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The Idol producers have been promising us a HUGE ANNOUNCEMENT for weeks, and tonight's the the night we get some answers.

Some have guessed that the announcement involves a surprise celebrity guest, such as Michael Jackson or Paul McCartney (although the producers have already denied this). Others think the producers have planned a surprise twist in the voting system. Possibly, wild cards could be brought back to the show, or more boys could be sent packing than girls. Perhaps the judges will override America's vote for the first time ever. These would all be big surprises.

Or perhaps, there will simply be a formal announcement made tonight about Idol's plan go to Africa. According to this blog, in an "off the record" phone conversation, an Idol staff member confirmed that the announcement "has to do with a social issue in Africa." And in a recent symposium hosted by Time Warner, Bono may have let the cat out of the bag when he mentioned that American Idol is going to Africa.

Is this Idol's big announcement? Will they be raising money to help women and children with HIV/AIDS in Africa?

In an interview with TV Week, Idol producer Nigel Lythgoe, wouldn't give specifics about the surprise except to say, "It's the biggest thing that's happened to Idol in five years." From this discussion, TV Week's Editorial Director, Chuck Ross, surmised, "listening to what Nigel told me, I suspect that it has something to do with Idol asking folks to raise money for some important cause. Maybe it involves a concert."

When Bono was asked at the symposium if he watches American Idol, he laughed and said, "No, but I will now!"

So what do you think? Is this the big announcement they've promised? And do you think Bono will show up tonight to make the announcement live and in person?

[via Idol Based Informational Nonsence]