The "Idol Gives Back" special airs this week.

The "Idol Gives Back" audience had their pick of A-List celeb favorites, but not even MILEY CYRUS received the uproarious fanfare BRAD PITT caused when he hit the live stage.

Part of the thrill was the element of surprise -- it was assumed Brad would send a video message rather than appear in person.

At first the crowd drowned out the actor with their cheering, but even after he settled them down they still had problems hearing him because his mic had gone dead. "American Idol" stage manager DEBBIE WILLIAMS quickly rushed to the stage to aid the star. "I just needed a reason to touch him," she joked.

Brad's involvement with the special will focus awareness on the hurricane-devastated areas in and around New Orleans, still in a state of disarray almost three years after Katrina hit the area.