“IDOL GIVES BACK” KICKS OFF WITH PERFORMANCE BY KRIS ALLEN

DURING “AMERICAN IDOL” RESULTS SHOW

BENEFITING UNITED NATIONS FOUNDATION FUND FOR HAITI

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 25, ON FOX

News Corporation, Ford Motor Company, Coca-Cola, AT&T and ExxonMobil

Return as Corporate Sponsors of IDOL GIVES BACK

Airing Wednesday, April 21, on FOX

AMERICAN IDOL’s Kris Allen will travel to Haiti with the United Nations Foundation to raise further awareness of the country’s continuing needs after last month’s earthquake.

During the IDOL results show on Thursday, Feb. 25 (8:00-9:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed), Allen will perform and will share footage of his trip to raise awareness and funds that will benefit those in need via one of this year’s IDOL GIVES BACK beneficiaries, the UN Foundation.

During the show, viewers will be asked to support the efforts in Haiti by donating much-needed funds. Donations will be accepted online and via text-messaging, and proceeds will go to the IDOL GIVES BACK Foundation to help the UN Foundation and their work in Haiti.

“It is heartbreaking to see the devastation that Haiti is currently facing,” said Allen. “I am truly honored to be traveling to Haiti to see the UN’s relief efforts firsthand and to help out in any way that I can.”

“We are proud to partner with the IDOL GIVES BACK Foundation, FOX and AMERICAN IDOL on this special episode,” said Kathy Calvin, CEO for the United Nations Foundation. “We are working directly with the UN to help Haiti address the medium and long-term challenges of reconstruction. The UN needs our support so it can continue to provide food, water, shelter, medicine, security and economic opportunities to the earthquake victims.  The UN and Haiti are rising to the challenge and we all have a chance to help them rebuild their future.”

Since the earthquake, the United Nations has been working hand-in-hand with Haitians to help them recover. In the months ahead, the UN’s life-saving work will continue, including delivering food and water to millions of Haitians, providing opportunities for employment to more than 200,000 people and ensuring women and children are safe from mitigating diseases such as measles and malaria.

In addition, it was announced today that News Corporation, Ford Motor Company, Coca-Cola, AT&T and ExxonMobil will return as corporate sponsors of IDOL GIVES BACK and will generously donate to the historic Emmy Award-winning television event airing during the Top 7 Results Show on Wednesday, April 21 (8:00-10:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed) on FOX. The brainchild of Simon Fuller, this special music event will raise awareness and funds to benefit five charities, including Children’s Health Fund, Feeding America, Malaria No More, Save the Children’s U.S. Programs and the United Nations Foundation.

About Kris Allen

Kris Allen was a student at the University of Central Arkansas before auditioning for AMERICAN IDOL. He has been singing and playing the guitar since he was 13 years old. Inspired by his faith, Allen has participated in missionary work all over the world, including such places as Morocco, South Africa and Thailand. Allen recently released his debut album, “Live Like We’re Dying,” on the 19 Recordings/Jive Records label.

About the United Nations Foundation

The United Nations Foundation, a public charity, was created in 1998 with entrepreneur and philanthropist Ted Turner’s historic $1 billion gift to support UN causes and activities. The organization builds and implements public/private partnerships to address the world’s most pressing problems, and works to broaden support for the UN through advocacy and public outreach. Through campaigns and partnerships, the UN Foundation connects people, ideas, and resources to help the UN solve global problems. The campaigns the UN Foundation conducts reduce child mortality, empower women and girls, create a new energy future, secure peace and human rights, and promote technology innovation to improve health outcomes. For more information, visit www.unfoundation.org.

About News Corporation

News Corporation (NASDAQ: NWS, NWSA; ASX: NWS, NWSLV) had total assets as of December 31, 2009 of approximately US$56 billion and total annual revenues of approximately US$30 billion. News Corporation is a diversified global media company with operations in eight industry segments: filmed entertainment; television; cable network programming; direct broadcast satellite television; integrated marketing services; newspapers and information services; book publishing; and other. The activities of News Corporation are conducted principally in the United States, Continental Europe, the United Kingdom, Australia, Asia and Latin America. For more information, visit www.newscorp.com.

About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 198,000 employees and about 90 plants worldwide, the company’s automotive brands include Ford, Lincoln, Mercury and Volvo. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford’s products, please visit www.ford.com.

About The Coca-Cola Company

The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE: KO) is the world’s largest beverage company, refreshing consumers with more than 500 sparkling and still brands. Together with Coca-Cola, recognized as the world’s most valuable brand, the Company’s portfolio includes 14 billion dollar brands, including Diet Coke, Fanta, Sprite, Coca-Cola Zero, vitaminwater, Powerade, Minute Maid, Simply and Georgia Coffee. Globally, we are the No. 1 provider of sparkling beverages, juices and juice drinks and ready-to-drink teas and coffees. Through the world’s largest beverage distribution system, consumers in more than 200 countries enjoy the Company’s beverages at a rate of 1.6 billion servings a day. With an enduring commitment to building sustainable communities, our Company is focused on initiatives that protect the environment, conserve resources and enhance the economic development of the communities where we operate. For more information about our Company, please visit our website at www.thecoca-colacompany.com.

About AT&T

AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) is a premier communications holding company. Its subsidiaries and affiliates – AT&T operating companies – are the providers of AT&T services in the United States and around the world. With a powerful array of network resources that includes the nation’s fastest 3G network, AT&T is a leading provider of wireless, Wi-Fi, high speed Internet and voice services. AT&T offers the best wireless coverage worldwide.  It also offers advanced TV services under the AT&T U-verseSM and AT&T DIRECTVSM brands. The company’s suite of IP-based business communications services is one of the most advanced in the world. In domestic markets, AT&T’s Yellow Pages and YELLOWPAGES.COM organizations are known for their leadership in directory publishing and advertising sales. In 2009, AT&T again ranked No. 1 in the telecommunications industry on FORTUNE® magazine’s list of the World’s Most Admired Companies. Additional information about AT&T Inc. and the products and services provided by AT&T subsidiaries and affiliates is available at www.att.com.

About ExxonMobil

Exxon Mobil Corporation and ExxonMobil Foundation, the primary philanthropic arm of Exxon Mobil Corporation in the United States, engage in a range of philanthropic activities that advance education, health, women’s economic leadership and public policy in the communities where ExxonMobil has significant operations. In the United States, ExxonMobil supports initiatives to improve math and science education at the K-12 and higher education levels. Globally, ExxonMobil provides funding to help women fulfill their economic potential and combat malaria and other infectious diseases in developing countries. Additional information on ExxonMobil’s community partnerships and contributions programs is available at www.exxonmobil.com/community.

AMERICAN IDOL is created and executive-produced by Simon Fuller, founder of 19 Entertainment; and executive-produced by Cecile Frot-Coutaz, CEO, FremantleMedia North America; and Ken Warwick, executive producer, FremantleMedia North America. The series features host Ryan Seacrest and judges Simon Cowell, Ellen DeGeneres, Kara DioGuardi and Randy Jackson.

Visit americanidol.com for more information on AMERICAN IDOL in addition to exclusive videos, photos, special behind-the-scenes information and all of your AMERICAN IDOL news.

Find out who’s who in the 16th Edition of The Amazing Race….

via Press Release

CBS ANNOUNCES THE 11 TEAMS RACING IN THE EMMY AWARD-WINNING SERIES, “THE AMAZING RACE,” PREMIERING FEBRUARY 14

Eleven Teams Hit the Road for a 40,000-Mile Sprint around the Globe and Find Themselves in the Midst of a World War I Re-enactment, Retracing the Early Days of The Beatles and Come Face-to-Face with One of the World’s Most Infamous Villains

CBS today announced the 11 Teams set to compete in the 16^th edition of THE AMAZING RACE, premiering Sunday, Feb. 14 (8:00-9:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network.  Emmy Award nominee Phil Keoghan is the host.

Contestants will travel nearly 40,000 miles across five continents and eight countries.  Eleven Teams start off by navigating through the congested streets of Los Angeles and, for the first time ever, must rely solely on public transportation to make their way to LAX.  The Teams’ first destination lies in Chile where they will encounter one of the most daunting Roadblocks in the history of the series.  In their ongoing battle for the one million dollar prize, Teams will participate in a grueling World War I reenactment in France, retrace the early days of the iconic rock group, The Beatles, and come face-to-face with one of the world’s most infamous villains.

Season 16 features Teams from all walks of life, including couples, parents, siblings, friends, models, lawyers, detectives and even cowboys.

The Emmy Award-Winning THE AMAZING RACE received its seventh consecutive Emmy for Outstanding Reality Competition Program last year.

Following are the 11 teams, listed in no particular order:

Caite Upton

Age: 20

Hometown: Lexington, S.C.

Occupation: Model/Actress

Brent Horne

Age: 28

Hometown: Columbia, S.C.

Occupation: Model/Advertising

Relationship: Dating/Models

Louis Stravato (Left)

Age:  47

Hometown: Providence, R.I.

Occupation: Undercover Detective

Michael Naylor (Right)

Age:  45

Hometown: Providence, R.I.

Occupation: Undercover Detective

Relationship: Detectives

Steve Smith

Age: 57

Hometown: Encinitas, Calif.

Occupation: Professional Baseball Coach/

World Series Champion Coach

Allie Smith

Age: 23

Hometown: Encinitas, Calif.

Occupation: Marketing

Relationship: Father/Daughter

Jeff Schroeder

Age: 31

Hometown: Norridge, Ill

Occupation: Salesman

Jordan Lloyd

Age: 22

Hometown: Charlotte, N.C.

Occupation: Receptionist

Relationship: Newly Dating

Monique Pryor (Left)

Age: 39

Hometown: West Orange, N.J.

Occupation: Attorney

Shawne Morgan (Right)

Age: 39

Hometown: Bowie, Md.

Occupation: Attorney

Relationship: Moms/Attorneys

Jet McCoy (Left)

Age: 30

Hometown: Ada, Okla.

Occupation: Cowboy

Cord McCoy (Right)

Age:  29

Hometown: Tupelo, Okla.

Occupation: Pro Bull Rider

Relationship: Brothers/Cowboys

Adrian Davis

Age: 40

Hometown: Arlington, Texas

Occupation: Medical Sales

Dana Davis

Age: 39

Hometown:  Arlington, Texas

Occupation: Market Manager

Relationship: High School Sweethearts/Married

Jody Kelly

Age: 71

Hometown: Round Rock, Texas

Occupation: Personal Trainer

Shannon Foster

Age: 22

Hometown: Georgetown, Texas

Occupation: Healthcare Outreach Contract Analyst

Relationship: Grandmother/Granddaughter

Carol Rosenfeld (Left)

Age:  47

Hometown:   Los Angeles, Calif.

Occupation: Consultant

Brandy Snow (Right)
Age: 40

Hometown:  Los Angeles, Calif.

Occupation: Actress and Voice Over Artist

Relationship: Dating

Dan Pious (Left)

Age:  24

Hometown:  Barrington, R.I.

Occupation: Financial Advisor

Jordan Pious (Right)

Age: 22

Hometown: Barrington, R.I.

Occupation: Strategic Consultant

Relationship: Brothers

Joe Wang

Age: 42

Hometown: El Segundo, Calif.

Occupation: Software Salesman

Heidi Wang

Age: 37

Hometown: El Segundo, Calif.

Occupation: Stay-at-Home Mom

Relationship: Married

CLICK HERE TO MEET THE RACERS

You can keep J-Lo, all Glee wants is a little bit of NPH.

Rumor has it that producers of Golden Globe award-winning Glee have made a move to secure the services of Barney Stinson for an upcoming episode that will reportedly be directed by the one and only Joss Whedon (there’s a Dr. Horrible link between the two).

Will it work out? Well that’ll depend on one thing. CBS. If CBS says yes and it doesn’t interfere with the shooting schedule on How I Met Your Mother then it’s on.

Simon Cowell is looking for judges for the panel on ‘The X Factor’, starting with Paula Abdul and Cheryl Cole.

Rumour has it that Cowell has made approaches to both Cole and Abdul for the vacant seats at his table, leading to further speculation about how many judges there will be.

Abdul is best known for sitting next to Cowell on American Idol (she also had a blink-or-you’ll-miss-it pop career), as it Cole – who sits next to Cowell on the UK version of ‘The X Factor’.

If you’ll remember, Abdul rejected the deal that the producers offered her on Idol which was nothing to do with Cowell, but the producers. On The X Factor, Cowell is creator and exec. producer, which means he’ll have much more say when it comes to judges compensation.

Cole is best known in the UK for her girl group, Girls Aloud (who themselves were manufactured on TV’s “Popstars: The Rivals” in 2003. She also had a UK number 1 single and album in 2009, working with the likes of Will.i.am on many tracks.

Gena Rowlands has been tapped to guest on NCIS – and not in the good way…

The three time EMMY award winner has been cast in a March episode of TV’s most watched scripted show as Joann, Gibbs intelligent upscale mother-in-law. All will not go smoothly however. The visit is said to create some “heartache, anger and blame”.

You may remember Rowlands from her EMMY winning performances in Face of a Stranger, Hysterical Blindness or The Betty Ford Story. If not, you’re probably pretty young, and these were a while ago….

The Days of Our Lives star has signed on to guest star in an episode of the freshman flop, Mercy.

In what sounds to be like a bad House storyline, Sweeney will play a bus-crash victim who appears to have only minor injuries but it ends up that she has shrapnel in her brain, causing her to act out of character.

You may also remember Sweeney from her other NBC show, The Biggest Loser. Her episode is slated to air in March.

Betty Suarez is about to go on the date from hell….

Mad Men co-star, Rich Sommer is slated to appear in a handful of Ugly Betty episodes as a love interest for the titular character, various sources are reporting.

Sommer will play Jimmy, who is apparently “a Seth Rogen-esque fireman who goes on “the date from hell” with Betty”

His first episode is scheduled to air in March.

Apparently not even the failure of two series can stop the eye from chasing you…

CBS have been looking for a star to headline the greenlit remake of the Hawaii Five-O remake, and Alex O’Loughlin is top of the list.

An insider said: “Talks are ongoing. CBS really wants to do another series with him”.

As you may remember, O’Loughlin recently starred in fan favorite Moonlight and the complete and utter failure that was Three Rivers.

Golden Globe Winners 2010:

There were some big winners and losers on the night which included Glee winning Best Comedy or Musical, Dexter winning Best Supporting Actor (John Lithgow) and Best Drama Actor (Michael C. Hall). Another  shock – Julianna Marguiles winning the Best Drama Actress for her role on The Good Wife at the 7th time of asking.

BEST TELEVISION SERIES – DRAMA

* BIG LOVE (HBO)
* DEXTER (SHOWTIME)
* HOUSE (FOX)
* MAD MEN (AMC)
* TRUE BLOOD (HBO)

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A TELEVISION SERIES – DRAMA

* GLENN CLOSE, “DAMAGES”
* JANUARY JONES, “MAD MEN”
* JULIANNA MARGULIES, “THE GOOD WIFE”
* ANNA PAQUIN, “TRUE BLOOD”
* KYRA SEDGWICK, “THE CLOSER”

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A TELEVISION SERIES – DRAMA

* SIMON BAKER, “THE MENTALIST”
* MICHAEL C. HALL, “DEXTER”
* JON HAMM, “MAD MEN”
* HUGH LAURIE, “HOUSE”
* BILL PAXTON, “BIG LOVE”

BEST TELEVISION SERIES – COMEDY OR MUSICAL

* 30 ROCK (NBC)
* ENTOURAGE (HBO)
* GLEE (FOX)
* MODERN FAMILY (ABC)
* THE OFFICE (NBC)

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A TELEVISION SERIES – COMEDY OR MUSICAL

* TONI COLLETTE, “UNITED STATES OF TARA”
* COURTENEY COX, “COUGAR TOWN”
* EDIE FALCO, “NURSE JACKIE”
* TINA FEY, “30 ROCK”
* LEA MICHELE, “GLEE”

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A TELEVISION SERIES – COMEDY OR MUSICAL

* ALEC BALDWIN, “30 ROCK”
* STEVE CARELL, “THE OFFICE”
* DAVID DUCHOVNY, “CALIFORNICATION”
* THOMAS JANE, “HUNG”
* MATTHEW MORRISON, “GLEE”

BEST MINI-SERIES OR MOTION PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION

* GEORGIA O’KEEFFE (LIFETIME TELEVISION)
* GREY GARDENS (HBO)
* INTO THE STORM (HBO)
* LITTLE DORRIT (PBS)
* TAKING CHANCE (HBO)

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A MINI-SERIES OR MOTION PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION

* JOAN ALLEN, “GEORGIA O’KEEFFE”
* DREW BARRYMORE, “GREY GARDENS”
* JESSICA LANGE, “GREY GARDENS”
* ANNA PAQUIN, “THE COURAGEOUS HEART OF IRENA SENDLER”
* SIGOURNEY WEAVER, “PRAYERS FOR BOBBY”

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A MINI-SERIES OR MOTION PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION

* KEVIN BACON, “TAKING CHANCE”
* KENNETH BRANAGH, “WALLANDER: ONE STEP BEHIND”
* CHIWETEL EJIOFOR, “ENDGAME”
* BRENDAN GLEESON, “INTO THE STORM”
* JEREMY IRONS, “GEORGIA O’KEEFFE”

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE IN A SERIES, MINI-SERIES OR MOTION PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION

* JANE ADAMS, “HUNG”
* ROSE BYRNE, “DAMAGES
* JANE LYNCH, “GLEE”
* JANET McTEER, “INTO THE STORM”
* CHLOË SEVIGNY, “BIG LOVE”

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE IN A SERIES, MINI-SERIES OR MOTION PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION

* MICHAEL EMERSON, “LOST”
* NEIL PATRICK HARRIS, “HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER”
* WILLIAM HURT, “DAMAGES”
* JOHN LITHGOW, “DEXTER”
* JEREMY PIVEN, “ENTOURAGE”

via EW’s Ausiello Files:

NBC has just unveiled its post-Olympics, Leno-free midseason schedule, and there’s good news for fans of Friday Night Lights who don’t have DirecTV. The drama’s fourth season — the one currently airing on DirecTV — will make its Peacock debut on Friday, April 30.