‘AMERICAN Idol” officials decided to shelve the “Idol Gives Back” charitable campaign this season because of the ongoing recession.
Industry insiders say that “Idol” officials didn’t want to ask people to donate money when the economy is so bad and the unemployment rate continues to climb.
It’s the first time in three years that “Idol” won’t conduct the “Idol Gives Back” campaign.
The fundraising effort – featuring a galaxy of stars – raised over $130 million in seasons 6 and 7.
Celebrities who participated in the campaign over the last two seasons included Kelly Clarkson, Brad Pitt, Mariah Carey and Miley Cyrus – and Barack Obama, who appeared on last spring’s edition.
Ellen DeGeneres co-hosted “Idol Gives Back” in 2007.
The money has gone to various charitable causes in the US and in Africa.
The news that the “Idol Gives Back” campaign was scratched was first reported Wednesday by mjsbigblog.com – which covers all-things-“Idol” and somehow got a copy of an internal memo announcing the decision.
Sources also say that “Idol” officials are simply copying the way in which the “Idol Gives Back” campaign is run on the show’s British originator, “Pop Idol,” which conducts the fundraising effort every other season.
There’s no word on whether “Idol Gives Back” will return after this upcoming season, which kicks off Jan. 13 on Fox.