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« American Idol
Episode Recap: Idol Gives Back
Bono by Gary Moyes/Comic Relief/Fox
Hey guys, it's Erin Fox again. Sick of me yet? Don't answer that. Seriously. It'll just cost me more in therapy. This is going to be a little different tonight.... It's two and a half hours long, so this is going to be more of a "quick observations" format instead of a recap. Why? Cuz there are three Idols this week, and cuz I'm the boss of this blog! (Until Nina returns, that is.)
Did you notice a bunch of the finalists from So You Think You Can Dance? They are bustin' some moves to a track of Paula's new song (at least I think it is... ).
George Lopez does his bit in Spanish. It's like 20 seconds long. Is this what the producers call a "guest appearance"? Pretaped messages by celebs in front of American Idol logos? Boo. Forgive me, I didn't watch the special last year, so I thought it would be different.
Maria Shriver, the first lady of California and Mrs. Schwarzenegger, is welcomed out by "Maria" from West Side Story (oh, brother). But, I know her from my charity work and know that her message is truly genuine, and I applaud her for it. Go, girl! Ooh! There's a Best Buddies (the charity I was involved in for years) shirt in the front row onstage! Aww, that makes me smile.
Ben Stiller, however, does not make me smile. He's lame. PS. The Heartbreak Kid sucked. Better luck next time.
Jennifer Connelly does a digital short about dragging a bucket of water up the stairs of her brownstone and serving some kids really dirty water. A screen says 1.1 billion people don't have access to clean water. Point taken.
Yeeeeeahhhhh! Snoop is in the house! I'm sorry, I just L to the O to the V to the E Snoop! He's so dope. How cute are the kids behind him!? I'm in a cute coma right now.
Randy and Paula visit a school in Goshen, California, which is only 150 miles from Los Angeles. It's mostly a farming community where the average income is $9K a year. There's also a huge gang problem, and little Christian, who is showing Randy and Paula around the neighborhood, is adorable and heartbreaking.
Ugh, a ridiculous Desperate Housewives bit introduces Teri Hatcher singing Carrie Underwood's hit "Before He Cheats." She starts out OK but I quickly realize how really pathetic it is. Seriously, I'm embarrassed for her. I'm more excited to see Band from TV: James Denton (Housewives), Greg Grunberg (Heroes), Jesse Spencer (House), Bonnie Somerville (Cashmere Mafia) and Bachelor Bob Guiney. The only one missing from the usual group is Hugh Laurie. Boo! I want Hugh!
Billy Crystal is onstage talking about Idol and keeping up with pop culture. He's so un-hip to pop culture, he calls the next guest "Milly Seerus." Now I guess we're supposed to think it's shtick because he's asking if she's ever made an album or movie. She, of course, says she's done both and they're all No. 1. Then she asks Billy if he's in showbiz... ugh.
Miley begins her song well enough, then it looks like she runs out of steam and lets the backup singers pick up her slack. She also turns away from the camera to head-bang with the band so we can't see her not singing. I'm on to you, Miley!
Bono does a piece about a woman who has dedicated her life in Africa to helping her neighbors who have AIDS. It's very moving, and I wish it had been longer.
Julianne Moore is on for a nano-second, and is clearly reading cue cards. My pet peeve, grrrr.
Ew. Here's Fergie looking like a hot tranny mess... or maybe just a tranny. How did you bewitch Josh Duhamel? What are your magical powers? Tell me! OK, she has an awesome voice. But John Legend played the piano for her and didn't get to sing? WTF! I heart John.
Speaking of heart, Fergie introduces the band Heart (like what I did with that?). They may be older, but they know how to rock! Now I know who Amanda Overmyer was trying to sound like. Fergie joins Heart onstage, struttin' her Fergaliciousness all over the stage. This is the best number of the night so far.
Peyton and Eli Manning introduce a piece about Katrina and how New Orleans is doing three years later; specifically, how the children are coping. Eli and Peyton play with kids at a local school. Oh god, now they're playing "Fix You" by Coldplay. Damn you for making me choked up! That's right, underneath all the snark is a heart!
Posh and Becks can read? Is it wrong that I want to feed Posh a cheeseburger?
Wait, did you guys just see that? Ramiele and David H. are answering phones! They let the castoffs back!
Bono is back and introduces Annie Lennox, who interviews orphans in Africa. It's so ridiculously heartbreaking, I can barely stand it. She speaks to a family of brothers who have lost their entire family to AIDS. The oldest brother is only 15 and tests HIV-positive. She takes the rest of the boys to be tested and they're all negative. The little guy counting ("one, two, three, nine") breaks the cute meter. As Annie leaves the brothers for the day, she weeps, and so do I... sniff, sniff. Annie sings a cool bluesy song. She's awesome.
Celine Dion is talking about how some of the money from last year was spent in South Africa on orphans in need. Thank god the kids around her are so endearing because her cue-card reading (with ridiculous dramatic pauses) peeves me, too.
Jimmy Kimmel comes out onstage to introduce Simon Cowell and rips on him, which is awesome! Go, Jimmy! OMG, the talk about the nipples is killing me. It's like a Simon roast, and we're all invited! Paula can barely handle herself, she's laughing so hard. I've never been a fan of Kimmel's, but I think he's just changed my mind.
Simon's filmed piece is about doctors in New York who operate mobile clinics to provide health care to poor children and families. The family they visit is in crisis: The mom has lupus, the daughter has rheumatoid arthritis, and the son has four pins in his knee from surgery. Holy moly, this is too much. I love these doctors! I love the family!
Simon introduces Carrie Underwood, who, based on how she's dressed, apparently thinks this is a Disney parade. Of course, she's quite lovely, and she sounds fantastic. I'm just teasing about the Disney parade, so calm down already! No hate mail! Clearly, I'm joking around because it's such a serious subject that if I don't laugh, I'll burst into tears.
Ellen makes an appearance (pretaped) before Gloria Estefan and Sheila E. perform "Get on Your Feet." Toe-tappin' fun!
Sarah Silverman is in the house. Hold on to your... everything! Hey, there's Elliott Yamin in the audience. Sarah introduces a piece about Forest Whitaker in Angola investigating the malaria crisis. A little girl has the disease and is close to death — it's so shocking that this preventable disease can't be stopped. A $10 dollar net could save their lives.
Reese Witherspoon walks onstage looking fabulous. She speaks about education and the Children's Defense Fund. She travels to New Orleans to check out a "Freedom School," which is an after-school program to keep kids out of trouble and develop leadership skills. The family she speaks to lives in a rough neighborhood, and they have nine family members under one roof. I think I've gone through a whole box of Kleenex now.
The Idols sing "Seasons of Love" from Rent. They sound great, except for some weird microphone issue. But by the end, I have goosebumps.
Alicia Keys travels to Africa, and you can download her journey on iTunes and the proceeds will go to Idol Gives Back.
Miley Cyrus follows a message by Vanessa Hudgens and Ashley Tisdale. She's quite the performer, but I'm shocked that at 15 she's gyrating around while 5-year-olds and their moms sing along. After the song, a film about Miley and her dad traveling to Kentucky begins. They visit severely impoverished families and find that there's a great after-school program that has raised literacy at to 79 percent. The poverty in this area is frightening and palpable.
Robin Williams comes out onstage as the winner of "Russian Idol." Awesomely, and ignoring sensors, he says his name is "Ivan Yakinov." Say that slowly and phonetically (I've [been] yah-king off... see how I tricked my censors by not saying the J-word?). I'm laughing my ass off that he snuck it in there. By the end of the bit, Robin ends up grabbing Simon's ass. Heh.
Brad Pitt does a film on Katrina victims. He makes the point that houses weren't lost in the storm: Homes were lost, including memories and experiences and lifetimes. Brad and Make It Right are raising money to build houses to bring New Orleans back to life, and give families a place to call home. Brad comes out onstage and the crowd goes insane! Even the dudes have a crush on him. His microphone isn't working and the stage manager comes out to the rescue. She says perfectly, "I just wanted a reason to touch him." Hee. Brad introduces Daughtry, who also visited Africa. He sings a song called, "What About Now," and the message is clear. I heart Daughtry.
Mariah Carey saunters in singing while Randy plays bass for her. I think Mariah sounds pitchy tonight, and I hate her arm and hand movements. So annoying! Luckily a choir joins her and sounds wicked awesome.
The Idols close out the show, all in white, singing "Shout to the Lord." They sound great, especially when the choir joins them. Nice work, everyone! I hope you raise bazillions of dollars for all of these amazing and worthwhile charities.
Stiller comes onto an empty stage pretending that Ryan told him to go to the wrong theater. The best part is that he starts swearing and even though they're "bleeped," it's so awesomely clear that he's saying naughty words. Gotta love those loose Fox censors!
What did you think of the show tonight? What was your favorite performance? Which story moved you the most?
Good night! See you tomorrow for the results show.
Watch American Idol clips in our Online Video Guide.
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Apr 9, 2008 11:11 PM
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This is my first year watching AI, so it was my first time to watch IGB. I was very moved by the accounts, especially the ones in Africa. I hope they raised lots of $$$. Kudos to Randy/Paula/Simon and a number of the stars for visiting with some very hurting people.
I was wondering why Brooke was the only Idol who didn't have a solo part in Seasons of Love??? I recorded the program and it cut off the last number, so maybe she had a solo in that???
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Apr 9, 2008 11:31 PM
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Did anyone else think it was very strange hearing all of the idols singing a Rhianna song? David C looked like he wanted to laugh during his solo.
As a "Renthead" I just about jumped out of my chair when they sang "Seasons of Love"... but I was not happy when David A messed up the lyrics on my favorite part of the song. David C should've had that solo, but maybe I'm just biased because he is my favorite, as well as my future husband.
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Apr 9, 2008 11:38 PM
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Ok, I'm on Pacific time, so I'm still watching the show and I got just one thing to say . . .
I am so PEEVED because I had no idea the show was supposed to start a half-hour BEFORE Prime Time!!! WTF??? Even IF, from what I've read on this and the Idol message boards, that it was a bit of a train wreck, it's still an "accident" I wouldn't have minded witnessing. Why the heck couldn't they run it a half hour later instead? It's 10-10:30 is still prime time in the world of west coast television. Lame.
Anyway, the show is only so-so. Annie Lennox = Fabulous, all the pre-taped celebrity messages = not so much. All I keep thinking is those same celebrities, who are asking us to give our harld-earned cash, could do a heck of a lot more if they donated their salaries from even ONE movie role. Sorry, but it bugs me.
I'm looking forward to hearing this year's Idols sing. Other than that, just an aside to Erin that I read your BSG blog the other night and "I heart Lee" too! Hehehe . . .
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Apr 10, 2008 12:21 AM
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So... where was Obama and McCain and Clinton? They were supposed to appear.
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Apr 10, 2008 1:19 AM
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Ack! It started a half hour early? No wonder I didn't understand the first part of this recap.
I thought it was a huge downer to have Ben Stiller come out talking like a trucker right after 2 (or 2.5) hours of inspiratioal stories culminating with a very uplifting song. Whoever thought that was a cool idea really blew it in my opinion. It left me with a sour taste in my mouth about the whole event. Nothing like ending with a downer. (Sorry, Erin...I did *not* think it was "so awesome" like you did.)
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Apr 10, 2008 1:38 AM
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I think what they are trying to do is great. I only wish American Idol was not involved. I cannot stand the show not even when they try to perform good deeds. I know its tatseless of me but I vowed to never watch a single reality show again. Plus I can't stand Celine Dion. She makes me wish I wasn't Canadian (as it does every other Canadian under 30).
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Apr 10, 2008 4:13 AM
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One more comment!
Did anyone take a moment to realize that, given the shows own rules, guest singer Miley Cyrus is still too young to be an actual contestant? Just a thought.
Another thought is even if she were old enough to enter the contest, based on her performances tonight, I don't think she would win by even a longshot because her vocals were not that strong. And I like the girl! I'm just sayin' . . .
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Apr 10, 2008 4:42 AM
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This was also another good IGB. Once again I was in tears. I lost it when Annie said goodbye to those young boys.
Anyway time to wipe away the tears(again). I am also upset that my baby John legand didn't sing...WTH? What was the point of him compaining her while she sings? The could of at least did a duet.
Did anyone else thought it was strange when Paula and Randy was playing basketball with those kids in Goshen, CA Paula didn't know what to do with the ball? A former basketball cheerleader didn't know what to do with the ball...but this is Paula. And what happened to Kobe's face?
I also thought the funniest part of the show was Robin Williams "Ivan Yakinov" to be honest it took me awhile to figure that one out. But its still hysterical. Robin's a nut.
Brad Pitt..those kids he visited in New Orleans were so cute. One wanted to be a baseball player in outerspace or something like that. Kids. And if I was that stage hand I would of done the samething...lucky girl.
Snoop football kids were cute. And that guy was Charlie whats his face was from the Gap Band. If you watch Snoops show he had his renewel of his vows at Charlies house.
I also didn't like the DH segmanet and the pretaped segments.
My DVR cut off after the last few minutes of the show. I didn't even get to see Mariah and Ben. Oh well.
So what did everyone think of Ryan's lame attempt to dance?
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Apr 10, 2008 7:13 AM
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Erin I am NOT sick of you - you're funny and doing a great job. However, I do need to tell you that Randy played BASS (not base) when he backed up Mariah. You knew that, of course. Silly old typo.....
My favorite part of the show was the stuff done on location in New Orleans, which is where I grew up. There's such an odd form of racism in New Orleans, a lot of which stemmed from the kind of warehousing of the poor (blacks) in the "projects", back in the day. (This is what fostered the Katrina "Superdome syndrome", in fact.) It created a seemingly permanent underclass in the minds of many white people. I pray every day that some of this influx of help from around the country may help foster some new attitudes about how we can live together. New Orleans needs a whole lot of different kinds of healing.
Thanks to American Idol - from the bottom of my heart!
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Apr 10, 2008 7:21 AM
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Hey, Erin, I believe that all of the brothers are HIV negative. Annie Lennox was just ruminating on what would happen to them while waiting the test results.
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Apr 10, 2008 7:22 AM
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Hey guys, it's Erin-- just a few comments:
BlueDahlia77 -- Thanks for the clarification! I guess I misunderstood, but I'm happily wrong in this case! 
However, I do need to tell you that Randy played BASS (not base) when he backed up Mariah. You knew that, of course. Silly old typo.....
Yes dixidoo, I did know that, but thanks for catching it! LOL... it's about a 13-hour day by the time I post these bad boys.
Plus I can't stand Celine Dion. She makes me wish I wasn't Canadian (as it does every other Canadian under 30).
LOL comicbookguy! I agree, and I'm American.
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Apr 10, 2008 8:00 AM
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Erin:
I really hope you were just kidding when, in your description of Heart's performance, you said "now I know who Amanda Overmyer was trying to sound like." You HAD heard of Heart before last night, hadn't you? Yes, they still rock, and Nancy Wilson (on guitar) is still the most beautiful woman on the planet.
All in all, not a bad show, from what I managed to see of it.
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Apr 10, 2008 8:32 AM
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Although I set my DVR to record PAST 10:00 pm (I'm on EST), the show still cut off in the middle of Mariah's segment, so I missed the last 5-10 minutes, I'm guessing.
Bono's and Annie Lennox's pieces had me in TEARS.
Like you, I could care less for those appearances by the celebs asking us to donate. What I really missed this time was celebs lypsynching like they did last year to Stayin' Alive, wasn't it? That would've been funny, if they'd done that again. Not to the same song, mind you, but still.
For me, the highlight, and the parts I enjoyed the MOST were Billy Crystal, Robin Williams and Heart.
I don't mean to offend, but Fergie just looks...like a bad plastic surgery mishap--and I really, really, REALLY didn't like her overtaking Barricuda. I could care less for her. I wanted to hear Ann and Nancy!
And why did Miley get to do two numbers? I would have MUCH preferred if Heart would've gotten to sing again. Maybe "Alone"
Just my .02
~Sangeeta
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Apr 10, 2008 8:37 AM
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Does anyone else wonder how much $ the celebrities who come on asking us to donate actually donate themselves.
Anyway, the British gov't pledge of $200M was fantastic. Haven't seen our gov't step up in any way. Shocking, huh.
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Apr 10, 2008 8:44 AM
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