Los Angeles, April 6, 2008 – This year’s Idol Gives Back celebration features a bumper crop of megawatt stars, and we got a sneak preview on Sunday when the show was taped.  Reese Witherspoon, Mariah Carey and Billy Crystal were among the celebs who joined Simon Cowell and the gang at the Kodak Theatre.  Miley Cyrus did two songs.  Brad Pitt had to do a retake because his microphone fell off, and we’re not sure it was an accident - the female stagehand who replaced his mic said, “I just needed a reason to touch Brad Pitt!” 

Backstage in the press room, Fergie explained her silence while posing for photos; “I don’t like pictures where my mouth is moving”, the London Bridge singer told us. In the American Idol portrait gallery, Annie Lennox sat down at the computer to review her pictures, and didn’t leave until she was satisfied with the results. 

Spice Girl Geri Halliwell turned up unannounced, and we hear that the unidentified man on her arm is her new boyfriend.  Gloria Estefan greeted old acquaintances and even some members of the press. 

Celine Dion, David and Victoria Beckham, Alicia Keys and even presidential hopefuls Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama and John McCain had previously taped segments for the show, which airs Wednesday, April 9 on Fox. 

Idol Gives Back raises funds for six charities that benefit children.  You can donate online, by phone, or by mail.

For more information: Idol Gives Back