Fox's 'Idol Gives Back' drops in ratings

April 10, 2008 Despite an all-star lineup that included performances by Mariah Carey, Carrie Underwood, Rihanna, Fergie and the promise of appearances by all three presidential candidates, the show was down 34% among adults 18-49 year-over-year. Fox said that last year's "Gives Back" was advertised as a regular "Idol" result show -- viewers who tuned in were surprised to discover that the elimination was pushed to the next episode. The telethon raised $22 million for charity Wednesday, according to Billboard, thanks to a combination of corporate sponsors and viewer donations.

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