ENTERTIANMENT TONIGHT:
EXCLUSIVE: ET’S MARY HART INSIDE ‘WE ARE THE WORLD’ RECORDING SESSION
Mary Hart was exclusively inside the recording studio where Quincy Jones and Lionel Richie assembled an all-star field of approximately 100 actors and musicians to re-record ‘We are the World’ to benefit Haitian earthquake victims.Mary, who was the only TV journalist invited inside the event to witness the momentous occasion, said that the song is “phenomenal again!” She added, “Lionel Richie is thrilled with the turnout of stars from P!nk to Jamie Foxx.” Recording started at 3 p.m. today and some filming of the event was done in 3-D.
Mary, who said that Barbra Streisand was doing a solo, also noted, “Quincy Jones is in total control again.” She also said of Richie and Jones: “They say the intensity is 50 times greater than 1985.”Also doing a solo is teen sensation Justin Bieber.The all-star roster also includes Celine Dion, Snoop Dogg, Miley Cyrus, The Jonas Brothers, Nicole Richie, Justin Bieber, Earth, Wind & Fire, Lil Wayne, Julianne Hough, Gladys Knight, Wyclef Jean, Kanye West, Randy Jackson, Faith Evans, Vince Vaughn, Nicole Scherzinger of the Pussycat Dolls, Mary Mary, Musiq Soulchild, Sugarland, Mya, Josh Groban, Kid Cudi, Jeff Bridges, Usher, Natalie Cole, Jennifer Hudson, Toni Braxton, Busta Rhymes, Akon, will.i.am, Keri Hilson, Robin Thicke, Brandy, Harry Connick, Jr., Tyrese, Trey Songz, Jordin Sparks, Rob Thomas, The Wilson sisters from Heart, Fonzworth Bentley, Tony Bennett and Al Jardine and Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys.
Of the line-up, Mary commented, “What a mix — Tony Bennett, P!nk, Wyclef Jean and Brian Wilson!” She also said, “Just talked to Pink about that amazing Grammy performance. She had a blast and is thrilled to be here tonight.”She also pointed out that Jamie Foxx is using his Flip camera to record the behind the scenes.
“I introduced Julianne Hough to Harry Connick, Jr. She was thrilled,” Mary also shared.
And when it comes to tomorrow’s Oscar nominations, Mary said, “Jeff Bridges just told me he is not setting an alarm.”
ET can also tell you that the late Michael Jackson, who co-wrote the original song with Lionel Richie, will be included in the new recording. Michael’s sister Janet will lend her voice to the track and is said to be recording her contribution on Tuesday.
The new version of the classic song is being recorded at the former A&M Recording Studios, where the original song was recorded. Lionel Richie and Jones produced the original song, which was recorded 25 years ago to benefit victims of African famine, and will guide the new version with musical director Ricky Minor. Will.I.Am wrote a new verse dedicated to the crisis in Haiti.
Keep checking back here for more on this historic event!