9:15 Update: $26,553
9:26 Update: $27,573
9:40 Update: $29,054
9:52 Update: $30,059
10:00 Update: $30,507
10:08 Update: $30,897

Update #1: $15 million thus far from sponsors!
Update #2 at 8:35: Over $18 million
Update #3 at 9:13: Almost $22 million

You might notice something a bit different this year. Some lucky viewers that call in to donate money to Idol Gives Back may have the chance to speak to one of the top 12 Idols.

Simon traveled to New York and made a video about the Children’s Health Fund.

The first guest performance tonight was Snoop Dogg.

The second performance of the night belonged to Teri Hatcher and Band From TV. You may recognize some of the band members: Hugh Laurie, Greg Grunberg, James Denton, Jesse Spencer, and Bob Guiney.

The third performance of the night goes to Miss Miley Cyrus.

The fourth performance tonight was Fergie with John Legend on piano.

Taking the stage next was Heart with an appearance by Fergie.

After the Bono and Annie Lennox video she took the stage to perform a number.

Carrie Underwood returned to the Idol stage to perform.

Gloria Estefan and Sheila E performed “Get On Your Feet.”

Mariah Carey was the next performer with Randy Jackson on bass guitar.

The first celebrity to make an appearance on the show tonight asking viewers to donate was NASCAR driver Jimmy Johnson.

The following other people also have appeared on the show:

George Lopez, Kylie Minogue, Ben Stiller, Jennifer Connelly commercial, Kobe Bryant, Triple H, Mary Murphy, The Jonas Brothers, Billy Crystal, Bono Video, John Cena, Adam Sandler, Eli and Peyton Manning video, David and Victoria Beckham, Annie Lennox and Bono video, Kiefer Sutherland, Celine Dion, Jimmy Kimmel, Whoopi Goldberg, Ellen DeGeneres, Sarah Silverman, Exxon Mobile and Forest Whitaker video, Gordon Brown, Keith Urban, Reese Witherspoon video, Dane Cook, Alicia Keys video, Vanessa Hudgens, Ashley Tisdale, Billy Ray and Miley Cyrus video, Robin Williams, Rob Schneider, Tyra Banks, David Spade, Brad Pitt video, Daughtry video.

The show opens tonight with a dance sequence and all the Idols singing the Rihanna song “Don’t Stop the Music“.

The next song the Idols sang was, “Season of Love,” from the musical, Rent.

The last performance of the night was the song, “Shout to the Lord.”

First, you can donate by phone at: Call 1 877 IDOL AID (1 877 436 5243)

Second, you can donate by mail at:

Idol Gives Back Foundation
P.O Box 414214
Boston, MA 02241-4214

The American Idol website asks viewers to send checks payable to Idol Gives Back Foundation and not cash.

Third, you can donate by corporate matching by email at:
matchinggift@idolgivesbackfoundation.org

or by mail at:

Idol Gives Back Foundation
92 Corporate Park
Suite C, Box 324
Irvine, CA 92606-5106

Last but certainly not least you can donate by visiting this page. Just follow the directions listed to complete your donation.

Miley Cyrus, Billy Ray Cyrus, Mariah Carey, Brad Pitt, Snoop Dogg, Reese Witherspoon, Daughtry, Bono, Carrie Underwood, Peyton Manning, Eli Manning, Annie Lennox, John Legend, Dane Cook, Robin Williams, Billy Crystal, Ellen DeGeneres Co-host, Boyz II Men, Maroon 5, Gloria Estefan, Celine Dion, Kiefer Sutherland, Vanessa Hudgens, Ashley Tisdale, Jennifer Connolly, Elliot Yamin, Fantasia, Amy Adams and the Clark Brothers.

The following charities are involved with Idol Gives Back this year:

Children’s Defense Fund, The Global Fund, Make It Right, Malaria No More, Save The Children, U.S. Programs and the Children’s Health Fund.

All songs heard on the show tonight can be purchased on iTunes.