VIDEO: Watch Brad Pitt on Idol Gives Back

As Usmagazine.com reported on Monday, the actor, 44, caused fans to erupt in monstrous applause when he appeared on stage to introduce a video by Daughtry, who documented a trip to Uganda.

Within the first minute of airing, Idol producer Nigel Lythgoe said the show had already received 3,000 calls from people pledging donations.

Contestant David Archuleta spent the most time on the phone with donors.

Did he have more on his mind than just charity?

Joked one staffer, "He's looking for a prom date!"

In an effort to raise more money, contestant Jason Castro even offered to snip off one of his trademark dreadlocks. (Said stage manger Debbie McVickers, "I want you to think about how much you would pay for one of Jason's dreads!")

After the nearly three-hour broadcast — which included pre-taped performances by Mariah Carey and Us Power Girl Miley Cyrus — the Idol contestants surprised the studio audience with an encore performance of Darlene Zschech's "Shout to the Lord" as paper streamers fell on the stage.

"[Contestant] Michael Johns then laid down and made a snow angel while Kristy Lee pointed and laughed," a witness told Us.

Last year's Idol Gives Back raised $76 million for charity. Lythgoe said the show hopes to earn $100 million this year.

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