IDOL GIVES BACK: American Idol winner David Cook walks seven year old Mekdes during a visit to Biruh Tesfa, a United Nations program supported by the UN Foundation, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Tuesday, March 30, 2010. Cook traveled with the UN Foundation to raise awareness about the importance of girls education for a special episode of IDOL GIVES BACK, be aired on April 21st. CR: Stuart Ramson/UN Foundation. Photo credit: Stuart Ramson

American Idol Gives Back is airing tonight, but it’s been quite a while in the making to hear the participants tell it.

Kara DioGuardi got an education while visiting Africa, where sanitation comes at a premium. Now she’s hoping her visit will inspire others to do their part for charity.

Click onto media bar for details on Kara DioGuardi’s experience in Africa.

American Idol season eight winner, Kris Allen saw the devastation caused by the earthquake in Haiti firsthand. However, he also saw signs of hope in the children who survived.

Click onto media bar for Kris Allen’s experience in Haiti.

Superstar, Chris Daughtry, who appeared in season five of American Idol, is proud to be a part of the Idol charity event. Having the chance to move others into action through his music is just one of the rewards Daughtry receives from giving back.

Click onto media bar for comments on American Idol Gives Back from Chris Daughtry.

David Cook, season seven winner, experienced Idol Gives Back the year he won the competition on 2008. But, to return as a genuine star was a whole new memory in the making for him.

Click onto media bar for David Cook’s memories of his first American Idol Gives Back and for what it means to him to appear this year.

American Idol Gives Back airs tonight, 8:00 p.m. ET/PT on Fox.