Commentüs on: Behind the Scenes at “Idol Gives Back”

By: pinky

pinky — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 21:16:40 +0000

This year’s show was not as good as last year’s.

Last year the performances were better overall and the show was more family (kid) friendly.

By: Eric

Eric — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 02:10:19 +0000

This is one of the best shows on tv today, for the most part, but could you get some kid-friendly commercials please? We like to watch the show as a family. Could have done without the crude “comedians” Wed. night too. It’s kind of embarrassing trying to explain what Robin Williams’ Russian name meant, to my kids. That was bad.

I was glad when I heard “My Jesus” rather than “My Shepherd” on the opening song of Thursdays show. Thank you for making it right. I’m very curious to know, why the change of heart American Idol? What went on behind the scenes? I think there must be an interesting story there.

By: Marnie Orr

Marnie Orr — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 21:03:08 +0000

I have watched many shows before on helping out destitute children in Africa. NEVER have I been so moved as by the segment with Annie Lennox. What an angel of love. I never knew that she was such a dedicated advocate of those suffering in Africa. What a contrast to Angelina Jolie who makes every photo op possible to not only bring awareness, but also to elevate her own personal glory and status in the world. My hat is off to Annie Lennox. God bless her and AI for bringing that segment. I was dissapointed with the website that promised a download of Alicia Keyes and her journey into Africa, but it is no where to be found on the american idol website. Bitterly dissapointing.
I hope I can find a clip of these to show my students in school.
Great Job American Idol. God bless Annie Lennox and all those committed to these important human causes.

By: Michele

Michele — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 19:45:23 +0000

So these celebs are “helping” out the poor and downtrodden? And then they jet back to their mansions?! Wow! How nice of them!

To those complaining about the removal of a name from a song…..if you want to hear about Jesus, go to church.

By: Janese Canada

Janese Canada — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 18:06:09 +0000

Last night I worked hard to get everything done so that I could enjoy the Idol Gives Back show. With popcorn ready, and my charge card waiting to give a donation, I sat down to what I thought would be a great night of entertainment! To my surprise, just as Ryan announces that this is the biggest show in town, my tv screen turns blue and I get a message that says “not to call the station, that Fox has lost the signal, and they are working to repair the problem”! I didn’t get to see any of the show, and spent the entire evening trying to find a way to see it on my computer and calling my satellite company and waiting on hold for technical help! What a huge disappointment! Now, I have to endure everyone talking about what a great show it was, and my local station says they have no plans to re-air it, and that they don’t even know when they will be able to get the problem fixed! If there is ANYONE out there who knows of a way that I can see last nights show, please HELP ME! In this age of technology, why can’t I even find a live human being that I can talk to about this?
Janese Canada

By: Greg Candelaria

Greg Candelaria — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 17:55:51 +0000

I wanted to do a follow-up comment to the negative replies from some Christians (righteous indignation is the single biggest deterent to the growth of Christianity in America):

In spite of the removal of the name Jesus in favor of shepherd, the power of “Shout to the Lord” was not reduced. Christians should rejoice that this particular song was performed on the top rated show in TV; the program with far and away the largest reach. The majority of non-believers in America could not have found the song even neutrally “ecumenical” because all of the lyrics, as performed, clearly point to Jesus. God is moving in entertainment in America and all Christians should be encouraged.

It saddens me that many Christians find no victories in the secular world AT ALL. Perhaps the producers should have chosen a nice rap melody about doing drugs, joining gangs and shooting cops?

By: Stefanie

Stefanie — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 17:37:46 +0000

I totally agree with Dianna about the finale song. Besides the censoring of Jesus’ name, I was also offended by the poor taste of Ben Stiller that followed. Why American Idol would allow him to curse like that (even if they ‘censored’ it) is beyond me. There were families watching that, and the fact that it followed “Shout to the Lord” seemed like a deliberate attack to take away from the worship song. I am sick of this all-accepting, no-offending attitude Hollywood has towards religion, then targeting, mocking, and attacking Christianity. American Idol sang an obviously Christian song, took Christ out of it so as not to ‘offend,’ and turned it all into a highly offending joke by following it with profanity. I love the premise of Idol Gives Back, but I don’t appreciate the anti-Christian attacks. I can only hope that one soul heard that song and took it a step further, accepting Christ as their Savior; then maybe some good came out of the whole finale situation…

By: Greg Candelaria

Greg Candelaria — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 17:34:57 +0000

Last night’s show was terrific (”Hi, my name is Greg and I am an Idololic!”). My wife and I watched the entire show and, for the first time in recent history, my wife actually watched the ads. I had to remove the remote from her hands or we would have missed a lot of the program as she would “in typically guy fashion” surf from channel to channel looking for a new recipe or decorating idea (alas, I digress).

It was a very compelling and positive message for people of all ages. I particularly liked the emphasis on not only financial contributions, but the importance of volunteering. Kudos to Fox and American Idol for using your incredible media power for such good.

Lastly, our favorite performance was the finale of “Shout to the Lord”. Though there was a single word edit (shepherd for Jesus), the song was kept otherwise whole. I was most impressed that the show ran over the time slot, yet the Fox stations did not cut-away. I must also say that the Heart “Barracuda” performance rocked and what a fantastic addition Fergie made to that rock classic! Great show, thanks.

By: Nick Valant

Nick Valant — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 17:33:08 +0000

We were especially touched by the Africa segments and also New Orleans. Watched it all but could not get through by phone or computer to give. Will try again today to contribute or go through Fox News to do. Watched the entire program.
The final song (Shout to the Lord) was a great choice to wrap up all the hearts that were moved to help the needy of the world. I agree with the lady about deleteing Jesus for shepard was a major mistake! God has blessed America as could be seen from your program.

By: Shelley

Shelley — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 17:28:14 +0000

I want to help others all ready, but since I dont have lots to give, I give my time to our community church, oh and I do pray for those in need everywhere. My most favorite performance of the evening was “Heart” singing barracuda, with Fergie coming in on the song and blowing it away. Fergie really shocked me with her hidden talent of doing music like that, she was simply awesome. I also enjoyed Robin Williams as I am sure everyone does. Yes I did make it through the entire show, although I wish American Idol would not say the show was live, when it is not. If they want to say live make sure all are watching it live. Being on the west coast I am one of the last to view it and American Idol online already has posts about the show that I have not even seen yet.

By: Marshall

Marshall — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 15:52:50 +0000

Yes, I found it very inspiring and I gave what I could at this particular time.

By: Dianna Craft

Dianna Craft — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 13:59:28 +0000

I was disappointed with the ending song, “Shout to the Lord”, performed by the idols. The words to the first verse of that song are “My Jesus, my Saviour”, Lord there is none like You”. They replaced “Jesus” with “Shepherd” apparently in an effort to be politically correct. When Mariah Carey sang here song, it was religious in nature and she referred to “Jesus” in her song. (I can not think of the name of the song). Why would American Idol change the words and remove “Jesus” from that song? I am sure the writers of that song were curious and probably were not happy. As a Christian, I get tired of watching “Christ” be removed from everything that it originally stood for in the past. I am a huge fan of American Idol, but I am not alone when I say, I was offended by the subtle way they removed “Christ” from that song. I had coworkers that noticed it also.

By: hello

hello — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 13:18:25 +0000

sorry but IGB was soo boring. i mean, the judges got to speak what, 1 minute each? and since i only watch the show for paula and simon, i was very bored.