NBC to air second star-studded Red Nose Day telethon on May 26

LOS ANGELES, April 1 (UPI) -- NBC has confirmed it will broadcast another edition of its Red Nose Day fundraising entertainment special on May 26.

The star-studded, 2-hour comedy and music program is part of an on-going effort to collect cash for the purpose of lifting children around the world out of poverty.

The network said participating celebrities and performers for 2016 will be announced at a later date.

Julia Roberts, Pharrell, Will Ferrell, Michelle Rodriguez, Blake Shelton, Reese Witherspoon, Jack Black and Ed Sheeran took part in last year's show, which helped raise more than $23 million for the Red Nose Day Fund.

"Seeing Red Nose Day come to America in 2015 was a real joy. We were so delighted by the response it received," British filmmaker Richard Curtis, co-creator of Red Nose Day, said in a statement Thursday. "We're gearing up for an even bigger Red Nose Day in 2016, and I hope even more people will join us -- having fun as they raise or give money. With the support and generosity of the American public, of NBC, of our brand partners, and of so many amazing stars, it's wonderful to know that we're going to raise enough money to help change -- and even save -- the lives of a huge number of kids in the U.S. and around the world."

"What we accomplished during our first Red Nose Day was remarkable. The goal for our second telecast is to build on that incredible foundation with a highly entertaining, star-studded show that will raise millions for children who are truly in need," added Paul Telegdy, president of alternative and late night programming for NBC Entertainment.