Monday, April 7, 2008

“Idol Gives Back”: Some of What You’ll See

Wednesday is the extravaganza known as “Idol Gives Back.” But since it was taped Sunday night, we already know some of what we’re going to see, barring any edits by the producers…

Warning: If you don’t want to know any details about the show, stop reading now.

The show will kick off with the Idols singing—are you ready for this?—Rihanna’s “Don’t Stop the Music,” accompanied by dancers from “So You Think You Can Dance.” I find the song an interesting choice considering the evening’s tone…

Both Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama taped messages of support. John McCain did too, but his wasn’t played because the tape was “poor quality.” He has been invited to tape another one…

Miley Cyrus will appear in a skit with Billy Crystal and will perform two songs—unless one gets cut—“See You Again” and “Good and Broken.” We’ll also see a video of Miley and her dad, Billy Ray, visiting a poor community in Kentucky. Miley confessed backstage that she has never seen “Idol”…

Mariah Carey, who is next week’s mentor, will perform “Fly Like a Bird” with Randy Jackson playing bass…

John Legend will perform “Show Me” and then join Fergie for “Finally.” Then Fergie will be joined by Heart for “Barracuda,” during which Fergie will show off some snazzy gymnastic moves…

Annie Lennox apparently will bring down the house once again with a moving video and a performance of “Many Rivers to Cross”…

You’ll see taped messages from a slew of celebrities, including the one and only Kiefer Sutherland…

Carrie Underwood will sing George Michael’s “Praying For Time.” Carrie told the AP that the night is about “getting people to do something” and “not about singing your latest single.” But I’m guessing there’ll be a recording of “Time” available on iTunes a la last year’s “I’ll Stand By You”…

This year’s lame celebrity lip-synch number is apparently “Daydream Believer.” The producers tried to get Ryan to tape a part in it Tuesday night, but he wouldn’t play along…

Last year, the show raised $76 million. Producers are hoping for $100 million this year. In addition to the Global Fund, Malaria No More, Children’s Health Fund, Save the Children and Children’s Defense Fund, Brad Pitt’s New Orleans charity, Make It Right, will also benefit…

Remember that “IGB” stars at the special time of 7:30 p.m. on FOX…