According to MTV.com, not only will Pop icon Janet Jackson feature on the soon-to-be-released ‘We Are The World’ remake, she will be singing the same part her late brother, the King of Pop Michael Jackson, sang on the original 25 years ago:
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.
What’s more, there is talk of Michael’s children being featured in some capacity:
Quincy (Jones) 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. {Source}
As cynical as some may feel to the news of Janet’s involvement or that of Michael’s children, I personally think it honourable. For, the cause – charity – is something that was evidently important to MJ and definitely a part of his lasting legacy. Hence it’s great that his family are actively continuing that. I can’t wait to hear the finished track, which is set to debut during the upcoming Winter Olympics.
Tidbit: Click here to see pictures of the recording session and list of featured artists.
Thank God they are adding Janet, shes the only worthy artist along with Barbra and Celine,
and No offense but this whole remake is just taking a bunch of artist who are popular and half the bunch are not even worthy of being there. Justin Bieber?, Lil Wayne?. Nicole from PCD?
Where are Mariah? Whitney?, Ne-Yo, Usher?
@Jeff – I don’t know if Mariah will be on this simply because she was on the other one, the Simon Cowell one. I don’t understand why Whitney isn’t there. Usher is on it I think…I’m sure I saw him in apicture with his “prodegy” behind him.
Why would anyone feel cynical about Janet singing Michael’s part???? I think it is important that SOME of his family keep his legacy of loving and helping those in need alive. Michael Jackson’s kids reading a poem at the end will be yet another extension of living out their dad’s legacy. I’m now excited about WATW. Honestly I wasn’t feeling half the names mentioned but I am now looking forward to this.
@ Randy I see, But this is big this is we are the world! we need icons and legends here.
and I agree wheres whitney?
Thats great!
Y is kelly not there? Kelly rowland anyone?
Who the hell? Justin bieber? U serious?
I’m so thrilled that Janet Jackson is a part of this along with other ledgends like Celine, Barbra, Gladys Knight…..
and Toni Braxton and LL Cool J are great to along with Kanye, Pink, Usher, and Hudson…
How could anybody feel cynical or doubt Janet’s involvement on this track? WHO BETTER to carry out Michael’s part than Janet! What, do people want somebody who sings like their ass was impaled on a metal fence to sing Micheal’s part? MJ himself was never a “powerhouse vocalist”, at least compared to the likes of J. Hud or Celine. But then again most male singers don’t blow like that anyway. Janet doesn’t have the strongest voice either, but hers and Michael’s voices are really similar (they ARE brother and sister), so she fits perfectly on this. And she will do his legacy justice by singing his part, period.
Some of the people featured on this are questionable, but Janet makes up for it in my eyes.
I HATE this photoshopped picture of Janet. She looks strange.
Why are MJ children so out in the public like this? Wonder what MJ would feel about all this appearances and singing. Let the children be kids for awhile. It’s irritating. I know it’s for a good cause, but come on let it go.
I think that is great. I am sure she will do it justice.
A MESS!! TRAINWRECK, WHAT EVER U WANNA CALL IT. SUCKS. I SRUSLY DONT BELIEVE MJ WANTED A REMAKE. LIKE WHEN IS THE LAST TIME HE REMADE ANY OF HIS OWN MATERIAL? EXACTLY…
AS FOR WHITNEY SHE’S OFF TO SEOUL FOR START OF HER WORLD TOUR. FIRST CONCERTS THIS SAT, SUN. CHECK HER WEBSITE.
AS FOR THE FAT COW MARIAH, SHE’S ALREADY ON COWELL’S MESS OF A CD. QUICK GLANCE OF MUSIC BOARDS SAYS IT’S PRETTY MUCH A TRAIN WRECK. LMAO.
COWELL IS TOTALLY USELESS D***** BAG. ALL HE EVER DOES IS COVERS OF EVERYTHING ELSE. LACKS ORIGINALITY AND CREDIBILITY X 100.
Why the f*** will anybody think a janet jackson involvement is cynical . She is the best person to do his part. And dont forget their voices are somewhat similiar
did any of yall hear about how Michael Jackson’s family besides his kids, for example, all the sisters and brothers and Michael’s parents were NOT invited to the Grammys? how dumb is that? and justin bieber or however you spell it sounds like a freaking girl and doesnt belong in hollywood will be there? some things people do are just not fair. i dont think they should do a remake its michael’s song he would not want a remake, if you are going to do a tribute just sing one of his amazing songs and i’m sure he would be perfectly fine with that!
why didn’t they write a new song and leave this classic along…I know its for a good cause and all but there were great writers and producers in that room they could have came up with something and included the Jackson family…just saying
Thank God Janet was added !! How u gone have a MJ remake & not include the Goddess & the true heiress to the Jackson Music Legacy ?! Big ups to Quincy Jones & Lionel Ritchie for requesting Janet for this monumental event !!
And yes folks there are alot of cynical, back-sliding, chitlin-pie eating mofos in this world who are gonna jump at the chance to make a crass remark about Janet’s involvement……….PAY THEM DUST !!!! Never give the naysayers a voice !
Like Janet once said: In complete darkness we are all the same. It’s only our knowledge &
wisdom that separates us…………………don’t let your eyes deceive you.
So ready to hear this
Let Janet sing … but PLEASE leave Michael’s voice on the new release!! We as fans feel devastated at the tragedy of his passing … now they want to exclude him from his own song. If Michael’s voice is included … many more copies will be bought by his millions of fans and that brings in more money for Haiti.
Who would talk crap about the queen being involved? SHE’S JANET JACKSON. Without her, there’d be no Britney, or J.Lo, or Ciara, or Rihanna, or screaming-ass Beyonce, or any of these other little women who have completely jacked at least some part of Janet’s overall package. If Justin Bieber can be there, I KNOW there should be no complaints about one of the world’s most influential female pop stars EVER participating.
No offense, but if you are gonna redo some of MJ’s parts, at least use someone who can actually sing. All Janet can do is whisper about s**.
I guess MJ would’ve wanted this way. I prefer Rebbie myself. Not only can she sing, but she is basically taking care of his children at this point.
Justin Bieber, Lil’ Wayne,etc but no Chris Brown? At least he actually really liked CB. Sigh…
It is to raise money, maybe they think it will do better behind more star power. And to Jeff: Barbara and Celine, in my opinion, are not the only great voices, u have JHud, Brandy, and a load of talent. People will criticize regardless.
I’m going to have to change my alias because I just realised someone else here is posting as ME and I don’t want us to be mistaken for one another. I’m the ME that can intelligently articulate a point as well as spell my words and structure my sentences. I’m also the one who loves me some Kelly Rowland and could care less about Beyonce. My new alias will be “Independent Thinker” This is the new ME.
Well I for one don’t want Michael’s part to be redone by anyone. He helped write that song and he made it what it is, so therefore he shouldn’t be taken out of the song. There are other ways his family can keep his legacy alive. BY DOING THEIR OWN THING.
To many people that could care less about the world they only give money to be seen and they have no business on the we are the world remake.
MICHAEL’S VOICE NEEDS TO BE LEFT IN THE RERECORDING
OF “WE ARE THE WORLD ” PRINCE AND PARIS ‘S VOICES
SHOULD BE INCLUDED GIVING THEM THE CHANCE TO
HONOR THEIR FATHER
The next added artist should be Rihanna, Lady Gaga, Beyonce, and Justin Timberlake those artist should be on that record.
Janet would have a right to sing on WATW even if she wasn’t Michael’s sister.
Why is this even a debate?