EMMY-AWARD WINNING SPECIAL "IDOL GIVES BACK" RETURNS WEDNESDAY, APRIL 9, ON FOX

Bono, Brad Pitt, Reese Witherspoon, Miley Cyrus, Mariah Carey, Eli Manning, Peyton Manning, Fergie, Chris Daughtry, Carrie Underwood, Annie Lennox, John Legend and Snoop Dogg Among Celebrity Participants to Appear on the "American Idol" Fundraiser Special

Having garnered a prestigious Governor's Award Emmy for raising an incredible $76 million last year, the charitable special IDOL GIVES BACK returns with another star-studded event Wednesday, April 9 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX.

IDOL GIVES BACK is a music celebration raising awareness and benefiting various U.S. and international charities. This year's event will be bigger and more ambitious than ever, and will feature incredible international talent including Bono, Brad Pitt, Reese Witherspoon, Miley Cyrus, Mariah Carey, Eli Manning, Peyton Manning, Fergie, Chris Daughtry, Carrie Underwood, Annie Lennox, John Legend and Snoop Dogg. Additional artists scheduled to appear to be announced.

The star-studded evening will echo the success of last year's IDOL GIVES BACK, which raised over $76 million for various U.S. charities that deliver support to underprivileged children in some of the most disadvantaged areas of the country, providing them with medical care, food and grocery products, health and life skills and literacy programs, among other important initiatives. In Africa, funds were dedicated to organizations that support efforts to battle poverty through various health and education programs, including delivering medical supplies and providing clean water.

The brainchild of Simon Fuller, IDOL GIVES BACK has been recognized as a life-changing program, earning praise from many of the world's best known figures including President George W. Bush, HRH Prince Charles and British Prime Minister Gordon Brown. Last season's IDOL GIVES BACK special featured performances from the AMERICAN IDOL stage, where Ryan Seacrest hosted alongside judges Randy Jackson, Paula Abdul and Simon Cowell.

AMERICAN IDOL is created and executive-produced by Simon Fuller, founder and CEO of 19 Entertainment; and executive-produced by Cecile Frot-Coutaz, CEO, FremantleMedia North America, Inc.; Nigel Lythgoe, President, 19 Television; and Ken Warwick, Executive Producer, FremantleMedia North America, Inc.

Visit americanidol.com for more information on IDOL GIVES BACK as well as exclusive videos, photos, special behind-the-scenes information and all of your AMERICAN IDOL news.