MUMBAI: Idol Gives Back, the charity initiative from Fox's music-based reality show American Idol, has raised $60 million from corporates and individuals.

Six charities, including Children's Defense Fund, The Children's Health Fund, The Global Fund and Make It Right, stand to benefit from this initiative.
Also on the on-air show, finalist Michael Johns was eliminated from the competition after he received the fewest of America's approximately 31 million votes.

Presidential candidates Hillary Clinton, John McCain and Barack Obama appeared on the show to ask Americans to come together and support Idol Gives Back.

Additionally, British Prime Minister Gordon Brown made a pledge last night to donate 20 million mosquito nets to African families and challenged the world to join in the fight to eradicate malaria.

The special also featured performances and appearances by international talent and sports figures from the Kodak Theatre where Ryan Seacrest hosted alongside judges Randy Jackson, Paula Abdul and Simon Cowell.

Also, throughout the evening, Seacrest and the Top 12 finalists were live from the American Idol stage where they answered calls from viewers donating to Idol Gives Back.