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Simon Cowell discusses 'Idol Gives Back.'

American Idol has become a cultural phenomenon, but Simon says he never expected the show to take off like it has. "I genuinely thought after three weeks they'd take our show off and I'd be run out of the country," he says. "So every day we've been on ever since has been a bonus."

Since the show has been so successful, American Idol has decided to do something special in return for their good fortune. Fox, American Idol and the Charity Projects Entertainment Fund are teaming up to help fight poverty in the United States and Africa.

To kick off the effort, American Idol is airing a special two-night event called "Idol Gives Back" on April 24 and 25, 2007. After the competition ends on April 24, corporate sponsors will make a donation for every single vote cast that night. The star-studded results show on April 25 will rock the house with appearances from celebrities like Borat, Michael Bublé, Kelly Clarkson, Celine Dion, Il Divo, Josh Groban, Annie Lennox, Pink, Gwen Stefani and Carrie Underwood!

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From The Oprah Winfrey Show American Idol Finalists, Simon Cowell and Oprah Does Improv

Published on January 01, 2006

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My Life Is A Joke: Meet Patti

Funny happens. And it always happens when comedian Patti Vasquez is around. You don't have to take our word for it either. Lewis Black says, "Patti is simply marvelous." Bill Maher called her, "The funniest woman in comedy since Carol Burnett." For some reason being a mother of two with a "stay at home Dad" (which sounds so much better than "unemployed husband") while living with her parents is a great motivator for Patti to just get out of the house. But Patti loves being a mom to her beautiful little boys. Griffin, who loves trains, Batman and talking as much as his mom, is the best big brother to Declan, who loves music, water and hugs. Declan also happens to have special needs, a part of Patti's life that she isn't afraid to talk about. She has begun sharing her story with humor and heart for groups such as the Iowa Department of Education, The Hope Network and Gilda's Club. Patti Vasquez is leading the Lipstick Mom Movement nationwide. Lipstick Moms believe that being a wife and mother doesn't prevent you from feeling attractive. It says something when you can still feel good even if you've spent the day doing laundry and washing sippy cups. Patti doesn't dwell on the minutia of motherhood. She tackles social issues with a cheerful edginess that appeals to audiences of all backgrounds. Her hilarious take on the foibles of the human experience keeps people coming back to see what she has to say about relationships, pop culture and random encounters with strangers who have no idea she's cataloging their ridiculous behavior to share with audiences all over the world. In addition to headlining in comedy clubs and colleges all over the United States, Canada and Europe, Patti has written and performed three hit solo shows for theater audiences Tequila and Shamrocks: Every Flower Has Her Roots. Pregnant Party Girl: From Stoli's to Stirrups Mamacita: Tales of a Diaper Diva Patti has appeared in many comedy festivals including Just For Laughs, HBO's Las Vegas Comedy Festival, the Chicago Comedy Festival and Marshall’s Women in Comedy Festival in New York City. On television Patti has appeared on the Very Funny Show on TBS and COMEDY.TV along with regular appearances on the wildly popular Bob and Tom TVShow on Superstation WGN and their daily morning radio show syndicated in 139 cities across the country. If you want to be where the funny is then you want to be there when "Patti Happens."