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"AMERICAN IDOL" ANNOUNCES SUPPORT FROM iTUNES TO BENEFIT "IDOL GIVES BACK"

Net Proceeds from Sales of Contestant and Special Guest Performances To Be Donated To IDOL GIVES BACK

Philanthropic Celebration Airs Tonight on FOX

The iTunes Store, the No. 1 music retailer in the U.S., will donate net proceeds from sales of last night's Top 7 finalist performances to IDOL GIVES BACK. In addition, select guest performances from tonight's one-of-a-kind philanthropic event will also be featured on the iTunes Store (itunes.com). Check americanidol.com for regular updates on which performances will be available.

Customers can purchase and download this week's IDOL songs for $1.29 each and full video performances for $1.49 each on the iTunes Store, with net proceeds going to the IDOL GIVES BACK Foundation. Go to the iTunes Store to preview, purchase and download performances from the show. Visit americanidol.com, the official website of AMERICAN IDOL and home to the My Idol fan community, for direct links to iTunes to purchase and enjoy performances on a computer, iPod, iPhone, iPad or widescreen television with Apple TV.

IDOL GIVES BACK, which airs tonight, Wednesday, April 21 (8:00-10:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed) on FOX, will help children and families in need in the U.S. and around the world, and through iTunes, supporters can contribute to the fundraising event by purchasing and downloading the evening's performances.

This year's IDOL GIVES BACK will feature performances by Elton John, Alicia Keys, Carrie Underwood, The Black Eyed Peas, Annie Lennox, Jeff Beck & Joss Stone and Mary J. Blige & the All-Star Band.

The brainchild of Simon Fuller, IDOL GIVES BACK has made history by raising over $140 million for charity to date. This year's special celebration will help raise awareness and funds to benefit various U.S. and international charities, including Children's Health Fund, Feeding America, Malaria No More, Save the Children's U.S. Programs and the United Nations Foundation. Additionally, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is a not-for-profit partner on IDOL GIVES BACK.

As previously announced, News Corporation, Ford Motor Company, Coca-Cola, AT&T and ExxonMobil will return as corporate sponsors of IDOL GIVES BACK and will generously donate to the historic Emmy Award-winning television event. Viewers will once again be able to make donations during and following the show. The week's voting results will also be revealed, sending one of the finalists home.

AMERICAN IDOL is created and executive-produced by Simon Fuller, founder of 19 Entertainment; and executive-produced by Cecile Frot-Coutaz, CEO, FremantleMedia North America; and Ken Warwick, executive producer, FremantleMedia North America. The series features host Ryan Seacrest and judges Simon Cowell, Ellen DeGeneres, Kara DioGuardi and Randy Jackson.

Visit americanidol.com for more information on IDOL GIVES BACK in addition to exclusive videos, photos, special behind-the-scenes information and all of your AMERICAN IDOL news.