The music video for “We Are the World: 25 for Haiti” debuted Friday night (Feb 12) during the opening ceremony for the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver.

This version of the song, featuring vocals from Justin Bieber, Jennifer Hudson, Lil Wayne, Janet Jackson, Miley Cyrus, Jamie Foxx, Mary J. Blige, Kanye West, T-Pain, Usher, Wyclef Jean and much more, is much more contemporary than the original but it fits today’s music era. The song’s original writer and singer Michael Jackson also appears in the song and video (his sister Janet sings the first chorus with footage of Mike thrown in). They also kept one of MJ’s original parts and show footage of him singing it (Nice!).

The 25th Anniversary recording features over 80 artists and performers. The recording of We Are The World 25 For Haiti embodied the same enthusiasm, sense of purpose and generosity as the original recording 25 years ago. Every one of the artists who participated, regardless of genre or generation, walked into the room with their hearts and souls completely open to coming together to help the people of Haiti.

The video shows footage of Haiti and the efforts surrounding its repair, along with footage of the artists mentioned above and more recording the song in the studio. Check it out below…

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During Sunday night’s 52nd Annual Grammy Awards, Michael Jackson’s kids, Prince Michael and Paris accepted the Lifetime Achievement Awards on behalf of their late great father. This was the first time that the world got the chance to hear Prince Michael speak.

“We are proud to be here to accept this award on behalf of our father, Michael Jackson,” said Prince Michael. “First of all, we would like to thank God for watching over us these past seven months and our grandma and grandpa for their love and support. We’d also like to thank the fans. Our father loved you so much because you were always there for him. Our father was always concerned about the planet and humanity. He has helped through many charities and donated to all of them. Through all his songs, his message was simple: Love. We will continue to spread his message and help the world. Thank you.”

And apparently it won’t be the last. Maya Angelou wrote a poem for the re-make of “We Are the World” and one of the song’s leading producers Quincy Jones says he’s going to try and get Prince Michael and Paris to read it at the end of the Haiti tribute, titled “We Are the World 25 Years for Haiti.”

Quincy is saving perhaps the most touching moment for last. At the request of Katherine Jackson, Maya Angelou penned a poem to be read at the end of the song. Quincy is going to speak to Michael’s children about reading that narration.

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The charity song’s co-producer Lionel Richie told MTV that the King of Pop’s little sister Janet Jackson will sing her brother’s part.

Co-producer Richie said that Janet Jackson would be laying down her version of Michael Jackson’s part on Tuesday, and he hinted that some other artists might also be added over the next few days.

CLICK HERE FOR 30+ PICTURES OF CELEBRITIES AT THE BIG RECORDING SESSION FOR “WE ARE THE WORLD 25 YEARS FOR HAITI”

In an effort to raise money for Haitian earthquake relief, a gang of singers, rappers, producers, musicians and other celebrities showed up at Jim Henson Studios yesterday (Mon. Feb 1) in Hollywood to record “We Are the World 25 Years for Haiti,” a remake of Michael Jackson’s famous “We Are the World” song, which raised at least $30 million for African humanitarian programs 25 years ago.

Quincy Jones and Lionel Richie came together and rounded up folks like Kanye West, Lil Wayne, Jennifer Hudson, Wyclef Jean, Jamie Foxx, Justin Bieber, LL Cool J, Usher, Keri Hilson, Brandy and a ton of other celebrities to lay down vocals and instrumentals for the charity single.

The song and accompanying music video will premiere on NBC next Friday (Feb. 12th) during the opening ceremony of the Winter Olympics. Check out 30+ pictures of celebrities banding together for a good cause below…

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After giving a hug to family friend Lionel Richie, Michael Jackson’s two eldest children Prince Michael (12) and Paris Katherine (11) paid tribute to their late father at Sunday night’s (Jan 31) Grammy Awards by accepting his Lifetime Achievement Award on his behalf.

Poised and very articulate, Prince spoke first and thanked God, their grandparents and the King of Pop’s fans for all of their support over the past seven months.

“We are proud to be here to accept this award on behalf of our father, Michael Jackson,” said Prince Michael. “First of all, we would like to thank God for watching over us these past seven months and our grandma and grandpa for their love and support. We’d also like to thank the fans. Our father loved you so much because you were always there for him. Our father was always concerned about the planet and humanity. He has helped through many charities and donated to all of them. Through all his songs, his message was simple: Love. We will continue to spread his message and help the world. Thank you.”

A noticeably nervous Paris Jackson, who according to a source didn’t even want to speak at all, also spoke on behalf of her world famous father.

“Daddy was supposed to be here. Daddy was going to perform this year, but he couldn’t perform last year. Thank you. We love you, Daddy.”

But where on earth was MJ’s youngest child, Blanket?

Sources close to Michael Jackson’s family reveal details behind the King of Pop’s children’s acceptance speech of their late father’s Grammy award on Sunday night. The source says Blanket became overwhelmed moments before his brother Prince Michael and sister Paris took the stage.  Paris did not want to speak to the audience but her grandmother Katherine Jackson is said to have prompted her to say something. Afterward, the children attended an awards dinner. Onlookers say Prince didn’t let the Grammy award out of his sight.

SOURCE

Check out a video of Michael Jackson’s children accepting their dad’s umpteenth Grammy Award below…

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The star-studded 52nd Annual Grammy Awards went down last night (Sun. Jan 31) in Los Angeles at the Staples Center. And the red carpet was swarming with celebrities, including Beyonce, Rihanna, Lady Gaga, Usher, Mya, Drake (who arrived with his mother), Akon (rocking a Lady Gaga t-shirt), Britney Spears (who reportedly made a last-minute decision to attend), Jennifer Hudson and tons more.

Continue reading for 50+ pictures of celebs walking the red carpet before making their way into the Staples Center for the biggest night in music…

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A slightly bruised up Lady Gaga posed for a few pics for the paparazzi and for fans as she arrived at Radio City Music Hall in New York City for her concert Thursday night (Jan 21).

Singer Leona Lewis was spotted as she left an interview/performance at Radio 1 studios Thursday afternoon (Jan 21) in London. It was recently announced that she, along with Rod Stewart and Michael Buble, will record a charity single to benefit Haiti.

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Here is the final batch of photos from Michael Jackon’s public memorial service. On Tuesday, July 7th 2009, celebrities, dignitaries, and MJ fans alike all packed into the Staples Arena in Los Angeles to celebrate the life of an icon that was taken away from us way too soon. Above, R&B singer Usher can be seen posing with a very pregnant Jennifer Hudson backstage just before the memorial commenced. Continue reading to see photos of the different celebrities (Chris Brown, Wesley Snipes, Spike Lee, Kim Kardashian and more) who attended the ceremony.

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Wearing dark sunglasses and a single yellow rose pinned to his jacket, a noticeably emotional Usher performed “Gone Too Soon,” a track from Michael Jackson’s 1991 Dangerous album, at the King of Pop’s farewell service Tuesday (Jul 7) in Los Angeles at the Staples Center.

Other celebrities and important public figures who spoke and/or performed at the public ceremony include Queen Latifah, Smokey Robinson, Rev. Al Sharpton, Mariah Carey, Jennifer Hudson, and more. Continue reading to check out all of the pictures.

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Lots of singers/performers (Usher, Mariah Carey, Jennifer Hudson, Stevie Wonder and more) took the stage Tuesday (Jul 7) to honor and say goodbye to Michael Jackson at his public memorial service at Los Angeles’ Staples Center. 20,000 people packed into the arena to witness as the world bid the King of Pop a grand farewell. Here are videos from everyone who performed songs at the globally televised memorial. Keep checking back as we will continue to add photos and videos of the people who made speeches throughout today and tomorrow. Continue reading for the videos.

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Here is the last batch of photos from this weekend’s 2009 Essence Music Festival, sponsored by Coca Cola and held in New Orleans, Louisiana at he Louisiana Superdome. The ladies of En Vogue reunited on the main stage Sunday night (Jul 5) at the Superdome, which also hosted a performance from legendary soul/gospel singer Al Green. R&B soul singer Raphael Saadiq performed on one of the smaller stages that evening. Continue reading for more photos!

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