Los Angeles – An “American Idol” charity special filled with wrenching pictures of impoverished children and celebrity appeals raised more than $60 million, Fox said Thursday.
The money from “Idol Gives Back,” a two-night special that was combined with the regular talent contest, will go to organizations funding relief programs for America and Africa, the network said.
Donations came from viewers and corporations.
A total of $5 million was pledged by Fox parent company News Corp., which gave 10 cents for each of the first 50 million votes received for contestants on Tuesday’s show. More than 70 million votes were cast, a record for the show, Fox said.
Pledges were still coming in, and an updated total was to be announced on next Tuesday’s show, Fox said.
Funds will go to the newly formed Charity Projects Entertainment Fund for distribution to groups that include America’s Second Harvest: The Nation’s Food Bank Network, Boys & Girls Clubs of America and the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB and Malaria.
