Rob Thomas: Stars Left "Egos at the Door" to Re-Record "We Are the World"
Credit: Bennett Raglin/WireImage.com
Forget the attitude.
Matchbox 20 rocker Rob Thomas told UsMagazine.com that the stars who met in Hollywood Monday to re-record "We Are the World" -- including Miley Cyrus, Nicole Richie and Kanye West -- left "their egos at the door."
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"We get to come here and have a chance to be a part of something that... was such a big part of my life growing up, and also now sadly it's relevant again," Thomas added.
Celine Dion told Us, "We have a special responsibility to help needy people and this is part of our world and we're all gathering here together to support people in need and do whatever we can... we'll lend our voices and help however possible."
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LL Cool J told Us, "I think it's a wonderful cause and I'm very excited -- I'm honored that Quincy Jones... asked me to be a part of history and I hope it all goes well."
Said Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson, "I'm really excited to be here today!"
Haiti native Wyclef Jean called the collaboration "a great thing... and it's giving us a lot of hope for Haiti."
Joined in Akon, "Getting involved is just the right thing to do, and this situation, we can really help somebody."
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"It's a special song... it's 25 years old now. I know that these guys were already organizing to bring it back, and I think Haiti needs our attention as a nation right now," Jason Mraz told Us. "I think music has the ability to heal, to bring awareness - if we can all come together and sing in harmony, you know, I think it's a good thing. I'm happy to be a part of it."
Zac Brown called the recording session a "historic day," and country star Jennifer Nettles flashed Us the thumbs up sign and said, "It's so exciting."
Usher, Barbra Streisand, Pink, will.i.am, Busta Rhymes, Jamie Foxx, Justin Bieber, Lionel Richie (who co-wrote the song with Michael Jackson), Lil Wayne, Katharine McPhee, Enrique Iglesias, Nicole Scherzinger and T-Pain were among the celebs present to re-record the hit, which was first released in 1985 to raise funds for Live Aid.
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14Some of you guys are pathetic!!! I think its great that these stars want to do something to help Haiti but instead of phrasing it all you do is spew negativity well I'm glad not everyone is like that!! Also who said that they didn't help during 9/11 or Katrina???? Just because we don't hear about it 24/7 doesn't mean it didn't happen. But like Jill said "I guess some people always see the glass as half empty", doesn't really matter what people do because they will always find the bad in things
Wow, they'll let anyone to these things huh? The only decent remake of a charity single was "Do They Know It's Christmas" at the 20th anniversary...and that was because no one got all overwrought and the British celebrities certainly didn't act like they were singlehandedly saving the world like the majority of our egocentric American celebs do!
How egotistical to call this a "historic day", "part of history", blah, blah, blah! MJ made it historical. None of them have enough creativity in them to write a new song? And I agree, where was the re-do for Katrina at the very least? But we're supposed to pat them on their heads because they "used their time and energy" to come together for a couple hours? What a self-congratulatory bunch actors and singers are. Well, at least they got their gold star for the day. I won't spend one shiny red cent for this. I have and will continue to contribute to the charities directly. Egomaniacs.
Adam I'm sure Rob Thomas and the rest of them hopped on a Green Jet to New Orleans to build some homes for our own citizens who still live in Fema trailers right? And after that they will all go to the superbowl? who do you work for??
Adam I'm sure Rob Thomas and the rest of them hopped on a Green Jet to New Orlenas to build some homes for our
They are all willing to do this because it is YOUR money that they are asking for. If each of them gave a million or two of their own money, I would think more of them. They just want the glory!
There was a good mix of "legends",soon to be legends, and up and comers at the recording session. Most of these people have already - privately and without fanfare - given very generously to a number of causes, so anyone who assumes otherwise is an idiot and is not paying attention. For example, I know Rob Thomas gave a generous portion of his concert profits to the Teachers Association of the areas affected by Katrina to help counter layoffs and arts education cut backs, and that doesn't include what he and many others privately donated. Something like this raises millions and millions of needed dollars and these artists giving their time and talent are doing a very good thing.
I hope those contributing don't read these negative comments. These celebs are giving their time and energy. If they stop to wonder if the public will consider them appropriate to contribute, there may not be anyone left to help and as a result less money will be raised. In answer to another negative question here... many of these same celebs and others were here after Katrina also. I guess some people always see the glass as half empty. If you don't like what's being done, then go out yourself and show us how it's done.
Rob Thomas and those other stars are such amazing hunmanitarians.I love him and i admire all of them for their good hearts.May god bless the people of haiti and every body who's been helping them.
I really think that it is disrespectful to have "Kids" that were not even born when the original was made and a couple of the kids look young enough to have never heard of Thriller. I really do not think Michael Jackson would want this or having his kids paraded at the Grammy's! He can not even die with respect. Everything has to be a freak show and over the top. Just let the man R.I.P already!
ITA with you Chacha. How come no one did this much when tragedy struck our own country and neighbors. Makes me sick!
Most of these singers are totally D-list! What's Nicole Richie even doing in there, other than scurrying around trying to get attention as she always is? No comparison with the original.
The new cast is a joke compared to the legends who sang on the original: Dylan, Springsteen, Stevie Wonder, Ray Charles, Paul Simon, Willie Nelson, etc... Most of these new guys will be forgotten in 25 years.
this is disgusting! where were all these celebtarts during Katrina or 9/11.... please nicole richie please go away and hide under a crack rock please!!! if they all donated their big bucks instead of a photo op the world would be better off!