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Chris Brown the Pop artist

Next Tuesday, April 8th (8:00-9:00 p.m. ET live/PT tape-delayed), the Top 8 finalists (Brooke White, Carly Smithson, David Archuleta, David Cook, Jason Castro, Kristy Lee Cook, Michael Johns, and Syesha Mercado) will return to the Idol stage for a special performance show that features inspirational songs.

The following night, Wednesday, April 9 (7:30-10:00 p.m. ET/PT), the Emmy Award-winning Idol Gives Back returns with an illustrious group of celebrity participants to help raise awareness and funds to benefit various U.S. and international charities. The one-of-a-kind philanthropic special will feature appearances by incredible international artists and sports figures including Bono, Brad Pitt, Reese Witherspoon, Miley Cyrus, Eli Manning, Peyton Manning, Mariah Carey, Robin Williams, Celine Dion, Forest Whitaker, Billy Crystal, Dane Cook, Kiefer Sutherland, Fergie, Chris Daughtry, Carrie Underwood, Annie Lennox, John Legend, Snoop Dogg, Maroon 5, Heart, Gloria Estefan, Vanessa Hudgens, Ashley Tisdale, Jennifer Connolly, Elliott Yamin, Fantasia, and Amy Adams!

One more finalist will go home, and Idol winner Jordin Sparks and recording sensation Chris Brown will perform “No Air” on a special results show, Thursday, April 10 (8:00-9:00 p.m. ET live/PT tape-delayed).

The brainchild of Simon Fuller, Idol Gives Back has been recognized as a life-changing program, earning praise from many of the world’s best-known figures including President George W. Bush, HRH Prince Charles, and British Prime Minister Gordon Brown. Last season, Idol Gives Back raised over $76 million for charity and garnered a prestigious Governor’s Award Emmy.