Presidential hopefuls among 'Idol Gives Back' stars

CTV.ca

Forget the White House: Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton and John McCain want to be the next "American Idol."

The three presidential hopefuls, Democrats Obama and Clinton, and Republican McCain, are all slated to appear on Wednesday night's "Idol Gives Back" spectacular.

The special will feature performances from the current season's top eight performers, in addition to a number of special guest artists.

During the show, viewers will be able to make donations to the various causes via internet or phone. Last year, the fundraising effort raised US$75 million for charities including the Children's Defense Fund and the Children's Health Fund.

"Idol Gives Back" airs in Canada on CTV, starting at 7:30 p.m. ET.

Ellen DeGeneres was previously signed on to co-host the show, but declined from participating this year due to personal commitments.

The list of celebrities appearing on the show includes:

British Prime Minister Gordon Brown; Victoria Beckham; David Beckham; Maria Shriver; Jim Carrey; Adam Sandler; Alicia Keys; Julianne Moore; David Spade; Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson; Dr. Phil; The Jonas Brothers; Felicity Huffman; George Lopez; Kylie Minogue; Kobe Bryant; Eddie Izzard; Emma Bunton; Cheryl Hines; Kyra Sedgwick; Michael Kors; Minnie Driver; Ricki Lake; Rob Schneider; Jimmy Johnson; Roselyn Sanchez; Selma Blair; Toby Keith; Jimmy Kimmel; Whoopi Goldberg; Sarah Silverman; Michael Chiklis; Mary Murphy; Sheila E.; WWE® Superstars John Cena®, Triple H® and Chris Jericho®; The Band From TV.

Previously confirmed celebs include:

Amy Adams; Annie Lennox; Ashley Tisdale; Billy Crystal; Bono; Brad Pitt; Carrie Underwood; Celine Dion; Chris Daughtry; Dane Cook; Eli and Peyton Manning; Elliott Yamin; Fantasia; Fergie; Forest Whitaker; Gloria Estefan; Heart; Jennifer Connelly; John Legend; Kiefer Sutherland; Mariah Carey; Maroon 5; Miley Cyrus; Reese Witherspoon; Robin Williams; Snoop Dogg (featuring Charlie Wilson); Vanessa Hudgens.