American Idol is trying to shed its reputation of being a karaoke contest and prove it can actually do something good for the world (which they owe us after daring to unleash From Justin to Kelly on unsuspecting movie audiences in 2003). Tonight will mark the second annual Idol Gives Back fundraiser, a television event that raised over $70 million in 2007. This year's funds will benefit six charities: The Children's Defense Fund, The Global Fund, Brad Pitt's Make It Right campaign, Malaria No More, Save the Children and the Children's Health Fund.

The show will air on Fox and feature special guests including Pitt, Bono, Reese Witherspoon, Miley Cyrus, Celine Dion, Mariah Carey, Vanessa Hudgens, Ashley Tisdale and Pinky's secrety love slave Kiefer Sutherland. Even Simon Cowell puts the snark on the back burner and makes nice with fellow judges Randy Jackson and Paula Abdul.

Viewers can make donations either by calling in to the numbers provided during the show or donating via the Internet.

Tune into Fox tonight to get involved. In the meantime, you can watch the video clips below for a preview of the show below and Josh Groban's performance with the African Children's Choir from the 2007 Idol Gives Back event. 

» American Idol (Official Site)