her.

Among the night’s many highlights? Funnyman Jack Black “auditioning” for our judging panel with Seal’s “Kiss From a Rose,” only to have the original performer declare Black’s performance “the best version!” Paula, however, wasn’t feeling the love. “The School of Rock called – they want their diploma back!” she told the dejected Black.

At the end of the evening, funds raised as a result of the 70 million votes and viewer donations numbered in the $60 million range. Our Idols are all safe and a handful of great charities are able turn money into miracles. It’s a win-win all around.

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