Tonight American Idol partners with Charity Projects Entertainment Fund to raise awareness and money for young people living in extreme poverty in America and Africa. The Top 6 finalists will perform for the nation, singing songs related to compassion and hope during a “Life Anthems”-themed episode. And your vote counts more than ever before, on this special night, you can help change the lives of the truly needy as the American Idol sponsors, Coca-Cola and AT&T/Cingular, along with additional partners, will donate money for every vote you cast.

Tonight's Theme is: Life Anthems

Idol Gives Back is a music celebration raising awareness and benefiting various U.S. and international charities. This year's event will be bigger and more ambitious than ever, and will feature incredible international artists and sports stars including Bono, Brad Pitt, Reese Witherspoon, Miley Cyrus, Mariah Carey, Eli Manning, Peyton Manning, Fergie, Chris Daughtry, Carrie Underwood, Annie Lennox, John Legend, Snoop Dogg, Fantasia Barrino, Elliott Yamin, Robin Williams, Celine Dion, Forest Whitaker, Billy Crystal, Dane Cook, Kiefer Sutherland, Vanessa Hudgens, Ashley Tisdale, Band From TV (Hugh Laurie), Jennifer Connolly, and Amy Adams, John Cena, Triple H, Chris Jericho. Last season, the special garnered a prestigious Governor's Award Emmy for raising an incredible $76 million