American Idol

I'm sure most of you watched and were as moved as I. What made me very happy was how many people I spoke to on the phone tonight -- family and friends -- who were moved for the FIRST TIME by the show. Personally, I felt they did a great job, even though they touched on key points very lightly. It is amazing to me the power of a few seconds of oblique television coverage. I could do this blog for a thousand years and not reach the number of people American Idol did with a few minutes of "coverage".

Like many, it was Jeffrey Sach's inspiring call to arms, THE END OF POVERTY that originally stoked my passion to help end global poverty. I'd read a review and bought the hardback when it came out. It managed to be rational, spiritual, realistic and hopeful all at the same time, moral in the deepest sense. I think it would be impossible to read it and not be moved.

So, even before the adoption process, global poverty has been on the radar. What amazes me is how many really "felt" it for the first time tonight - even people who've been aware of our adoption. It makes me feel great that perhaps, because of this special episode of an otherwise banal show, I may be saved from having to explain the kind of conditions that lead to children being relinquished in African countries. More importantly, maybe this will represent a turn of a corner for this issue in the mind of public.

I'd love to know what reactions you've heard to the show. Were people surprised? Did people seem to have a new awareness? Will any of them carry forth, allowing their emotions to stoke long-term action?

Please share!

Oh, and to keep the momentum going:

What can you do to support Idol Gives Back:

Make a donation here.
Read more at www.cpefund.org.
Tell your friends about Idol Gives Back.
Get all the kids you know to go to Scholastic.com/idolgivesback
If you want to learn more about how you can help to make poverty history go to www.one.org.
If you would prefer to donate offline, please send checks, made payable to:

Idol Gives Back
c/o Citizens Bank
PO Box 4365
Woburn, MA 01888-4365

'American Idol' to Aid Poverty Fight in Africa, America

Originally posted on the LA TIMES: QUICK TAKES

written by Greg Braxton, March 10, 2007

"American Idol" will stage a two-night charity event next month to benefit organizations that help children and young people in extreme poverty in America and Africa.

The top-rated Fox series is partnering with the Charity Projects Entertainment Fund for "Idol Gives Back," which will be broadcast April 24 and 25.

The first night will feature the top six "Idol" finalists performing songs that can be considered "life anthems." The second night will bring performances by Gwen Stefani, Josh Groban, Pink, Michael Bublé, Annie Lennox, Il Divo and popular movie character Borat Sagdiyev (Sacha Baron Cohen). Viewers that night will also be able to make donations via toll-free lines and the Internet.

The money raised by the two shows will be distributed equally between the U.S. and Africa.

According to other sources, Bono is also planning on taking part in some way. In addition to donations, the show's sponsors will donate amounts dictated by the number of votes received.