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Ashley Tisdale Joins “Idol Gives Back”

A host of A-list stars, including Ashley Tisdale, are joining “Idol Gives Back”. Celine Dion, Robin Williams, Forest Whitaker, Billy Crystal, Dane Cook and Vanessa Hudgens were just some of the names Fox added to “American Idol’s” charity night, set to air April 9. Last year, the sixth season of American Idol, the focus of the competition changed for one week - bringing in a host of stars, including Gwen Stefani and Bono, who helped them raise awareness and funds, which have supported charities across the globe. This year, even more stars are scheduled. Jennifer Connoly, Kiefer Sutherland, Amy Adams, former “Idol” alumni Eliott Yamin (Season 5) and “Idol” Season 3 winner Fantasia, will also turn up for the 2008 installment of “Idol Gives Back.”. The two-and-a-half-hour show will be broadcast from the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood, the location the Academy Awards are held every year. Last year the event raised over $76 million for charity. This year, monies raised will go to the Children’s Defense Fund, The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, Make It Right, Malaria No More, Save The Children, and the Children’s Health Fund. The newly announced stars join a cast which already includes U2’s Bono, Brad Pitt, Reese Witherspoon, Miley Cyrus, Mariah Carey, Eli and Peyton Manning, Fergie, Chris Daughtry, Carrie Underwood, Annie Lennox, John Legend, Snoop Dogg, Maroon 5, Heart and Gloria Estefan. Go Ashley!