Videos: Behind the Scenes of 'We Are the World' Re-Recording
Tue, 02 February 2010 23:24:28 ET
While many stars came together on Monday, February 1 to record the song in aid of Haiti relief, Lady GaGa reportedly has turned down the offer to take part.
Wyclef Jean, will.i.am, Celine Dion, Jennifer Hudson, Justin Bieber, Jordin Sparks, Jonas Brothers and many others have come together to re-record "We Are the World" on Monday, February 1, and sneak peeks at the recording session have been made available. Two behind-the-scenes videos have been let out to give a preview on how the recording went.
Along with the videos, details of the remaking of the 1985 classic were unraveled. USA Today reported that the recording was done at Henson Recording Studios, the same recording studio the original tune was recorded 25 years ago. Lionel Richie, who co-wrote the original, has presented a twist in this new version, while Black Eyed Peas' will.i.am wrote a rap "Greek chorus" extension.
The line-up of the performers taking part in the new recording ranged from Keri Hilson and Miley Cyrus to Keith Urban, Josh Groban and Carlos Santana. Though many stars chose to participate, several others did not. Taylor Swift, for example, could not join due to her scheduling conflict, while Lady GaGa reportedly turned down the invitation.
The remake, according to Radar Online, took more than 16 hours to complete. It was organized by the original song's producers, Lionel Richie and Quincy Jones. The star-studded performance was filmed in 3-D, and the music video for this remake will be premiered on February 12 on NBC during the opening ceremonies of the Winter Olympics.
The original "We Are the Word" track was recorded in 1985 for African famine relief. Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Ray Charles, Bruce Springsteen, Tina Turner and Diana Ross were among those taking part for the track. The remake is done to mark the 25th anniversary of the song, and all proceeds will go to Haiti relief effort.
