Lines formed down the street in front of Walt Disney Concert Hall in downtown Los Angeles; hordes of Idol fans awaiting in eager anticipation for the highly publicized “Idol Gives Back”; a two-hour extravaganza focusing attention on extreme poverty in Africa. I had the great fortune of being an audience member during the west coast taping of the event. Although I couldn’t be the play-by-play reporter that I wanted to be, due to the fact that no electronic devices were allowed inside the venue, here is my take on what I experienced during “Idol Gives Back” tonight.

Inspiring. Motivating. Exciting. Sobering. Hopeful.

Inspiring because influential people came together for one reason; to make poverty history.

Motivating because each person that attended and watched “Idol Gives Back” has the power to truly make a difference in other peoples’ lives.

Exciting because what took place during “Idol Gives Back” has an opportunity to produce significant results. Millions of people had the opportunity to give back.

Sobering because of the realities of the world we live in and the poverty that others endure.

Hopeful because we can do something about the emergency of AIDS and the reality of extreme poverty.

Ellen Degeneres hosted the show at Walt Disney Concert Hall with her usual charisma and charm; while Ryan Seacrest aired live on a large video screen behind her, delivering to his audience from CBS Studios in the Fairfax District of Los Angeles. The “Idol Gives Back” two-hour episode was an event that at times brought a tear to my eye, at times brought on heartache, and at other times put a smile on my face. This night truly symbolized an amazing effort and opportunity for Americans to come together and make a difference.

Earth Wind and Fire performed a montage of hits. Simon Cowell’s creation, Il Divo, broke the audience out into a unison wave of glow sticks. Rascal Flatts, Kelly Clarkson together with Jeff Beck, and Annie Lennox performed hearfelt musical renditions. The most inspiring music by far was Josh Groban and the African Children’s Choir. It was difficult not to shed a tear during their performance of “You Raise Me Up”. However sad the realities of extreme poverty may be, the fact that an awareness was produced in the eyes of millions of Americans was truly captivating. An impressive list of sponsors and beneficiaries were highlighted during the show. And an even more impressive list of charities were included: Save the Children, Unicef, and The Global Fund to name a few.

Before the show ended, the donations were already surpassing an astounding 30,000,000. For me, by far the most anticipated part of the show was seeing Bono on-screen, a self-proclaimed “Irish rock star on American Idol”. His words clearly stating, “There isn’t one person watching this program tonight that cannot save a life.”

We, as Americans, have the profound opportunity to Make Poverty History. That’s what tonight was all about. Bring on the new ONE members. We are ready!

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