Regardless of whether you loved or hated the show format, the performances, how the corporate sponsorship was handled or the (apparently) controversial fact that no one was kicked off last night. The fact is--more kids will read, more mothers won't have to watch helplessly while their children die in their arms because they don't have the $2 malaria medication to save them, and more HIV positive kids and parents will live a little longer because people gave.

For me it was most moving to see the footage of the people from Idol and others on the ground in East Africa. It brought back a lot of memories for me and was a great reminder that people are in fact what matters. Cynics aside, we can make a difference, and businesses can do a tremendous amount of good with the wealth they create all the while giving attention to growing the bottom line. Because at the end of every day, how you make your mark is what really counts.

If you missed Idol last night, E! online has a good recap of the night including the celebrities involved and there were a lot--everyone from Ellen DeGeneres to Elvis (ya that's right, I said Elvis).