‘Idol Gives Back’ Raises $15 Million In First Broadcast; Another Contestant Sent Home

“American Idol” raised more than $15 million as part of their “Idol Gives Back” special before the East Coast Feed of the show even finished airing, but there was less happy news on the FOX program as one more contestant was sent home.

Despite his all-American good looks and contagious smile, Tim Urban was the contestant who was eliminated.

The bottom three this week featured teen Aaron Kelly, crooner Casey James and the 20-year-old from Duncanville, Texas — Tim Urban — but Ryan Seacrest saved Aaron first, and then Casey, forcing the bad news on Tim.

Because “Idol” ran over its time slot for the night, there was no time for parting words from the singer, but Tim smiled and laughed as the show rolled out footage from his months as an “American Idol” contestant.

In related, “Idol” news, a host of celebrities including Victoria Beckham, Ben Affleck, Jim Carrey, Russell Brand, Jonah Hill, Nadya “Octomom” Suleman, Wanda Sykes, Jennifer Garner and Annie Lennox were all involved in “Idol Gives Back,” either in pre-taped packages or live on stage. President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama also recorded messages of support for the show.

“As Randy says, you’re all my dogs,” the President quipped.

“And Simon, be nice,” Michelle chimed in.

Additionally, Elton John and Carrie Underwood both performed, as did Mary J. Blige, who covered Led Zeppelin’s “Stairway To Heaven” with judge Randy Jackson joining her on bass guitar.

Thanks to George Lopez, the show had some lighter moments among the footage of the “Idol” stars’ emotional trips to America’s poorest cities and to Africa.

George brought out the laughs by poking fun at the judges.

“It’s about time somebody judged the judges for a change. Dim the lights, here we go,” George said as he began his critique of the panel.

George suggested Randy needed a couple of new catch phrases.

“My cousin Gilbert works at the dog pound,” he said “He said people there don’t say ‘dog’ as much as you do. Cesar Milan whispered in my ear, ‘Psst! Get a new bit.’”

George made fun of Kara DioGuardi by messing up her name, while he called Ellen DeGeneres “the Kourtney Kardashian of the judges.” Simon Cowell, however, didn’t get off easy.

“I’ve always wanted to ask this one question of you Simon Cowell – saline or silicone?” he asked as the British judge turned bright red. “Saline? OK, I can scratch that off my bucket list.”