Idol’s giving back for the third time. After a yearlong hiatus, American Idol is bringing back its Idol Gives Back charitable special on April 21.

The special will benefit Children’s Health Fund, Feeding America, Malaria No More, Save the Children, and the United Nations Foundation. Specials in 2006 & 2007 raised more than $140 million.

The ninth season of American Idol premieres in January with host Ryan Seacrest and judges Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson, Kara DioGuardi, Ellen DeGeneres, who will replace departing judge Paula Abdul.