Despite it's tremendous shortcomings as a source of entertainment, American Idol reportedly works amazingly well as a charity. Though official's at the show's benevolent arm, Idol Gives Back, have so far refused to release their official data for last year, the nonprofit is said to have raised about $76 million and distributed it relatively well.

“Sometimes celebrity or entertainment-industry-based charities might not be the most sophisticated organizations in distributing the money they raise,” said Dr. Irwin Redlener, the president and a co-founder, with the musician Paul Simon, of the Children’s Health Fund. “But the ‘American Idol’ group got up to speed more rapidly than I’ve ever seen before. And they did a tremendous amount of investigation and due diligence among the organizations that could be potential recipients.”

See what happens when you don't let Paula Abdul handle anything?