KEY POINTS:
The American Idol charity shows raised more than US$60 million and inspired tens of thousands of Americans to join global anti-poverty campaigns.
Although some fans said the two-hour special failed to live up to its star-studded promise, the show of inspirational songs, skits and video clips of child poverty in Africa and the United States drew a 26.4 million television audience.
More than 70,000 Americans joined anti-poverty campaigns after the show, which included an appeal by Irish rock star and spokesman Bono.
