February 2, 2010
Wyclef Jean |
On Monday, the day after the Grammy Awards, many of the music stars who were in Los Angeles for the awards ceremony gathered together to record a 25th anniversary remake of "We Are The World." This time, the new charity single will benefit Haiti relief. More than 80 artists participated in the recording, including P!nk, Lil Wayne, Kanye West, Nick Jonas, LL Cool J, Robin Thicke, Celine Dion, Akon, Rob Thomas, Wyclef Jean, Barbra Streisand, Jordin Sparks, Good Charlotte's Joel and Benji Madden, Tony Bennett, Josh Groban, Snoop Dogg, Justin Bieber, Jennifer Hudson, Keri Hilson, Jamie Foxx, Katharine McPhee, Carlos Santana, Melanie Fiona, Toni Braxton, Jason Mraz, Miley Cyrus, Busta Rhymes, Nicole Scherzinger, Usher, Julianne Hough, Raphael Saadiq, American Idol judge Randy Jackson, Musiq Soulchild, Heart's Ann and Nancy Wilson, Fonzworth Bentley, Kid Cudi, Nipsey Hussle, the Beach Boys' Brian Wilson and Al Jardine, Trey Songz, Faith Evans, Mya and Gladys Knight, to name a few. The song also features a newly penned hip-hop break written by Will.I.Am that makes reference to the January 12 earthquake in Haiti, according to MTV.com.
"I feel like a kid in a candy store," Wyclef told the press about the idea of remaking such an iconic song. Justin Bieber, who sang Lionel Richie's original opening line, added, "The experience was out of this world." The video for the song, which is being shot in 3-D, will debut on February 12.
Meanwhile, Simon Cowell's charity remake of "Everybody Hurts" by R.E.M. made its debut today. The tune was recorded in both Los Angeles and London and made its premiere on BBC Radio 1 early Tuesday morning, and it can also be streamed on YouTube. The track contains vocals from more than 20 stars, including Susan Boyle, Mariah Carey, Jon Bon Jovi, Rod Stewart, Mika, Miley Cyrus, Leona Lewis, Kylie Minogue and Robbie Williams.
The song is currently available for pre-order via a handful of British retailers (including HMV.com and Amazon.co.uk) and will be available starting Sunday, February 7. Proceeds will benefit the Helping Haiti fund and the Disasters Emergency Committee.
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