Los Angeles, CA (November 12, 2008) – IDOL GIVES BACK, the musical celebration for aid and global awareness, today announces the allocation of more than $64 million in charitable contributions made by generous AMERICAN IDOL viewers and corporate sponsors. So far grants have been made to six U.S. and international charities including: Children’s Defense Fund; Children’s Health Fund; The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria; Make It Right; Malaria No More and the U.S. Programs of Save the Children.

IDOL GIVES BACK, the Emmy-winning television event and musical celebration aired in April 2008 and featured appearances and performances by then-Presidential candidates Barack Obama and John McCain, British Prime Minster Gordon Brown, President George W. Bush, Brad Pitt, Bono, Reese Witherspoon, Miley Cyrus, Eli Manning, Peyton Manning, Annie Lennox, Daughtry, Carrie Underwood, Mariah Carey, Celine Dion, Robin Williams, Ben Stiller, Quentin Tarantino and many others.

Idol Gives Back is the brainchild of AMERICAN IDOL creator and executive producer Simon Fuller. The organization began as a meaningful way for those behind AMERICAN IDOL to give back in a significant way to children’s causes throughout the world. IDOL GIVES BACK was successfully launched as a charity event in 2007, and has since grown into a foundation composed of 19 Entertainment Ltd., Fox Broadcasting Company and FremantleMedia North America.

In 2007, IDOL GIVES BACK raised more than $75 million. Combined with these 2008 grants, IDOL GIVES BACK has raised more than $140 million. Donations continue to be accepted online at americanidol.com .

“The fact that AMERICAN IDOL has the ability to inspire millions, create hope and change lives is simply remarkable,” said creator and executive producer Simon Fuller. “We are extremely thankful to our viewers, sponsors and outstanding talent who continue to motivate each and every one of us to contribute to those who need it the most.”

“It is an incredible honor for all of us to witness how the power of a television show can benefit some of the most important children’s charities in the world,” said Cecile Frot-Coutaz, executive producer of AMERICAN IDOL and CEO of FremantleMedia North America. These much-needed funds will go far in helping these extraordinary organizations continue their goodwill all over the world.”

“The Children’s Defense Fund is thrilled to receive this generous gift from FOX and IDOL GIVES BACK,” said Children’s Defense Fund President Marian Wright Edelman. “As CDF turns 35 this year,

we could not have asked for a better birthday gift. With more than 13 million children living in poverty, these funds will help change the lives of millions of children through programs such as the CDF Freedom Schools® Program, youth leadership development and our efforts to ensure health coverage for every child.”

“Thanks to Simon Fuller and AMERICAN IDOL, we will reach tens of thousands of children across America. Children in poor rural communities will learn to read and begin to lead healthy lives, and children’s needs will be met in the aftermath of disasters,” said Mark Shriver, Vice President and Managing Director of Save the Children’s U.S. Programs. “Many businesses talk about giving back, but Simon and AMERICAN IDOL are leading the way with action and leadership.”

“No one could have predicted the unprecedented fiscal crisis the nation is now facing,” said Children's Health Fund President and Co-Founder Dr. Irwin Redlener. “And this means very hard times for some of our most disadvantaged children and families. The foresight of AMERICAN IDOL and the generosity of its viewers are saving lives. This grant will be used specifically to expand the Children's Health Fund's capacity to provide urgent health and mental health services that these very disadvantaged children and families would otherwise be without. On behalf of everyone at the Children's Health Fund and those who will benefit from this funding, thank you.”

“For two years now IDOL GIVES BACK has been providing an excellent platform for AMERICAN IDOL viewers to gain greater awareness about the work of The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria and to support countries across Africa in their fight against disease,” said Dr Michel Kazatchkine, Executive Director of The Global Fund. “Contributions from IDOL GIVES BACK to The Global Fund in 2007 are already helping thousands of people in the Western Cape province in South Africa. The new funds from this year's show will further strengthen and scale up this program and help to save many more lives.”

“IDOL GIVES BACK has made a tremendous impact for New Orleans by proving that America cares about the recovery of this great city and the residents of New Orleans' Lower Ninth Ward,” stated Tom Darden, Executive Director of Make It Right. “Brad Pitt joins me in expressing our gratitude to AMERICAN IDOL and its millions of fans for supporting Make It Right. We are honored to be in the company of the other beneficiary organizations doing important work around the world, and we applaud AMERICAN IDOL for its commitment to making such an important impact both at home and abroad.”

“By helping us provide life-saving mosquito nets, AMERICAN IDOL fans are helping mothers in Africa keep their children safe from malaria,” said Scott Case, CEO of Malaria No More. “The generosity of IDOL GIVES BACK and ExxonMobil show that Americans refuse to accept preventable deaths. Together with the help of committed individuals and groups like these, we can make malaria no more.”

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.