Backstage at "Idol Gives Back"

Arts and Culture

Backstage at "Idol Gives Back"

Celebs and American Idol contestants gather for a night of telethoning for various causes.

BACKSTAGE AT "Idol Gives Back" was busy as musicians and celebrities mingled between performances. John Legend (right) signs autographs for "Idol" fans.

THE QUARTET that makes "American Idols," Paula Abdul, Simon Cowell, Ryan Seacrest and Randy Jackson, gather backstage. The show airs Wednesday.

BRAD PITT is seen backstage; his Make It Right organization for Hurricane Katrina relief is one of the featured charities.

MILEY CYRUS (right) and her mother, Leticia, pose backstage. Stars such as Cyrus promoted charities including the Global Fund, Malaria No More, the Children's Health Fund, Save the Children and the Children's Defense Fund.

BILLY CRYSTAL pauses for a moment. He appeared onstage.

MARIAH CAREY pauses for the camera. She was one of the featured performers.

SISTERS NANCY (left) and Ann (right) Wilson of the rock group Heart are joined by Fergie (center), who performed with them.

AS USUAL, singer Annie Lennox displays a powerful message about HIV/AIDS awareness.

"IDOL" WINNER Carrie Underwood looks ready for a red carpet. Onstage, she sang a George Michael song.

FORMER "GINGER SPICE" Girl Geri Halliwell gets the jump on Memorial Day with a pair of white shoes.

WE'RE GUESSING Robin Williams' ornate tunic was spared any criticism from Simon Cowell.

SINGERS GLORIA Estefan and Sheila E. were among the night's performers.

"AI" CONTESTANTS were on hand for the night of philanthropy, too, including David Cook and Carly Smithson ...

... DAVID ARCHULETA and Brooke White ...

... SYESHA MERCADO (left), White (center) and Kristy Lee Cook ...

... AND COOK and Jason Castro. "Idol" contestants performed Rihanna's "Don't Stop the Music."

RECENT "AI" winner Jordin Sparks enjoys the show.

JACKSON, ABDUL and Cowell join the audience for the show.

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BACKSTAGE AT "Idol Gives Back" was busy as musicians and celebrities mingled between performances. John Legend (right) signs autographs for "Idol" fans.

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