It was American Idol Gives Back Wednesday night on the hit FOX reality show. The two hour extravaganza raised $15 million during an evening of entertainment that went over its allotted air time by a full 20 minutes.
The highlight of the show was an explosive performance by Mary J. Blige and her all-star band, who jammed to the strains of “Stairway to Heaven”. Her bandmates were Steve Vai, Orianthi, Blink-182 drummer Travis Barker and former Journey bassist and AI judge Randy Jackson. Check it out on video below.
Also performing were the Black Eyed Peas, Jeff Beck and Joss Stone with the Jubilation Choir, Alicia Keys, Carrie Underwood, Annie Lennox and Elton John.
The bottom three contestants last night were Casey James, Tim Urban and Aaron Kelly. The 17-year-old was the first to be named safe and when the dust settled, it was the comeback kid from Duncanville, Texas who was sent home.
Urban caught a huge break when he was able to replace the disqualified Chris Golightly in the Top 12. He guaranteed himself a summer gig when he made it to the Top 10 and will get a contract for the American Idol Summer Tour.
The Top 6 AI contestants are: Crystal Bowersox, Lee DeWyze, Michael Lynche, Siobhan Magnus, Casey James and Aaron Kelly. Check out their Tuesday night performance videos here.
More photos and elimination video and performances by Mary J. Blige and Carrie Underwood below:
Photos: WENN