2011 American Idol Finalists Meet Bald Eagle Challenger

PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. - (BUSINESS WIRE) - Once again, the American Eagle Foundation's (www.eagles.org) trained non-releasable bald eagle "Challenger" flew beautifully at Celebrity Fight Night, Muhammad Ali's annual Parkinson's fundraiser, last Saturday evening in Phoenix - this time while Lee Greenwood sang a stirring rendition of his "God Bless The USA" song.

Challenger even took an extra show-stopping spin around the ballroom at the star-studded black tie event to wild applause. His spectacular flight caused emcee Reba McEntire to state, "We're so glad to have to Challenger back this year!" (after missing last year's event), and also inspired comedian Billy Crystal to open his tribute remarks to Muhammad Ali by jokingly stating with a straight face, "When Challenger flew over my table, he pooped on my plate!"

Challenger and AEF president Al Cecere were also invited to visit the dressing room of this season's Top American Idol finalists at the fundraising event - held at the J.W. Marriott Desert Ridge Resort. When Challenger walked into the room on Cecere's gloved arm, all the Idol contestants rushed over to see the iconic bird, and anxiously began taking photos of him with their cell phones (along with the American Idol video crew). Challenger and Cecere did separate photos with each contestant present (James Durbin, Jacob Lusk, Lauren Alaina, Naima Adedapo, Scotty McCreery, Haley Reinhart, Thia Megia, Paul McDonald, Stefano Langone, Pia Toscano).

Former Idol winner Jordin Sparks, who Challenger has performed with in the past (Celebrity Fight Night & AFC Football Championship), also attended the event.