Ellen DeGeneres, the co-host of American Idol’s TV charity special was so touched by the images of poverty-stricken Africans she saw in footage shot for last night’s show, she personally pledged $100,000 to charity. The comedienne-turned-chat show host was presenting performances by stars like Annie Lennox, Kelly Clarkson, Josh Groban and Rascal Flatts live from Los Angeles’ Disney Concert Hall when she was overcome by emotion.

Fighting back tears after watching footage featuring Idol regulars Simon Cowell and ...