Telstra Child Flight flies country children in need to facilities in city hospitals, while Ronald McDonald House Charities allows families of sick children to stay close to their loved ones while they are having treatment.

Both McDonalds and Telstra kick off the show by each donating $10,000.  WOW, off to an impressive start.

Rogue Traders performed their new hit single "Don't You Wanna Feel". As well as making their song available for download with proceeds to charity – as are all tonight's performances – the Rogies have signed CDs up for auction, while James Mathison has some of his prized gold clubs on offer.

The Final 6 raise the roof with their favourite song "Kids" and we got a look at the autographed caricatures of the finalists up for auction.

Then, with new recruit Jessica Mauboy in tow, the Young Divas performed the disco classic"If I Can't Have You". The Divas donated autographed copies of their new not-yet-released album New Attitude, while judge Kyle Sandilands has donated the microphone he used for many years hosting his radio show.

Marty Simpson chose Tom Petty's "Won't Back Down" as his song, and played his acoustic guitar along with the band.

Andrew G has donated his very own personally signed surfboard, as surfed by the man himself in Queensland, New South Wales and Hawaii.

Darren Hayes took to the stage to sing his brand new single "Me, Myself & I". The electro-pop and falsetto packed track had the audience on their feet dancing. Darren kindly donated tickets, flights and accommodation to his Brisbane concert next week, while the managing of director of PayPal, sitting in the audience, told James the company would donate $50,000 to the night's causes.

Katie Noonan, former George singer, performs "Send Out A Little Love" from her new album Skin. Katie donated signed block mounted posters and copies of her album.

Daniel Mifsud took on the rather appropriate John Mayer tune "Waiting For The World To Change".

An item that is likely to score plenty of cash is Socceroo Lucas Neil's signed jersey that he has kindly donated.

Carl Riseley performed his childhood favourite"Pure Imagination" from Willy Wonka and The Chocolate Factory. Walking into the audience, he had an audience member hand him his trumpet for a solo.

The Idols and Andrew and James have all donated signed official Australian Idol t-shirts. Sony Playstation 2 provided consoles for Ronald McDonalds Houses around the country, as well as one for the auction.

Vanessa Amorosi belted out her brand new single "Kiss Your Mama!" and donated block mounted posters and albums.

Shannon Noll flew back to his hometown of Condoblin to visit a very special family. The town, which is completely drought stricken, was thrilled to see their favourite son back to bring a few smiles to their faces. The Cooper family, whose son Roy was born with breathing difficulties and helped by Telstra Child Flight, were given a special woolshed performance by Shannon of his new single "In Pieces".

Shannon donated signed copies of his new album, while Dicko offered up his platinum Shannon album plaque he was given in 2004.

Next up it was another Australian Idol alumni, reigning champ Damien Leith. He performed "Songbird". Damien donated tickets and backstage passes to concerts on each stop of his national tour to the auction.

Natalie Gauci, accompanying herself on piano, performed her Top 100 track "Crazy", a hit for Gnarls Barkley, and from the response the crowd gave obviously already an audience favourite.

McDonalds' contributed tickets to the Australian Idol Grand Final, while Mark Holden has donated a cap reading "touchdown" (which was given to him on his 50th birthday) and two tickets to the Sydney opening night of the new musical Shout!.

Matt Corby, playing acoustic guitar, sings Lior's "Bedouin Song". As usual, the mention of his name was accompanied by plenty of screams.

Marcia Hines donated the t-shirt she wore when she ran in the Olympic torch relay.

Tarisai Vushe performed the Five Stairsteps' classic "Ooh Child", a thoughtful choice on this special night, with a very special message for sick kids everywhere.

Like their superstar brother before them, only five years later, The Noll Brothers took to the Idol stage to perform their current hit "Shining Star".

The next auction item was a NSW Waratahs jersey signed by all of the players.

To close the show, the Final 6 again took centre stage; this time to perform the Eric Clapton hit "Change The World". It was a fitting finale to a night that will benefit so many needy people.

The show was a massive success and the money continues to roll in and you can help by downloading a song, bidding in an auction or making a donation.