Get ready to set your DVRs, because 'American Idol' has announced the return of their charity telethon Idol Gives Back. Now the only question is this: Will any money actually be raised?Scheduled for April 21, 2010, this will be the third edition of Idol Gives Back but the first since the nation was sent into deep financial depression, leading some to wonder whether now is truly the time to be asking viewers to pony up money for charities, however worthy. In the official press release from Fox, Mike Darnell, President of Alternative Entertainment, acknowledged the difficulties facing Idol Gives Back.
"In today's tough economic times, it's more important than ever – but more difficult than ever – to raise money to help those in need," Darnell said. "With this year's Idol Gives Back, we're focused on raising awareness about the challenges that so many children and families currently face and demonstrating how even small donations can make a difference and help save lives. Every little bit counts."
Of course, those efforts may be hampered by financial difficulty faced by one of the show's biggest corporate donors, Ford Motor Company, which just last year was itself forced to apply for charity in the form of government aid. But at least American Idol has one cost saving measure already in place: former Idol Gives Back host Ellen DeGeneres is now a permanent member of the show, which should cut down on appearance fees. And who knows, perhaps Ellen's presence will help keep this year's Idol Gives Back from being as ponderous and overlong as the last two.
Because that would be a gift we can all get behind.
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