It was a big night on American Idol Wednesday. American Idol Gives Back featured huge talent from Mary J. Blige to Elton John all there to inspire viewers to open their wallets for charity’s sake.

Mary J. Blige blew the roof off with her rendition of Led Zepplin’s classic rock tune Stairway to Heaven and even got a little help from American Idol judge Randy Jackson on bass guitar.

Click onto media bar for why Blige chose Stairway to Heaven.

Blige’s own charity, FAWN and the Mary J. Blige Center for Women, which gives needy women a leg up, will see a payday for her performance and that cash will support women in need.

Click onto media bar for details on Blige’s foundation.

Sure they raised oodles of dough, but as far as Randy Jackson is concerned, the money raised is a drop in the bucket for the amount needed daily.

Click onto media bar for Jackson’s comments about the cash raise for American Idol Gives Back.

Wanda Sykes was happy to reach an audience she might not normally play to – and judging by the reaction to her routine, she succeeded beyond expectations.

Click onto two media bars for:

What performing on the Idol stage was like for Sykes.

Why Sykes was happy to participate.

But, with all the upbeat action going on in that two-hour show, a contestant still had to go home and this week it was Tim Urban. Let’s face it though, if you have to go, getting iced on such a positive night takes the sting out.

Click onto media bar for:

Why Tim Urban isn’t wrecked by the vote to send him home.

How he was able to deal with the judge’s criticism.

Why getting eliminated was less painful for Tim Urban.

American Idol Gives Back reportedly raised $15 million just in the two hours the telecast. However, phones continued to ring well after the show.