The popular television singing contest, American Idol, has announced this week that it will host its third Idol Gives Back benefit concert in April of 2010.

The Emmy Award-winning television event – which will raise funds and awareness for various U.S. and international nonprofits and causes – will take place during the show’s top 7 results episode on April 21.

The beneficiaries will be the Children’s Health Fund, a pediatric provider of mobile-based health care for homeless and low-income children and their families; Feeding America, which feeds low-income individuals and families; Malaria No More, which brings access to malaria interventions to communities in Africa; Save the Children, which provides early childhood education to children in underserved rural areas; and the United Nations Foundation, which supports various philanthropic causes.

"This is our opportunity to reach out and support the people of America and around the world who need our compassion and generosity to improve or even save their lives," said Simon Fuller, creator of American Idol and CEO of 19 Entertainment. "America will undoubtedly prove once again what a remarkable and generous nation it is. For American Idol to be able to facilitate this kind of initiative makes me very proud."

In addition to fundraising, the event will feature performances and appearances from various celebrities and musicians – past performers and guests include President Barack Obama, British Prime Minister Gordon Brown, former President George W. Bush, Brad Pitt, Bono, Reese Witherspoon, Miley Cyrus, Eli Manning, Peyton Manning, Chris Daughtry, Carrie Underwood, Mariah Carey, Gwen Stefani, Josh Groban, Pink, Celine Dion, Robin Williams and Ben Stiller.

The event, which was created by Fuller, has raised more than $140 million to date for various nonprofits.