From Oscar To ‘Idol’: Ellen Hosts ‘Idol Gives Back’

LOS ANGELES (April 23, 2007) — Ellen DeGeneres has been announced as the host of this Wednesday’s “American Idol” charity special, “Idol Gives Back.”

The ever-growing list of celebrity participants involved in the first-ever event includes Celine Dion, Kelly Clarkson, Pink, Gwen Stefani, Earth, Wind & Fire, Il Divo, Keira Knightley, Hugh Grant, Josh Groban with the African Children?s Choir, Jack Black, Helen Mirren, Rascal Flatts, Quincy Jones, Carrie Underwood, Annie Lennox andBono.

“Idol Gives Back” will raise awareness and funds for Charity Projects Entertainment Fund (CPEF) an organization that provides relief programs to help children and young people in extreme poverty in America and Africa.

On Tuesday’s “American Idol” performance show, the top six finalists will sing ?life anthem? songs of compassion and hope, in keeping with the “Idol Gives Back” theme. After the show, viewers will vote for their favorite singers via toll-free numbers and text messages, as usual, and corporate sponsors will donate money to the charity.

The special two-hour results show on Wednesday will feature live performances from the “Idol” stage as well as Walt Disney Concert Hall, where DeGeneres will serve as host.

Viewers will be able to make their own donations via toll-free pledge lines and the Internet. The Ford Motor Company will contribute generously by producing a very special music video that will air on Wednesday night. This video, as well as other music segments from the night, will be available for download after the show. Proceeds from the money generated will be contributed to “Idol Gives Back.”

Along with being the host of her own talk show, Ellen has previously served as host at the 2001 Primetime Emmy Awards and at the 79th Annual Academy Awards this past February.