I've never been a big fan of 'American Idol.' Mostly because the show rips up the FOX schedule to the point that viewers forget programs like 'Bones' and 'House' still exist on the network. And don't get me started on what it did to the 'Glee' schedule!

Still, the show does redeem itself once a year with 'Idol Gives Back,' which raises a good deal of money for various charities ($140 million to date). This year, the program will take up the entire FOX schedule on Wednesday, April 21st with performances by Alicia Keys, regular 'Gives Back' performer Carrie Underwood, The Black Eyed Peas, Annie Lennox, and Jeff Beck.

Donations raised from the show will benefit the Children's Health Fund, Feeding America, Malaria No More, Save the Children, and the United Nations Foundation. Donations can be made via phone during the broadcast as well as online, through text messaging, and via the primitive mail service.

Oh, to make sure viewers don't think the show is too charitable, the week's voting results will be revealed and a finalist will go home during the show. Hey, they have a reputation to keep!

On the second night of the 25th Anniversary Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Concert, which was taped in October at Madison Square Garden and aired yesterday on HBO, Annie Lennox joined Aretha Franklin onstage while wearing a t-shirt reading "HIV Positive." Lennox, who reportedly wore the shirt as a way to raise awareness of HIV and AIDS, joined the Queen of Soul for a rendition of her 1967 hit 'Chain of Fools.'

Watch the video after the jump.

Last night I went to a taping of the second installment of Idol Gives Back at the Kodak Theater in Hollywood. This year the charities that benefited were Malaria No More, Children's Defense Fund, The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria, Children's Health Fund, and Save the Children.

Keep in mind, there will be spoilers. It's not like I found out the secret to Lost, but I figured I would still give fair warning. The show will air on Wednesday April 9th at 7:30 pm ET / PT. For what happened at the taping and in the press room, read on after the jump. And check back for Jason's review Wednesday night.