Idol Talk From Alicia Keys

While Idol Gives Back sang and danced its way into the hearts and pockets of America on Wednesday night, it was the words of Alicia Keys that perhaps reflected the thoughts of many people around the world.

“If AIDS got half the attention that the media give to celebrity dramas, this issue would be well on the way to being solved,” said the singer. “It’s crazy… how you can change the lives of people forever for the price of a pair of shoes.”

The singer appeared on the show in a clip filmed during a recent trip to Africa, and urged viewers to donate. Keys established the Keep A Child Alive Foundation to directly assist children affected by HIV/AIDS in Africa, and although her charity did not benefit from Wednesday’s show, other organizations such as the Children's Defense Fund, the Global Fund For AIDS, and Save the Children will receive some of the $22 million already raised from donations to Idol Gives Back.

Keys’ words should make us all stop and think about what we watch and read, and start to act with our hearts.