HAITI RELIEF: Celebs Remake “We Are the World”
Exactly 25 years after the all-star recording of “We Are the World” became a signature moment in philanthropy and pop-music history, a new era of stars joined forces Monday, February 1, 2010 at the same Hollywood recording studio (Henson Recording Studios in Hollywood, California) to record a new version for Haiti relief.
Just as Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder and Cyndi Lauper put their egos aside to sing their hearts out for famine relief in Africa, Jennifer Hudson, Kanye West, Justin Beiber, Keri Hilson and Miley Cyrus turned up at the same soundstage to join an all-star chorus that was 100 voices strong. ➫
The 1985 effort, called USA for Africa, raised $63 million and became a template for celebrity fundraising. Check out the video for the original song (written by Micheal Jackson and Lionel Richie, and produced by Quincy Jones):
The new single and music video (directed by Paul Haggis, Crash) will premiere Feb. 12 on NBC during the opening ceremonies of the Winter Olympics with the hope that the download single can help funnel aid into the ravaged island nation.
The anniversary project had been quietly planned for months and was scheduled for the day after the 52nd Annual Grammy Awards to maximize celebrity availability. The plan made a sharp u-turn, though, after the Jan. 12 disaster in Haiti: Instead of more relief for Africa, the organizers switched gears and turned their cause to the Caribbean.
The scene on Monday, like the original session, was a fascinating mix of star contribution. Performers included Pink, Brandy, Jordin Sparks, The Jonas Brothers, Vince Vaughn, Usher, Akon, Nicole Richie, Gladys Knight, T-Pain, Lil Wayne, Toni Braxton, Jamie Fox, Joel Madden, Snoop Dogg and Mary Mary. At front and center was Wyclef Jean, a former member of the Fugees and a defining presence in the public life of his native Haiti, especially in recent weeks.
Jean had one overriding response to the night: “I just want to thank everyone. Haiti thanks you. The world thanks you.”
Tags: Brandy, Brandy Norwood, Jennifer Hudson, Joel Madden, Jordin Sparks, Justin Beiber, Kanye West, Keri Hilson, Miley Cyrus, Nick Jonas, Nicole Richie, Nicole S, Quincy Jones, T-Pain
