It is the second year that the reality show “American Idol” takes a break from its usual search of the country’s best singer and takes some time to organize the charity event titled “Idol Gives Back.”

The star-studded show managed to raise more than $75 million last year, according to host Ryan Seacrest, and it also received an honorary Emmy award. Officials at the charity have refused to issue a formal accounting of last year’s show, but a spokesman for the Charity Projects Entertainment Fund said its financial statements would be released in May.

Four of the charities that received money last year were included in this year’s program: Malaria No More, the Children’s Health Fund, the domestic programs of Save the Children and the Global Fund. Two new organizations – the Children’s Defense Fund and Make It Right – were added on the list this year. Make It Right is a campaign that helps New Orleans heal from the ravaging effects of Hurricane Katrina.

The charity event that was taped Sunday night had Ryan Seacrest as a host and started with “Idol” finalists performing Rihanna’s song “Don’t Stop the Music.”

Among the celebrities that showed up at the ceremony were Sarah Silverman, Billy Crystal, Reese Witherspoon, Robin Williams and Brad Pitt.

Brad Pitt, who is accustomed to traveling in poor countries in charitable purposes, insisted that the charity event was not only about raising money, but about understanding the needs and problems of others.

"Tonight isn't just about raising money," he told the audience. "Sometimes, to help people, we've got to travel outside of our comfort zone to really understand another situation."

Performers at the show included Snoop Dogg, John Legend, Miley Cyrus, Mariah Carey, Annie Lennox, Gloria Estefan and fourth-season "Idol" winner Carrie Underwood.

"It's not about self-promoting," Underwood said backstage, according to the Associated Press. "It's not about singing your latest single. It's not about trying to be the most-downloaded whatever on iTunes. It's all about getting people to call in and do something."

Pre-taped segments encouraging viewers to make donations featured David and Victoria Beckham, Ellen DeGeneres, Jim Carrey, and also presidency candidates Hillary Rodham Clinton, John McCain and Barack Obama.

Producers of the show hope to raise around $100 million this year.