Just A Minute With: "Idol" judge Randy Jackson

By Belinda Goldsmith

SYDNEY (Reuters Life!) - As the stars of the hit TV series "American Idol" gear up for their second annual televised fund-raising event, judge Randy Jackson says they are doing what all celebrities should -- giving back to the people.

Jackson, a 20-year music industry veteran, was so moved during last year's event when he visited the child victims of Hurricane Katrina in his home state of Louisiana that he signed up as Save the Children's first U.S. programs ambassador to help raise awareness about youth poverty.

Last year "Idol Gives Back" raised over $75 million for poor children in the United States and Africa and this year's event on April 9 is hoped to raise even more, boasting a list of star guests including Brad Pitt, Miley Cyrus, Mariah Carey and Bono.

Jackson spoke to Reuters about his charity work and music:

Q: How did you get involved with Save the Children?

A: "I'm from Louisiana, from Baton Rouge, so the issue of poverty is near and dear to my heart. There are so many underprivileged children here in the United States and I really take these organizations seriously."

Q: Why did you focus particularly in kids' charity work?

A: "I have three beautiful children (18, 12, and 10) myself so I feel it is my duty to give back in any way I can. It breaks my heart to see these kids in need."

Q: Is this the first time you have got involved?

A: "No. My wife and I founded a childhood obesity foundation about five years ago. I'm also involved with the American Heart Association and with diabetes. It is kids from the most underprivileged areas that seem to be the most overweight. Why is this? Well they've got no money and they eat junk food. Being overweight is linked to the rise in Type 2 diabetes too."

Q: Was obesity something of particular interest to you?

A: "Yup. I've had a battle with my weight all my life so I can sympathize. I had gastric bypass surgery about four years ago to get it under control but these kids don't have this option. The government in the U.S. has cut back so much on PE (physical education) in schools and also on the quality of lunches that this is a growing problem."

Q: Idol Gives Back II is slated for April with a star-studded guest list. Is this going to become an annual event?

A: "I think we should make it annual. It was always our intention as a show to do something to help people, and on an ongoing basis, not just as a response to a disaster or catastrophe. People are always in need of help."

Q: Was it hard to get the big names to join?