'Idol' Buzz: Anthony Fedorov in Japan

Season 4 "Idol" finalist Anthony Fedorov was in Tokyo March 11, starring in "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat," when Japan was rocked by a devastating earthquake and tsunami. Speaking to AmericanIdol.com about his experience, Fedorov, now back in the United States, said, "You see how small you actually are against Mother Nature. It was a pretty crazy experience to go through. It was my first earthquake. When we felt it, we were in the theater watching a matinee of the Japanese production of 'Beauty and the Beast.' . . . We were sitting right under the balcony . . . the theater started to shake. It was pretty nerve-racking. . . . We then found out our show was canceled for the evening, and eventually it was canceled going forward. There was damage to the roof of our theater, and it was unsafe for the audience.

Fedorov, 25, is finishing up his EP "Never Over." He ended the interview with a message to the Japanese: "On behalf of the 'Joseph' cast, I want to thank everyone -- from promoters to the audience. This was a life-changing experience. Everyone was so gracious and so kind. Thanks for taking care of us and showing us human kindness and attention. We are all praying and keeping everyone in our thoughts."

Meanwhile, USA Today reports that finalist Paul McDonald's pre-"American Idol" band, the Grand Magnolias, has released a charity track titled "New Orleans" to benefit victims of the earthquake and tsunami. The song, with McDonald on vocals, was recorded before his "Idol" appearances.