‘Idol’s’ Big Announcement? It Involves Borat & Gwen Stefani!

Wondering what the big announcement “American Idol’” has been touting for weeks? Wonder no more. The show is gearing up to stage a two-night special aimed at benefiting African and American young people in need, Fox revealed in announcement earlier today.

Borat, aka Sacha Baron Cohen, will join singing sensations Gwen Stefani and Pink, crooners Michael Buble and Josh Groban, and Oscar winner Annie Lennox for the results show on April 25. Simon Cowell’s Il Divo, the handsome operatic foursome will also take part. Viewers will be able to make donations to the cause beginning that night, through toll-free phone lines and the World Wide Web.

“Having witnessed some of the appalling conditions in Africa firsthand, I’m especially proud that our show is offering Americans the chance to help those most in need,” judge Simon Cowell said in a statement. “Ensuring that American charities will equally benefit from these efforts was one of my priorities, and I’d like to thank our sponsors for their support and generosity in making this possible”

Photo: Simon Cowell in Africa (Fox)

The evening before the celeb packed results show, “Idol’s” regular sponsors including Coca-Cola and AT&T will donate monies for each vote cast for the contestants on April 24. To make the event more memorable, the finalists, which will be whittled down to six by that date, will be singing “life anthems,” Fox said.

Ford Motor Company will also contribute to the cause via another method which will be unveiled shortly.

In the United States, monies raised will be donated to Save the Children and other organizations. In Africa, the funds will go to UNICEF, The Global Fund, Save the Children, Nothing But Nets and Malaria No More.

U2 frontman Bono commented on the special show in the release saying “We’ll see worlds collide when Africa appears on America’s most-watched TV show. This is a big deal, a little bit of pop history . . . Iwouldn’t underestimate the reach of this show or the impact its audience can have.”

Photo: Ryan & Simon in Africa (Fox)

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