tv + media

It's impossible to argue with the concept of "Idol Gives Back" -- using America's most popular TV show as a vehicle to raise money for various children's charities around the world. And Wednesday's 2 1/2-hour "American Idol" special was indeed an ohmygod, star-studded extravaganza. Featured in the first hour alone were Miley Cyrus, Carrie Underwood, Fergie, Peyton and Eli Manning, heroes from NASCAR, WWE and "Desperate Housewives," George Lopez, Snoop Dogg, Adam Sandler, Paula Abdul and, of course, Bono (you can't have a music charity telethon without him).

But this being "Idol," we're going to be judgmental:

Most powerful message. Sorry Bono, but Annie Lennox interviewing a family of four African boys, ages 3 to 15, who were orphaned because their parents died of AIDS. She took them to a clinic to have them checked for the virus. The results were negative for all four boys and tears for the rest of us.

England rocks. British Prime Minister Gordon Brown pledged a staggering $200 million. Last year, "Idol Gives Back" raised $76 million.

Standup guy. Jimmy Kimmel fired off some fierce zingers about Simon Cowell (his haircut, his sweaters, his man breasts) before introducing him.

Best line of the night. The show's stage manager had to step into the spotlight to fix Brad Pitt's clip-on microphone. Said she: "I just needed a reason to touch him."

Stylin.' Paula Abdul looked va-va-va-voom in a gorgeous red dress with only one shoulder strap. But why was Maria Shriver, the TV reporter-turned-First Lady of California, wearing as much eye makeup as Fergie?

Download these on iTunes. Heart and Fergie (doing one-handed cartwheels) tearing it up on "Barracuda," and the video of Miley and dancers working it on "See You Again." Proceeds go to the charities.

Idol worship. Carrie Underwood was underwhelming on the strident "Praying for Time" and Teri Hatcher singing (?)Underwood's "Before He Cheats" was enough to send him into the arms of another woman.