MDA Telethon 2011 - Nigel Lythgoe & Co-hosts Jerry Lewis Tribute (Plus PSAs)

Without the over-the-top kookiness Jerry Lewis brought to the MDA telethon year after year, it’s a pretty boring affair. Our favorite Idol exec, Nigel Lythgoe did a decent enough job as co-host, but you know…zzzz. Nigel’s stamp was all over this broadcast, but it could have used a bit of the theatricality Nigel brings to the Idol results show. Another big sponsor this year, was Clear Channel Radio, whose spots were seen throughout the show.

The Jerry Lewis Telethon was a staple of my Labor Day television viewing when I was a kid, but even as I got older, I would still tuned in for an hour or two to watch Jerry’s over-wrought appeals on behalf of his “kids”. And of course, to see just how far he’d lose it singing “You’ll Never Walk Alone”, after the big emotional reveal of the final fundraising totals, at the end of the nearly 24 hour telethon.

I thought Jerry should have been given one last hurrah on stage. Sure, by many accounts, he’s a narcissistic asshat. I don’t doubt he was difficult behind the scenes, and had no interest in updating his old-fashioned fundraising style (he’s not only over the top, but a little, er, patronizing) for a new century. But the legendary comic put MDA on the map. He deserved a decent send-off.

MDA was wise enough to include a tribute to Jerry at the beginning of the telethon. Co-hosts Nancy O’Dell, Jann Carl, Alison Sweeney and Idol exec, Nigel Lythgoe offered personal anecdotes about Jerry. Nancy’s mom died of ALS and talks about how important Jerry’s work had been to her and her family. When Nigel came on board last year to co-host, Jerry offered him his chair. Watch the tribute below.

Also, Season 5 Idol, Ace Young hosted in New York City, and introduced a performance from standards singer, Michael Feinstein.

(I’ll be putting up another MDA post with performances, so watch for that).