The Emmy Award-winning IDOL GIVES BACK returns with an illustrious group of celebrity participants to help raise awareness and funds to benefit various U.S. and international charities Wednesday, April 9 (7:30-10:00 ET/PT) on FOX. Robin Williams, Celine Dion, Forest Whitaker, Billy Crystal, Dane Cook, Kiefer Sutherland, Vanessa Hudgens, Ashley Tisdale, Jennifer Connolly, Elliott Yamin, Fantasia and Amy Adams join previously announced international talent and sports figures Bono, Brad Pitt, Reese Witherspoon, Miley Cyrus, Mariah Carey, Eli Manning, Peyton Manning, Fergie, Chris Daughtry, Carrie Underwood, Annie Lennox, John Legend, Snoop Dogg, Maroon 5, Heart and Gloria Estefan. Tickets for the star-studded event are currently on sale to the general public. The event will tape at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood on Sunday, April 6. Visit our IDOL GIVES BACK section for further information. The brainchild of Simon Fuller, IDOL GIVES BACK has been recognized as a life-changing program, earning praise from many of the world's best known figures including President George W. Bush, HRH Prince Charles and British Prime Minister Gordon Brown. Last season, IDOL GIVES BACK raised over $76 million for charity and garnered a prestigious Governor's Award Emmy. During the show, viewers will be able to make donations via toll-free lines and the Internet. Money raised by the charity special will be distributed by IDOL GIVES BACK to the following beneficiaries: The Children's Defense Fund The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria Make It Right Malaria No More Save The Children The Children's Health Fund

(Reuters) - Finalists (L-R) Carly Smithson, Kristy Lee Cook, David Cook, Ramiele Malubay, Jason Castro, Michael Johns, David Hernandez, Chikezie, Amanda Overmyer, Brooke White, Syesha Mercado and David Archuleta pose at the American Idol Top 12 party honoring the finalists in the 'American Idol" television reality series in Los Angeles, California March 6, 2008. REUTERS/Fred Prouser

The third episode of Fox Reality Channel’s Original Series “AMERICAN IDOL EXTRA” airs Thursday, March 27 at 7p and 10p ET/PT with special performances by Ruben Studdard and Haley Scarnato. Both will perform new songs and give fans a glimpse into their life after Idol. Additionally, former Idol auditioners Jonathan Jayne and Kenneth Briggs team up to perform “Climb Every Mountain.” Also, catch interviews with Shar Jackson, Emily Procter and Jai Rodriguez as well as the contestant voted off this week’s episode of “American Idol.” AMERICAN IDOL EXTRA is the destination for more behind-the-scenes Idol excitement as it follows the final 11 weeks of this year’s Idol competition. Coming straight from the Idol studios, host JD Roberto gets the first full sit-down interview with each eliminated Idol contestant. Plus, alums Constantine Maroulis and Gina Glocksen join JD Roberto as co-hosts. They go backstage to get an in-depth look at America’s favorite show bringing viewers the judges' reactions and all the exclusive gossip.

The photos from the amazing night of Top 10 performances are now up on the site. The hundreds of exclusive photos from the fun evening tell a story in and of themselves, so make sure to give them a look...don't forget to leave a comment!

The Top 10 Idols were given a trip down memory lane by singing songs from their birth years. There were many interesting selections, and even more great performances! Check out the songs they chose below, and the artists: Chikezie "If Only For One Night" - Luther Vandross David Archuleta "You're The Voice" -John Farnham David Cook "Billie Jean" -Michael Jackson Jason Castro "Fragile" -Sting Michael Johns "We Will Rock You" - Queen* *To be sung as a medley along with "We Are The Champions" Brooke White "Every Breath You Take" - The Police Carly Smithson "Total Eclipse Of the Heart" - Bonnie Tyler Kristy Lee Cook "God Bless The U.S.A." - Lee Greenwood Ramiele Malubay "Alone" - Heart Syesha Mercado "If I Were Your Woman" - Stephanie Mills Looking for a quick review of the evening? Watch our Video Recap.

Carmen Rasmusen was the youngest Idol on season two, but no one would have ever guessed it based on her impressive sixth place ranking and overall professionalism. What's interesting is Carmen was actually originally eliminated during the Top 100 stage but, in a shocking move, Carmen and three other Idols were brought back to compete in a Wild Card episode. Although Simon said her performance wasn't good enough, he was the one who picked her for "judge's choice" the following night, and she moved into the Top 12. Carmen appeared on the American Idol Season 2: American Love Songs CD, and she sang "How Do I Live," by LeAnne Rimes. Since the show, Carmen released an EP by herself called Carmen, which featured her first single, "Photograph."  She also released a debut single called "Nothin' Like the Summer" in April of this past year. Her debut album was also released on iTunes in August of last year. Carmen also made her acting debut in 2003 in the feature film, Pride and Prejudice: A Latter-Day Comedy. She's also written a book called "Staying in Tune," which follows her pursuit of a music career while still attempting to maintain her moral code. Happy Birthday Carmen! Check out this photo of Carmen hanging out with vocal coach Debra Byrd back in season two!

Wearing a Christian Siriano designed couture dress, Kimberley Locke will perform her new hit single “Fall” live on AMERICAN IDOL Wednesday, March 26 (9:00-10:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed) on FOX. The one-of-a-kind Siriano creation will be available for auction with bidding beginning Wednesday evening exclusively at www.clothesoffourback.org. Funds raised through the Kimberley Locke/Christian Siriano dress auction will support Camp Heartland, a national camping and care program for children impacted by HIV/AIDS. "It's wonderful making a gown for a real woman who's comfortable and confident on stage as well as in what she wears. I wanted to accentuate the goddess in Kimberley,” said Siriano. Locke’s Siriano-designed dress was inspired by romantic and ethereal goddess couture and was made from silk crepe satin and iridescent silk chiffon. Kimberley Locke has been a Celebrity Ambassador for Camp Heartland for more than two years and has supported the organization through a number of appearances, speeches and events. Camp Heartland is operated by One Heartland, a non-profit organization dedicated to greatly improving the lives of children, youth and their families facing HIV/AIDS, poverty, grief and other significant life challenges worldwide. Watch Kimberley's video for "Change," right here on americanidol.com.

Since Katharine McPhee reacted with pure joy at hearing she was going on to Hollywood and kissed the judges, America fell in love with not only her enthusiasm but her sultry voice. The judges seemed equally enthused from the onset, with Paula Abdul calling her "absolutely beautiful." Randy Jackson said she was possibly the best they'd heard that season, and Simon praised her for being current and called her tryout "absolutely fantastic." Although Katharine had an extensive past in theater and singing already, she definitely didn't have an easy time in her pursuit of music. People Magazine even reported that she'd been rejected in 195 out of 200 auditions. So it's no wonder that Kat reacted with such bliss at the judges' feedback. Since being the runner-up during season five, she's certainly created a name for herself in the industry. In June of '06, Katharine signed with 19 Recordings Limited and Sony BMG's RCA Records. Her first single, Somewhere Over the Rainbow/My Destiny, reached an impressive #4 on the Billboard Hot Singles Sales chart. Kat's self-titled debut album sold 116,000 copies its first week, and debuted at #2 on the Billboard 200 chart. In addition to joining her AI peers on tour after a bout with illness, Kat also performed with Andrea Bocelli for three of the concerts on his U.S. tour. Katharine also stunned viewers everywhere with her beauty and, since the show, she's been named one of the 100 Most Beautiful People of 2007 by People Magazine, was #2 on FHM's Sexiest Women in the World list in '07, and was #47 on Maxim's Hot 100 Women of 2007 list. Just after her recent appearance on this season of AI, she and David Foster announced that they will be releasing her next album together. She also just released a song with her "Idol" peer Elliott Yamin. It's a duet entitled "Real Love," and the song is on Randy Jackson's new CD, Randy Jackson's Music Club, Vol. 1. As far as her AI peers go, Kat has remained extremely close with Kellie Pickler, who was a bridesmaid in her February wedding. On top of a number of guest starring roles in TV shows, Katharine also recently made her studio acting debut in a comedy called "The House Bunny." She's also taken on a roll in an indie romantic comedy called "The Last Caller." According to MTV, she'll also begin shooting another indie film called "Success" in the fall. The movie is based on the 1978 novel by the same name. Happy Birthday Katharine! Re-live her time on "Idol" with her Transformation Gallery.

(AP) - Former 'American Idol' contestant Amanda Overmeyer appeares on the NBC 'Today' television show in New York's Rockefeller Plaza, Tuesday March 25, 2008. (AP Photo/Richard Drew)

(AP) - Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus clown Ben Bolin meets 'American Idol' contestant Amanda Overmeyer when the cast of the circus and Overmeyer appeared on the NBC 'Today' television show in New York's Rockefeller Plaza, Tuesday March 25, 2008. (AP Photo/Richard Drew)