'We Are the World' Remake: THE Reason to Watch the Opening Ceremonies

By Sam Brand Posted Feb 12th 2010 05:00PM

Canadians Nelly Furtado, Sarah McLachlan and Bryan Adams will all reportedly step onto the stage at tonight's Vancouver Winter Olympics opening ceremonies. But if you're like us, then you're not going to watch (or DVR) the celebratory puck-drop merely to catch a handful of crooning Canucks (OK, maybe if Neil Young were performing). And it's not about Lindsey Vonn sashaying down an indoor track in a sweat suit, either. Tune in tonight to see the "We Are the World" remake. It just might be worth your time...

For one, the music video will be the the most star-studded moment of the entire Winter Olympics.

Recorded on Feb. 1 (a day after the Grammys) and set to be broadcast at an undisclosed point during NBC's 7:30-11:30 p.m. ET telecast, "We Are the World – 25 for Haiti" features at least 75 singing stars (30 more than the original).

It's your chance to see Lil Wayne, Tony Bennett, Barbra Streisand and Nicole Richie in the same room. That's like putting the jocks, nerds, hippies and goths at the same lunch table. This event is must-see TV.

And word is the late great Michael Jackson is making an appearance tonight – he's reportedly singing a duet with Janet Jackson. No way Canada can trump that posthumous cameo (though word is there will be a Terry Fox showing at the Opening Ceremonies).

What's more? "We Are the World – 25 for Haiti" features your favorite rappers... singing! LL Cool J, Kanye West, Snoop Dogg, Busta Rhymes and others will be aiming at high notes, and, if we know anything about rappers, they'll be going astray. (Fine, they'll be getting some help from Auto-Tune, and unfortunately, none will get a solo, but we still want to see them sing for the skies.)

And the song features Celine Dion, Canada's top dog diva who may or may not make an appearance at the Opening Ceremonies. We'll take the guarantee.

Director Paul Haggis ('Crash,' 'In the Valley of Elah) suggests a particular 15-year-old is the real reason to catch the performance. Justin Bieber was "remarkable," Haggis tells MTV News. "He opened his mouth, and my god the quality of that voice... and the presence he has, and the confidence..."

Catch the three-and-a-half minute "We Are the World" remake on TV this evening or download the seven minute "uncut" version when it becomes available on iTunes later tonight.

Tags: celine dion, CelineDion, earthquake, haiti, justin bieber, JustinBieber, michael jackson, MichaelJackson, olympics, opening ceremony, OpeningCeremony, we are the world, we are the world 25 for haiti, we are the world remake, WeAreTheWorld, WeAreTheWorld25ForHaiti, WeAreTheWorldRemake, winter olympics, WinterOlympics

Comments

(38)

Friday 12 February

By Merkare

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That was such a horrible remake. I agree with the above poster..I'll donate if they promise never to play that again!! I can't believe that Michael would be happy with the mess they made of it!

By algonquin j. calhoun

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we are the world sucks worse now than the original...phony and false and sung by a bunch of cretinous goons...

By Michael

At the beginning of the song. It was great. When they got to the Rap. I hated it. I would've enjoyed the original version. Tweeked, with the new singers. How do you go from Barbra Streisand? To some inaudible rappers.

By Renee Darling

I respect the talent of all of you. However, i am a huge MJ fan and always will be. I personally think if anyone is going to remake an of Michaels songs it should atleast be his family. Michaels music is so incredible that this remake wass a poor choice (horrible). Play the original next time,cause MJ will live on forever in my heart and many others, i am sure.

Saturday 13 February

By klk

Waaaaaa happened. I watched the whole opening of the Olympics and they didn't play the video,what's up with that. It was a great ceremony but I was really looking to see the updated one with Michael and Janet? Did they run out of time or what?

By hislonv

HORRIBLE Talentless idiots. And (C)Rappers can't sing at all. What a farce. What a joke. What a waste of oxygen and resources. No wonder the music industry is in so much trouble.
Watch the KD Lang performance during the Opening Ceremony for a reference of what a GOOD performance and singing is all about.

By espo

I know "Do They Know It's Christmas" has been played into the ground over the past 25 years, and many have grown tired of it,but their was so much heart in that; friends getting together to serve a cause. The original, and the remake of this seem so self-serving and lacking the sincerity of Bob Geldof and his friends.

By Jon

The original was so wonderful because they appeared to be singing it live and singing it TOGETHER. Here, at least at the beginning, the celebs were singing in their own private cubicles, which ruined the feeling of unity.

By Harold

Personally, I don't think that this recording was as good as the original. But, I think that we need to recognize the purose for which it was done. Honestly, I don't remember the purpose for which the first one was done, but it was a good one and I supported it and it raised a lot of money. This one is to support the victims of the earthquake in Haiti - and these people need all of the help that they can get. While I'm not crazy about some of the 'artists' included in the recording, and their contribution to the recording, I am willing to get beyond that and support the purpose and buy whatever recordings are available. I hope that you all will to. Harry

By Jodi

Wow that was -in the words of Micheal Jackson--> "REALLY BAD, REALLY, REALLY BAD AND THE WHOLE WORLDS GOT TO ANSWER RIGHT NOW AND TELL YOU ONCE AGAIN-> It's bad!

By shiker2004

Michael must have been in charge of the original. I'm shocked Streisand nd among others allowed their parts to be used in this mess...Quincy & Lionel must be hard up for what funds they'll recive for the rights to use WATW for this charity, shame on both of them for that butchering to be released.

poor Michael just rolled over.

By Cissy

Ehhhhh....the sequel is never as good as the original. This is a big FAIL.

By jj

Nothing like the original, good cause ...but not even close to the original feeling. Too bad. With few sporadic exceptions this new version is simply bad,the lack of quality is amazing. Not deep, not moving simply a shame. I feel sorry for the few good talents that got involved in this second version, probably accepted because they want to contribute for a good cause but was a mistake because they will be remembered also for been in that awful remake.

By rose

I loved the first We are the world for Africa.This one was for a good cause.Having Michael in it was the best thing they did.I wish they would make and release[ United We Stand] the song Michael wrote because of the 2001 attack.The name of the song is What more can I give.It was done live on stage in 2003.A beautiful thing to watch. you can see it on UTUBE.And he had good singers doing a good job. Michael wanted only the best for what he did.love you michael.

Monday 15 February

By brittany

the reason they kept MJ was because he was the producer of the song and its just out of respect to keep him in it and that was the best to me when MJ song is part, it was symbolic and Janet singing with him was great but it was off sync a little bit anyways i like the original version because they had more passion and look like they wanted to do it from there hearts and how can u not like this song, the words speak for themselves, WE ARE THE WORLD WE ARE THE CHILDERN it was as if the song was missing something but overall i will give it a 8 out of 10, r.i.p MJ

Tuesday 16 February

By HELLO SARAH!

I don't remember the original--I was born in '83 and the original came out in what? '85?--but I heard the original a few times over the years. it's kind of corny but I think their message was in the right place. I think the new one is a joke.

Thursday 18 February

By brian

Were is the help for people in America ? Kids are dying here sing them a song.

By dclawsgal

THE ORIGINAL WAS AND WILL BE THE BEST!!!!

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