American Idol Absorbed Votes, Kept the Contestants

After the competition yesterday, Idol "Gives Back" its 6 contestants for next week round. Nobody was going home during the charity week. Seemingly announcing the result Ryan Seacrest who was accompanied by Kelly Clarkson and Celine Dion said, "All your favorites are still in the competition. How could we let anyone go on a charity night?"

This week, the Fox production switched its regular contest program to a fundraising night whereby huge stars were hand in hand to help raise the number of votes. For each vote coming in last night, a dollar will go to poor and starving children in States and Africa.

Ellen DeGeneres who hosted the show from Walt Disney Concert Hall revealed that she donated $100,000 for the good cause. Her effort is supported by other performers such as Clarkson, Dion, Earth, Wind & Fire, Il Divo, Josh Groban with African Children's Choir and Annie Lennox.

Actor Eric McCormack encouraged the viewers to donate in his own way. He said, "If every person who ever voted for Sanjaya could give just one dollar, we could do some good." Meanwhile, "School of Rock" star Jack Black provided the comedy and started delivering his version of Seal' "Kiss From a Rose". Ben Stiller and Madonna, although not actually present in the venue, gave their support through a taped video.

In the end, Seacrest announced that a total of more than 70 million votes were coming in this week.