“We Are the World” was an awe-inspiring collaborative anthem put together in 1985 by some of the most popular singers of the time – Michael Jackson, Cyndi Lauper, Lionel Ritchie, and many, many more. It was written and performed to bring awareness and relief to African famine. Called self-important to some critics and altruistic to others, it no doubt has its place in history.
It is now being re-created, but this time to heighten relief efforts in earthquake-torn Haiti. The star-studded cast includes the following: Janet Jackson, Beyonce, Randy Jackson, Celine Dion, Pink, Lil Wayne, Eminem, AR Rahman, Kanye West, The Jonas Brothers, Mary Mary, Orianthi, Josh Groban, Snoop Dogg, Kristian Bush, Harry Connick Jr., Jennifer Nettles, Steve Saville, Anthony Hamilton, Jennifer Hudson, Keri Hilson, Tyrese, Freda Payne, Isaac Slade, Katharine McPhee, Sean Garrett, Will.i.am, Carlos Santana, Natalie Cole, Melanie Fiona, Rashida Jones, Enrique Iglesias, Patti Austin, Toni Braxton, Cameron Bell, Jason Mraz, Miley Cyrus, Busta Rhymes, Nicole Scherzinger, T.J. Jackson, Faith Evans, Drake, Earth Wind & Fire, LL Cool J, Robin Thicke, Akon, Rob Thomas, Wyclef Jean, Jeff Bridges, Vince Vaughn, Barbra Streisand, Jordin Sparks, Good Charlotte’s Madden brothers, Taryll Jackson, Tony Bennett, Britney Spears, Jamie Foxx, Tyrese, Brandy, Justin Bieber, Nicole Richie, Jay-Z, Usher, Julianne Hough, Raphael Saadiq, Zac Brown Band, Bone Thugs-n-Harmony, India.Arie, Musiq Soulchild, Heart’s Ann and Nancy Wilson, Fonzworth Bentley, Kid Cudi, Iyaz, Lady Gaga, Bizzy Bone, Nipsey Hussle, the Beach Boys’ Brian Wilson and Al Jardine, Trey Songz, Taylor Swift, Selena Gomez, Sharbel N. Karam, Mya and Gladys Knight.
Country and Latino music singers have seemingly been snubbed from the cast.
Taylor Swift left for Australia after the Grammy Awards, while Beyonce and Jay-Z left for New York and ostensibly won’t be on the recording.
Josh Groban was reported by Reuters as saying “Everybody left their ego at the door. To be smack-dab in the middle of a sandwich between Barbra Streisand and [Lil’ Wayne] was personally a creative experience I don’t think I’ll ever have the pleasure of having again.”
The song is being organized by Quincy Jones and Lionel Richie – Jones organized the 1985 recording. As far as lyrics, some changes have been made, as well as added raps, according to Reuters.
The song, which was still being worked on into early Tuesday, will be first shown during NBC’s coverage of the Vancouver Winter Olympics on February 12. There will also be a video.