And the success of drives such as the "American Idol" campaign, "Idol Gives Back, " show the public doesn't mind programming that both entertains and inspires generosity.

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According to Trendrr.tv, American Idol logged 445, 771 mentions on Twitter, public Facebook sites, Miso and GetGlue.

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The show gave ITV1 its biggest ratings hit on a Saturday since Gareth Gates and Will Young fought it out to be crowned Pop Idol in February, with a 36% of the watching public.

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