LOS ANGELES, CA  [Tuesday May.1.2007]  /WMQT.com/ -- Last week's fundraising special, "Idol Gives Back," has raised over 60 million dollars for Charity Projects Entertainment Fund (CPEF), which provides relief programs to help children and young people in extreme poverty in America and Africa.

According to the show's website, www.Americanidol.com, over 70 million votes were received after Tuesday's performance show, setting a new American Idol and world record. Donations continue to pour in, and an updated total will be announced on American Idol tonight at 8/7pm c on FOX.

Celebrity particpants included Bono, Gwen Stefani (whose performance was cut for time), Madonna, Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Rascal Flatts, Celine Dion, Annie Lennox, Earth, Wind & Fire, Il Divo and Josh Groban, who was accompanied by the African Children's Choir.

Donations will continue to be accepted through Thursday, May 31, by telephone at 1-877-IDOL-AID (1-877-436-5243) and via the Internet at www.Americanidol.com.

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