The first two rounds of "Idol Gives Back" offered television at its best -- powerful music, emotional films and more.

Now, after skipping a year, it returns Wednesday. Here's the preview story I sent to papers. I don't include all of my stories in this blog spot, but I try to include all "Idol" ones:

For "American Idol" fans, the good news is that things are finally getting serious. The 12 guys sing tonight (Tuesday), the 12 women sing Wednesday, then four of them will be gone Thursday -- in a results show that includes songs by Kris Allen and Allison Iraheta.

The better news? Idealism still soars at "Idol."