'We Are the World 25' -- Janet and Michael Duet, Kanye Behaves

By PopEater Staff Posted Feb 13th 2010 06:28AM

A portion of the revamped 'We Are the World' made its world premiere Friday during NBC's coverage of the opening ceremonies of the Winter Olympics, and a full, seven-minute version of the official music video has been uploaded for all to see on the Internet. The video will also be aired on 53 domestic and international TV channels at 2 p.m. ET on Saturday. Watch:

Filmed by Oscar winner Paul Haggis, the video shows images of devastation from the island nation after the January 12 earthquake that has claimed more than 200,000 lives. It also shows some of the 85 artists who gathered in Los Angeles earlier this month to re-record the 1985 charity anthem.

The track opens with teen singer Justin Bieber and also features Wyclef Jean, Barbra Streisand, Jennifer Hudson, Jeff Bridges, Josh Groban and a host of other stars. Lil' Wayne, due to begin a jail term very soon, also pops up to sing with the help of his trusty auto-tune. Also there was Kanye West, who it should be noted did not interrupt anybody while they were singing.

A surreal moment occurs when Michael Jackson -- who cowrote the song with Lionel Richie -- appears to sing alongside his sister, Janet.

Richie and fellow producer Quincy Jones introduced the song Friday via video, saying money raised by its sales will provide food, shelter and medicine for the Haitian people. Fans can download 'We Are the World 25 for Haiti' online now. All proceeds will benefit earthquake recovery efforts in Haiti.

Watch the Original:

Comments

(68)

Saturday 13 February

By Laura Donnelly

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In today's tough times, it makes you put everything into proper balance. We may all have our crosses to carry, but the children are our future no matter where they are in the world. We are all one in the eyes of our Lord.
Thank you to all of those who have contributed to this special song that is heard around the world.
I can hear you!

Monday 15 February

By ggeorgelee23

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『『『__Mee t i n g Weal thy 。C 0 M_『『『

WHERE you can mee t your rich soulmate. Give it try

『『『__Mee t i n g Weal thy 。C 0 M_『『『

WHERE you can mee t your rich soulmate. Give it try. I just found my rich boy friend there last week

By tweeties1120

I'm sorry, but I really didn't like this version of We Are the World. Barbra Streisand? Celine Dion? Instead of rushing into production, they should have taken their time and better planned the solos. What was so amazing about the original version is the number of singers who were spotlighted. This version just felt rushed and included people that I didn't understand why they were there. I did like that they added some rap to make it more inclusive, but there were people involved that I just didn't get. I hope that it does raise money for Haiti, but I definitely won't be buying it. I'd rather donate directly to the Red Cross.

By RAVEN BETANCOURT

I disagree. The idea behind the song was for people to unite as one, unfortunately it only happens something tragic happens but that is the world we live in. This song for me personally sends the message of hope just like it did 25 yrs ago, it doesn't matter who was in the video and if you like them or not it is the message. I like the hip hp part if it (though did we really need to put lil wayne in it?) And because hiphop is such a huge part of music today just maybe it will touch people who don't listen to Barbara or Celine. I thought it was a nice tribute to Michael that his original part was not replaced and his sister was in the video as well as the new generation of Jackson's. Well done in the amount of time they had. Open your minds and hearts everyone and let the love in.

By JJ

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I agree that the song seemed rushed this time around...it was as if they tried to put too much into the song, with singers singing over others, and such. And in some parts, it almost sounded out of sync with the music. They just tried to include too much this time around. I am all for what it stands for but...

By peachyz

I don't like this version at all,,they should had written a new song,,now this beautiful song is jacked-up

By Gerard

R U kidding? I think they were only two of the people I recognized...I mean besides them, I recognized Josh, Pink and I think Jennifer Hudson..w/o Streisand ( who STILL sounds fantastic at 67 and just had a #1 album)...half of them coudn't sing????

By LJN

Did not like this version. I agree with tweeties1120.

By Janet

Awesome! I usually don't care for rap, but it definitely has a
great part in this video. Maybe i liked it because it didn't contain the usual profanity. :-)

By steven

I agree...they should have left out the rap crap!

By Mark

Any money raised for Haiti is great. However, this is why the music industry is in trouble. Not an original thought in their heads, just like Hollywood, let's do a remake.

By Chralie Brown

It's nice that we can spread the word of love and peace for another country but for the sick, homeless, poor and elderly in our country we kick them to the curb.

By Anna

Amen,Charlie Brown!!!!

By shortylori1008@aol.com

I so totaly agree with you!! There are so many homeless people in our own country that it makes me upset. Elderly people cant take their meds because they need to eat.. children are hungry as their parents cant provide as they loss their jobs.. Everyone needs to do the same here as what they are doing for everyone in different countries and raise money for their own people here. or donate some of the money here.

By joe

It was so sad!! It just Sucked!!!!!

By Joey S.

I don't like this version and the singers who sing it. Firstly, these singers act to fake and it seems that it is "forced." The original was more spontaneous and there was a genuine concern from Sir Bob Geldof who inspired the first one. Secondly, I WOULD NEVER, EVER donate to the Red Cross. They are a political organization of which little of the money they collect actually goes to the people that need it. Most of the money goes to their directors and their high - priced ads and television spots and fliers. I would rather donate directly to better organizations such as Doctors Without Borders, Americares, The Salvation Army, Catholic Relief, UNICEF, or any other organization.

By Linus

With the billions of of dollars in personal wealth that these singers represent why are the people in the video still living in make-shift tent cities? Why are the children walking around shoeless and why are the injured sitting at the side of the road? These were just observations from the video. Are we to think that their contribution was this video and the less financially fortunate should donate the cash? Wisk me away to the next public appearance event in my Rolls Royce James!

By Pig Pen

That's right Charlie Brown you were to make a video. You were to make a video of the less fortunate right here. Did you forget about the less fortunate right here? Did you forget about the people of the United States again Charlie Brown? Did you not see the homeless person asking for food? Did you not see the mother of three sitting in the park with no job? Did you not see the sick child with no medical insurance? Did you not see the scores of people walking around looking for jobs? They are the unseen Charlie Brown. They are a footnote in Lucy's perfect world. You can make a difference Charlie Brown!

By madeinfrance55

There's a bigger picture here, if these individuals will give up their time and hopefully their money to this cause, who cares who is singing and as long as we all try and contribute, if we can, it doesn't matter if it's by buying this song or contributing to the Red Cross, just help.

By Rose

I agree with Mark. They always do make remakes, with movies and/or songs. I liked the raping, it was cool, but i did not like it in the song. I'd like it better if they went off n did the remix on their own. Also there was someone in there doing a solo that sounded like a dying cow, n he did it twice. N i did not like Celion Dion doing Cindy Lauper part. N wat was up with that microphone that makes ur voice sound weird. I liked that they showed pics of Haiti, MJ, n Janet. All in all, the original is the best for both young n old.

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