EXXONMOBIL AND NEWS CORPORATION LEAD CORPORATE SPONSORS WITH MAJOR CHARITABLE DONATIONS TO "IDOL GIVES BACK" AIRING WEDNESDAY, APRIL 9, ON FOX

Last night it was announced that ExxonMobil and News Corporation will return as corporate sponsors of IDOL GIVES BACK and will generously donate to the historic Emmy Award-winning television event airing Wednesday, April 9 (7:30-10:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX. This special music celebration will raise awareness and funds to benefit six charities including: Children's Defense Fund, The Children's Health Fund, The Global Fund, Make It Right, Malaria No More and Save the Children's U.S. Programs.

As part of its fundraising efforts, IDOL GIVES BACK is seeking corporate sponsors to make donations and to become partners on this special star-studded event that will help children and young people in need in the U.S. and around the world.

This year's bigger and more ambitious event will kick-off at a special 7:30 PM ET/PT start time. The one-of-a-kind charity special will feature appearances by incredible international artists and sports figures including Bono, Brad Pitt, Reese Witherspoon, Miley Cyrus, Eli Manning, Peyton Manning, Mariah Carey, Robin Williams, Celine Dion, Forest Whitaker, Billy Crystal, Dane Cook, Kiefer Sutherland, Fergie, Chris Daughtry, Carrie Underwood, Annie Lennox, John Legend, Snoop Dogg, Maroon 5, Heart, Gloria Estefan, Vanessa Hudgens, Ashley Tisdale, Jennifer Connolly, Elliott Yamin, Fantasia and Amy Adams.

During the show, viewers will be able to make donations via toll-free lines and the Internet. Visit americanidol.com for more information on IDOL GIVES BACK as well as exclusive videos, photos and special behind-the-scenes information.

ExxonMobil, the world's largest publicly traded international oil and gas company, engages in a range of philanthropic activities that advance math and science education in the United States. Globally, ExxonMobil provides funding to improve basic education, develop women leaders, and combat malaria in developing countries. Additional information is available at www.exxonmobil.com/community.

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, IDOL GIVES BACK raised over $76 million for charity and garnered a prestigious Governor's Award Emmy.

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.