No 'Idol' shown the door

HOLLYWOOD, April 26 (UPI) -- Charity began at home for "American Idol" as none of the six finalists in Hollywood were eliminated during the special "Idol Gives Back" charity event.

The two-hour telethon to raise money for programs that assist children in poverty in the United States and Africa featured performances from "Idol" winner Kelly Clarkson, Celine Dion, Jack Black and others.

At the end of Wednesday's extravaganza, hose Ryan Seacrest announced, "All your favorites are still in the competition. How could we let anyone go on a charity night?"

Seacrest said the more than 70 million calls and text messages logged this week will be added to next week's tallies -- meaning two contestants will be eliminated next Wednesday, Access Hollywood reported Thursday. The finalists who remain are Melinda Doolittle, Blake Lewis, Phil Stacey, LaKisha Jones, Chris Richardson and Jordin Sparks.

The special was hosted by Ellen DeGeneres, who announced she was donating $100,000. Early reports Wednesday indicated at least $30 million was raised.

On Tuesday's competition portion, corporate sponsors made donations for every vote cast. On Wednesday's results show, donations were accepted via telephone pledge lines and the Internet.