ELLEN DEGENERES JOINS RYAN SEACREST TO HOST "IDOL GIVES BACK" WEDNESDAY, APRIL 9, ON FOX

Maroon 5, Heart, Gloria Estefan, Boyz II Men and The Clark Brothers Join the Star-Studded Line-Up

Ellen DeGeneres will once again join Ryan Seacrest as co-host of IDOL GIVES BACK, a music celebration raising awareness and funds to benefit various U.S. and international charities. DeGeneres will host from the Kodak Theatre with Seacrest hosting from the AMERICAN IDOL stage in Los Angeles Wednesday, April 9 (7:30-10:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX.

Having garnered a prestigious Governor's Award Emmy for raising an incredible $76 million last year, this year's IDOL GIVES BACK will be bigger and more ambitious than ever. Maroon 5, Heart, Gloria Estefan, Boyz II Men and The Clark Brothers join previously announced international talent and sports figures 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.

"Everyone knows it's better to give than to receive," said DeGeneres. "That's why I want to give you some advice. You get the advice and I get the joy of giving � it's a win-win. Here it is: Give yourself a treat and watch IDOL GIVES BACK. Again, you get the joy of giving and an amazing line-up of artists get to give us an incredible show. Last year, we were able to giveaway over $76 million. You give, you get. Get it?"

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.

During the show, viewers will be able to make donations via toll-free lines and the Internet. Money raised by the charity special will be distributed by IDOL GIVES BACK to the following beneficiaries: the Children's Defense Fund (www.childrensdefensefund.org); The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (www.jointheglobalfund.org); Make It Right (www.makeitrightnola.org); Malaria No More (www.malarianomore.org); Save The Children (www.savethechildren.org); and the Children's Health Fund (www.childrenshealthfund.org).

Ellen DeGeneres' distinctive comic voice has resonated with audiences from her first stand-up comedy appearances through her work today on television, in film and in the literary world. Her hit syndicated talk show, "The Ellen DeGeneres Show," is now in its fifth season and has won a total of 21 Daytime Emmy Awards. DeGeneres was selected as one of Time magazine's 100 Most Influential People and was voted "Favorite TV Host" in a Time magazine poll. She also garnered plaudits for hosting the 79th Annual Academy Awards and the 2001 Primetime Emmy Awards.

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; Nigel Lythgoe, President, 19 Television; and Ken Warwick, Executive Producer, FremantleMedia North America.

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.