While many television networks scramble to prepare Michael Jackson-themed content commemorating the recently deceased “King of Pop,” after the 50-year-old passed away suddenly Thursday in Los Angeles.

Fox network has come up with a simple way to give homage: Just push play.

In an unprecedented move by Fox, the network will replay reality singing show American Idol’s Top-13 round – Michael Jackson Week – as a tribute to the fallen star.

Originally aired on March 10, the episode features a breakout effort by eventual Season Eight winner Kris Allen (Remember the Time), an edgy Black and White by runner-up Adam Lambert and a rousing Michael McDonald-like slant on P.Y.T.  by third-place winner Danny Gokey.

Hopefuls Jasmine Murray (I’ll Be There) and Jorge Nunez (Never Can Say Goodbye) were eliminated the following evening.

Viewers anticipating the trendsetting Jackson to give instruction or perform may be disappointed.

According to former American Idol producer Nigel Lythgoe, executives made numerous attempts to land Jackson as one of their weekly musical mentors. During the show’s Spring 2007 sixth season, it was rumored that Jackson had turned to Idol creator Simon Fuller to help mastermind his comeback – a  report that turned out to be false.

“No. It’s not true… just not true,” said Lythgoe at the time before subsequently being asked if the decision to have Jackson on Idol was still up in the air.

“No, we won’t be seeing him,” he replied.

Speculation rose again this spring of a possible sighting, as Jackson began preparation for an intense 50-concert comeback series at the London O2 arena, with a new record and a world tour to follow. But Jackson did not surface as a mentor or spectator during the popular singing competition’s cover of his songbook.

Such intense preparations may have contributed to his death. It is possible that Jackson, who possessed a very slight frame and suffered from a cracked vertebra, may have overdosed on pain medication or other non-prescribed pharmaceuticals. An investigation and tests by the county coroner’s office are still under way.

This very special American Idol will air tonight, June 29, at 8 pm ET/PT on the Fox network.

Danny Gokey

Like most of us across the country if you watched American Idolrooting for and cheering on Danny Gokey, you’re not alone. Well, the Gokester plans to thank his Milwaukee crowd, his hometown, at an event to raise money and awareness for his charity.

In memory of his wife, Sophia, Danny Gokey started Sophia’s Heart Foundation. Sophia passed away last summer after surgery for a congenital heart defect. A fundraiser will be held at the Hilton in Milwaukee to raise awareness and founds. While Gokey has a full schedule with a Top 10 American Idolfinalists tour in July we know once thing’s for certain: after the tour wraps that will not be the end of hearing from Danny Gokey.

Something tells us this American Idol’sa winner in our hearts and will be around for a long time to come! Check it: remember that little known star Jennifer Hudson who didn’t even make it to the final three on Idol? One Oscar Award and Grammy later, we all know her now. How about Constantine Maroulis from Season 4? Well, this rocker has been nominated for a Tony Award for best actor in a Broadway musical, Rock of Ages.
While we have no idea what Justin Guarini is up to from Season 1, point being: once the majority of talented singers like Danny Gokey get the old heave ho, odds are the talent rises to the top. Clay Aiken and Frenchie Davis were on Broadway as was season 5 winner Taylor Hicks.

Whether the contestants on American Idol technically end up in first place or not, history has shown the limelight shines brightly on the singers so yeah, technically they’re all winners!

Kris Allen wins

Small-town guy Kris Allen and producers of reality singing competition American Idolredefined the meaning of no boundaries during the show’s two-hour Season Finale on Wednesday.

The humble, guitar-strumming Allen, of Conway, Arkansas, overcame obscurity, and nearly five months of show twists, turns and truncations to become the show’s eighth season champion.

The 23-year-old married singer-musician landed more of the record 100 million votes than favored theatrical rocker Adam Lambert to emerge victorious. It was a final twist in a five-month journey filled with fizzled production liberties.

And nobody in the standing room 7,100-seat Nokia Theatre on Wednesday was in greater astonishment of the outcome than Allen. He used a twangy six string and deft song interpretation — along with boyish good looks and aw-shucks embraceable personality — to propel him past the seemingly larger-than-life theatrics and searing upper-register chops of former stage hand Lambert.

Allen’s struggle for words followed a blank facial expression.

“It feels good…but Adam deserves this,” Allen said. “This is…crazy.”

Host Ryan Seacrest added attributions. “The underdog, the dark horse, comes back and wins the nation over.”

Mellow bulls eyes in early weeks such as movie soundtrack hit Falling Slowly and Disco Night remix of Donna Summer’s She Works Hard for the Moneylifted the slight, diminutive Allen from also-ran to contender status. A stripped-down Kanye West hit Heartless and a heartfelt Carl Withers’ Ain’t No Sunshine in Tuesday’s final round put the underdog Allen within reach of taking it all.

He and Lambert had unmemorable takes on disjointed coronation song No Boundaries, leaving judges non-committal which singer would secure the show title.

But after more than 16 weeks, one new judge, multiple late episodes due to production overruns, the pair — and all of America — would have to first serendipitously wade through 119 minutes more of bloated entertainment before learning the contest winner.

A parade of artists ranged from pop to grandpa included Steve Martin (on banjo), Rod Stewart, Carlos Santana, Pink, Fergie/Black-eyed Peas, Queen Latifah and Jason Mraz was high-class filler. “Golden Idol” spoof awards to tryout busts Katrina Darrell (aka “Bikini Girl,” whose recent augmentation and slenderizing rendered jaw-dropping expressions from judges Cowell and Randy Jackson) and Latina drama queen Tatiana Del Toro generated deprecating laughs. Along side of Darrell, first-year panelist DioGuardi revved the satire with vocal and flash physique comparisons.

Lambert and head-banging Kiss set the stage afire with a metal medley including Detroit Rock City. Adorned black, exaggerated shoulder pad-like edifice, the loudly and clearly wailing 27-year-old appeared a ready fit for the aging rockers. During a duet of Allen and Keith Urban (Kiss a Girl), the champion-to-be looked, at times, more like a wide-eyed country star trainee. Lionel Richie teamed with third place-earner Danny Gokey for ’80s classics Hello and All Night Long. Just Gorounded out a rich, sincere set that saw gospel veteran Gokey’s confidence swell throughout the routine.

Before the results were announced, Lambert and Allen had a moment of musical camaraderie: They joined together with Queen on the rock anthem We Are the Champions.

“Adam did win. So did Kris. Nobody lost tonight. These are two champions,” said Paul Stanley from Kiss backstage.

Longtime corporate sponsor Ford Motor Company awarded both finalists new 2010 Ford Fusion hybrid vehicles. Lambert was pleased while Allen was ecstatic.

“Yea! I’ve really needed a new car,” the jeans and t-shirt clad Allen said.

Following Seacrest’s final announcement, Allen had much more. A hug from season-long roommate Lambert — who’d grown to become a friend and mentor — and the small-town lad from Arkansas, enjoyed a celebratory shower of tickertape as the new American Idol champion.

Allen will lead the show’s top 10 singers on a 50-city summer tour that starts July 5.

To win your tickets from SheKnows, click here!

Seal and Syesha Mercado

As American Idol dashes towards the finish, we decided to take a look back at past finals and showcase why the Idol final night is TV’s best for the entire family.

Sure a big deal is made of the singing finale, which was May 19, but the real fireworks happen on the LA Live stage each year on the American Idol finale results show.

Tonight we have Kris Allen and Adam Lambert awaiting their fate, their American Idol title will not be revealed into the final moments. So, until then, what can we look forward to witnessing?

Judging by past years, audiences can expect plenty of American Idol top 10 singers performing together. The big songs that many of the top 10 are known for, they will be given another chance to perform for 40 million people.

Another joy each year on the American Idolfinale is when the top 10 singers are paired with famous singers. In past years, the delight has included Chris Daughtry singing with Live and Brooke White jamming with Graham Nash.

Watch for surprise guests as evidenced by past years.

American Idol’s top 5 finale moments:

5. Kelly Clarkson’s Without You: The judges’ pick has never been performed better.

4. David Archuleta and One Republic sing Apologize

3. Season 3 top 10 perform Motown’s greatest hits:

2. Chris Daughtry and Live perform Mystery

1. David Cook and ZZ Top perform Sharp Dressed Man

Another finale masterstroke from 2008, this time featuring David Cook singing with ZZ Top on their classic hit Sharp Dressed Man. Perfect pairing as only they do on the American Idol finale results show. Enjoy tonight’s!

Kris Allen

Theatrical singer Adam Lambert had a fog-filled entry, but it may have the American Idol Season Eight title dreams of cool crooning Kris Allen that went up in smoke during the final song of a much-anticipated showdown Tuesday.

After small-town Arkansas native Allen’s soulful spin on Bill Withers hit Ain’t No Sunshineleft a packed Nokia Theatre cooing, Lambert countered with revving, soaring reprise of Sam Cooke’s A Change Is Gonna Come that pulled the pair even into the event’s final selection.

A panelist arm pump and host Ryan Seacrest’s declaration “Game on!” indicated dark horse Allen’s upset-minded hopes still alive.

The two hopefuls then had to scale one last mountain, coronation song No Boundaries, co-written by panelist Kara DioGuardi. It was a rigorous vocal gymnastic of sorts that’d test both Idol finalists.

Lambert ascended to the challenge with trademark upper-register swipes, but the climb proved a steep one for Allen’s modest chops. Panelist reviews of the Midwest college student’s noble effort seemed to concede the final round.

DioGuardi urged viewers to evaluate baby faced Allen on the season’s body of work – instead of his last performance. Even notoriously abrasive lead judge Simon Cowell attempted a complimentary salve.

“You have thoroughly, thoroughly deserved to be standing on this stage tonight,” Cowell told a slightly drooping Allen afterward.

Earlier, Allen landed a subtle apology and compliment from the stoic Cowell. “When your name was announced last week, I wasn’t sure that America had made the right choice. I absolutely take all that back now after that performance.”

It bolstered a joyous, guitar-strumming Marvin Gaye classic What’s Goin’ Onfor the lite pop-rock soulster and a last gasp for the married 23-year-old.

Meanwhile, Cowell was non-committal on a verdict of Lambert’s coronation rendering and found the 27-year-old SoCal native Lambert’s eerie, Goth-laden take on cult movie tune Mad World “too theatrical.”

But judge Paula Abdul had no problems expressing satisfaction.

“That was the best I’ve ever heard you sing — ever!” Abdul exclaimed, calling the spiky-haired Lambert “iconic.”

Although judges didn’t declare a winner, the episode’s last minutes may have created an uphill struggle for Allen.

Then again, four hours of popular call-in (and text) votes decide the champion. The popular Fox reality series outcome will be revealed during a two-hour Season Finale on Wednesday night.

American Idol the television show is closing with its two-day finale while American Idol the tour is only beginning. SheKnows has your chance to check out the American Idol top 10 in the 50 cities across the nation where they are performing from July through September.

To win two tickets to your city, enter here!

Whether Adam or Kris wins is irrelevant to the tour. Each of the top 10 appear solo and sing together. Although honestly, in past years, the winner gets a little more stage time – as you would expect. The not-too-miss moments include the duets. Remember Adam and Allison’s from a few weeks back? Count on them performing that live!

According to our American Idol columnist Bob Benedetti, that man will be Adam Lambert. To this reporter, it is also Adam Lambert, but for very different reasons. .

Check out Bob’s column here and the Adam Lambert-President Obama comparison as called by yours truly here.

As the confetti falls May 20 at LA Live Noika Theatre on either singer that is now called American Idol, 50 arenas across the country are readying for the American Idol phenomenon to arrive front and center.

Witness the images of thousands of fans who came out to experience the top three’s visit home and throw all that excitement into a concert venue and you have American Idols Live.

And now for 50 SheKnows readers from Los Angeles to Long Island, you too can share in the thrills and chills of the American Idol top 10 bringing their number-one rated show in America to you live and in person.

American Idol Live 2009 cities and dates:
July 5, Portland, OR
July 7, Tacoma, WA
July 8, Vancouver, BC
July 10, Sacramento, CA
July 11, Oakland, CA
July 12, San Jose, CA
July 14, W. Valley City, UT
July 16, Los Angeles, CA
July 17, Ontario, CA
July 18, San Diego, CA
July 20, Glendale, AZ
July 23, Dallas, TX
July 24, Tulsa, OK
July 25, Little Rock, AR
July 26, Memphis, TN
July 28, Tampa, FL
July 29, Sunrise, FL
July 31, Duluth, GA
Aug 1, Charlotte, NC
Aug 2, Greensboro, NC
Aug 4, Washington DC
Aug 5, Baltimore, MD
Aug 7, Atlantic City, NJ
Aug 9, Newark, NJ
Aug 12, Long Island, NY
Aug 14, Hamilton, ON
Aug 15, Rochester, NY
Aug 16, Hartford, CT
Aug 18, Boston, MA
Aug 19, Albany, NY
Aug 20, Philadelphia, PA
Aug 22, Pittsburgh, PA
Aug 23, Cleveland, OH
Aug 25, Columbus, OH
Aug 26, Auburn Hills, MI
Aug 28, Milwaukee, WI
Aug 29, St Louis, MO
Aug 30, Kansas City, MO
Sept 1, Minneapolis, MN
Sept 2, Rosemont, IL
Sept 4, Madison, WI
Sept 5, Indianapolis, IN
Sept 6, Grand Rapids, MI
Sept 8, Reading, PA
Sept 9, Wilkes Barre, PA
Sept 10, Bridgeport, CT
Sept 12, Portland, ME
Sept 13, Providence, RI
Sept 14, Syracuse, NY
Sept 15, Manchester, NH

Don’t forget to enter for your chance at two tickets to American Idols Live by clicking on the image below.

The venue is one that millions of viewers clamored to from January through late May with fervor that some consider it the nation’s fifth major sporting event.

To borrow broadcaster Ryan Seacrest’s words, “This … is … American Idol.”

The reality singing competition has turned Conway, Ark. homespun college student Kris Allen and glam-ish Calif. former stage hand Adam Lambert into household names — and contenders for the show’s Season Eight title.

The final battle will feature a pair that are seemingly polar opposites — one torches audiences minds with upper-register assaults, guy-liner and stage flamboyance while the other switches instruments but lays down a cool croon that’s easy to connect with.

But don’t be fooled: for their external differences, a handful of strong underlying similarities exist. Both have a keen sense of who they are — and who they strive to be as artists. With high musical IQs and a firm grasp on their capabilities, both have the introspection to retrofit music into unthinkable show stopping content; showing their strong suits. Lambert’s slant on Tears for Fears’ Mad World and Allen’s overhaul of Kanye West’s Heartless reveal their unadulterated musical genius.

Both have significant fan bases, too. According to posters on MTV.com, the oft-dramatic Lambert, 27, lands a more liberal fan base “from 7 to 80 years old” and laid back Allen, 23, has a tsunami of votes from two main crops — swooning tween girls with nubile texting thumbs and more conservative viewers.

Who has the edge? Opinions vary depending upon the source. If blogging sites are an indication of who’s favored, this writer’s empirical findings have the showdown a near-dead heat.

Using their own formulas, bookmakers strongly lean toward Lambert. OLBG Sports had the San Diego rocker at 4-to-11 odds while Kris Allen is now listed as 9-to-4 but as short as 6-to-4 odds elsewhere.

Votefortheworst.com, a subversive reality television voting Web site is throwing their weight behind underdog Allen, “that guy that’s not Adam.” Meanwhile, DialIdol.com, a highly accurate service that uses dial tones to make predictions, said the matchup was “too close to call.”

WHAT THEY MUST DO
Whether seen as a front runner or underdog, there are mainstays to give each contestant their best chance to win.

For Lambert, that formula is a fire-and-ice combination of fearlessness and restraint. Properly mixing his love for tantalizing high-pitched riffs, menacing glares and haughty swagger with the discipline to hold back from excessive wailing will keep audiences on the edge of their seats — and prevent from reducing songs to a shrill, vocal gymnastic activity.

Unwavering song selection, lighting and attire (a green light on guy-liner) are must-haves for the “glam rock” specialist — his signature marks.

If “Glambert’s” success is in ruling both ends of the continuum, a very different approach will generate the greatest yield for Allen.

Many view the clean-cut small college kid as an underpowered rival with a fanatic following of gum-chewing infatuated adolescents. Do not be fooled. Allen is more than merely boyish good looks. But he needs to spin his creative magic one more time: a timely, creative song selection of feel good and intimate hits that skillfully incorporate his six string skills, keyboard twinkles and soft bluesy vocal chops.

POSSIBLE PRATFALLS
Every competition has seemingly unimportant variables that could tilt the outcome. American Idol is no different; in fact, the popular Fox reality series may have a bagful of items possibly deciding the crown.

Contestant order: Allen won the ceremonial coin toss last week and chose to sing last in the final round, taking the “pimp spot.” If the pair was tied, it could give Allen a show-stealing last chance. Considering that Allen has proven himself a clutch performer, contestant order could be a key variable in influencing the show’s outcome.

Producer’s song choice: The idea that an inferior “producer’s choice” (intentional or not) could sway the contestant outcome is fodder for conspiracy theorist conversations.

Coronation song cry: Something that has effectively stayed under wraps — until now — pertains to American Idol’s annual coronation song contest. After breaking down more tape than an interior line coach, this writer has heard no mention of this year’s song writing competition. According to Seattle Times columnist Bob Payne, a past article says “Judge Kara DioGuardi is writing a coronation song.”

There’s no word on whether Allen or Lambert will her song, or whether there’s a variety of songs to choose from. Last season, David Cook and David Archuleta chose from the top 20 song contest submissions. Cook’s choice, This Is the Time of My Life, bolstered his performance and was eventually a huge radio hit.

American Idol runners-up Katharine McPhee (Season Five) and Blake Lewis (Season Six) know too well about the gravity of the season’s last tune. McPhee’s finals clinker in My Destiny left her short against a better-fitting Do I Make You Proud? for champion Taylor Hicks. Lewis sputtered and sixth season winner Jordin Sparks shined while sharing “This is My Now.”

Panelist input: Despite the judge’s mantra, there’s more to having success than just singing well. Getting panelist love — or at least avoiding their wrath — could have a hand in influencing who takes the Season Eight top spot.

THE OUTCOME
One thing’s for sure, the faceoff Tuesday will pit a pair of very different personalities and talents. Allen is a quiet gunslinger and the ultimate big-game performer; one who comes up biggest when the stakes are highest. Lambert, the perennial front runner and is loaded with talent. Both have to effectively negotiate a last mile of reality show pitfalls for a chance to win it all — and hope for some luck along the way.

And like their skate or sneaker-wearing counterparts, only one will be champion.

American Idol does this every year to us! In a battle of now-we-know-them by first name singers, the nation is divided. Merely months ago, the American people elected President Obama in a landslide and here at the end of another May, American Idol has split the country back down the middle.

With only one million votes separating the top three, this finale could be one of the tightest in American Idol history. So, who will win?

This is a difficult season to call, but this entertainment editor is going out on a limb by calling it for Adam Lambert. Kris Allen is peaking at exactly the right time, but the Lambert locomotive is too unstoppable.

No stranger to upsets (Taylor Hicks, anyone?), American Idol can defy conventional wisdom and shock. That’s why we watch. Whether it political elections, NCAA March Madness, the Stanley Cup or American Idol, momentum is priceless and usually results in victory.

In this case, the momentum is with Kris Allen. His performances in the last three weeks in particular have been astounding. The range Allen has shown in tackling songs both known and not is impressive. He has the good looks that tend to drive the teenage Idol fans to spend two hours each May with their finger on the phone’s redial button.

Never underestimate the power of teenage girls — that is the first of the American Idol finale X factors.

The second X factor is what Adam and Kris sings. Song selection has never been more important to both Adam and Kris. Although his Crying was outstanding, if Lambert performs that song in the final – I say – he loses. Compared to Allen’s gift for song choice and with the razor-thin vote total, Lambert could lose.

If Adam sings Mad World-like tracks, Allen’s momentum means nothing. Then, memory kicks in and the audience responds in droves when they recall why they love Adam Lambert so much.

But as Twilight showed in theaters in November 2008 and Titanic illustrated over a decade ago, when teenage girls get behind anything, nothing can stop their pop culture phenomenon from finishing first.

Now you are asking why we’re predicting Adam Lambert will win. It’s simple. American Idol will reflect the culture that inhabits the nation of its moniker. 2009 is a year of change and Adam Lambert does not look like any previous American Idol champion and he doesn’t sing like any previous American Idol champion.

Sound familiar?

A certain President used that sentiment is his final call as he made a triumphant dash to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.

“They’re going to say that I don’t look like all those other presidents on the dollar bills,” Obama said on the campaign trail.

In a change year, Adam Lambert is your American Idol champion.

Open your eyes Adam

A Gokey goodbye, an ill-advised caper, some classy catches and an off-camera cover up are a few recent American Idol happenings during Final Three Week — and are still whirring around this writer’s mind. Welcome to this season’s penultimate edition of Bob’s American Idol scratch notes.

GOKEY’S…GOING, GOING, GONE
Love his voice or loathe his drunken-dad dance moves, Wisconsin native Danny Gokey drew third-fiddle in the 88 million-strong popular voting poll and exited the popular Fox reality singing show Wednesday. He is Idol dust — at least for a week while small-town Kris Allen and theatrics-driven Adam Lambert duke it out for the Season Eight championship.

And for those who’d argue Gokey unduly enjoyed copious panelist favor, it appeared those same judges were — at least in part — the ones who did the 28-year-old church choir leader in.

The two-selection night was driven by choices from a show judge and the contestant.

When music-veteran-turned-daffy-panelist Paula Abdul chose Terence Trent Darby’s Dance Little Sister, this writer’s scratchpad began gathering much ink.

“Oh, no!” was deeply etched into the SheKnows loose-leaf page notes. Assigning Dance was equivalent to putting sheet music on the back of Gokey’s plane ticket to Milwaukee.

As if there weren’t 50 better songs to choose? Even within Darby’s pennings, If You Let Me Stay or Wishing Well would’ve been an improvement. The latter would’ve fired up Gokey’s deep vibrato and the (Taylor) Hicks-esque feelgood dance moves.

What about an infusion of Doobie Brothers? Chocked full of riffs, runs and rich-toned Michael McDonald soul, What a Fool Believes seems like a no-brainer.

Perhaps the Goke-ster was saving some content for a next week that didn’t materialize?

Now we’ll have to hope he performs it this summer on tour.
 
KATY DID WHAT?
Finalist Adam Lambert is known for having a penchant for the spectacular. But what happens when he’s a recipient instead of its deliveryman? We all found out first-hand during the Results Show on Wednesday, when spectacle Katy Perry (Waking Up in Vegas) donned Elvis-meets-superhero spandex garb that showed more that her contestant loyalty.

The spiky-haired former stage actor Lambert didn’t realize what he was asking for when blurting out “I want to see Katy Perry!”

Perry unfurled an expansive silk cape that displayed SoCal native Lambert’s name across the upper back.

Lambert took cover immediately, burying his head in his hands.

Not surprising that Perry (remember the Grammy award sequined fruit dress?) would try such a stunt. She — and show producers — are rotten to the core for permitting it.

NETTING SOME CLASS
Adorned in a soft plum cotton dress, later guest Alicia Keys was an antithesis of a tactless Perry. Then again, the Long Island-accented Keys could’ve worn one of the mosquito nets she was glad-handing for and have still outclassed the talent-challenged, fruity Perry.

Smartly adorned in shimmering black attire, Season Six winner Jordin Sparks strode across the stage during a potent-piped Battlefield, a selection from her upcoming second CD.

It’s amazing: The promising, chunky youngster of two years ago has morphed into a curvaceous, mature and wonderfully talented woman.

Perry, you paying attention?

COVER UP
Perhaps American Idol judge Cowell isn’t familiar with U.S. history. In its annals, Watergate, the Savings and Loan fiasco, Enron and the housing industry scandals were all eventually revealed.

What makes the bold Englishman believe he could pull off a cover up?

In an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live! Tuesday night, panelist Abdul told the talk show that Cowell almost suffocated her during the recording of Tuesday’s show. The Straight Up singer told Kimmel she “literally saw stars” and “all she could smell was cigarette smoke,” as the brazen Brit held his hand over her mouth. Abdul said Cowell was irked — she smeared makeup all over his expensive white t-shirt.
 
Others saw the exchange also. Gokey gave USA Today a similar explanation to what he saw between the judges that wasn’t show on camera.

“He was suffocating her,” Gokey said. “He had his hand on her mouth and she said she couldn’t breathe. It was the funniest [most peculiar] thing.”

Yep. A real scream, Danny.

That’s all for now. Get ready for a really big Finals Week … flat-topped “ding dong” judge included.

Happy Idoling!

Blake, Keys and Noah

American Idol kept the promise of previous years’ Idol Gives Back with the appearance last night of Rwandan singer Noah and American superstar Alicia Keys.

The duo are representing Keep A Child Alive, an organization dedicated to providing life-saving anti-retroviral treatment, care and support services to children and their families with HIV/AIDS.

Millions donated on American Idol last night by texting ‘Alive’ to 90999 to take the dream of wiping out preventable diseases in Africa to the next level.

Keep a Child Alive began its journey in Kenya in 2002. Remember Red Hot & Blue? That effort was Keep A Child Alive’s executive Director Leigh Blake’s previous fundraiser. Blake’s vision enabled the Red Hot & Blue charity to build the AIDS Research and Family Care Clinic in Mombasa.

As soon as Blake’s call to action arose, the world answered. Among dozens of supporters, Alicia Keys passion for the issue drove her to become its first Global Ambassador.

Keep a Child Alive is making a direct impact in the lives of so many who need help. Keep their hope alive and join American Idol in saluting this fantastic organization.

American idol video:

Give $5 Text Alive to 90999 from keepachildalive on Vimeo.