25 years after the original version was recorded, a new batch of stars convened at the Jim Henson Studios in Hollywood, CA to re-record the charity anthem We Are The World in an effort to raise money and awareness for Haitian Relief. 25 years ago, We Are The World was written and recorded in an effort to raise money for African Aid so it is very fitting that the song would be remade for the people of Haiti. Here are a few photos from inside the recording studio yesterday for this momentous occasion:

Producers were putting the final touches Tuesday to a remake of “We Are The World” with stars such as Barbra Streisand, Wyclef Jean and Celine Dion lending their support for Haiti’s quake victims. It was 25 years ago that Michael Jackson, Bob Dylan and Bruce Springsteen joined others at the famed A&M Studios in Hollywood for an all-star recording of the same song to benefit famine relief in Africa. That effort, USA for Africa, raised 63 million dollars. This time, dozens of other A-listers — who also include Usher, Lil Wayne, Pink, Natalie Cole and the Jonas Brothers — took to the same soundstage late Monday for an hours-long recording that dragged into the night. The aim is to raise money to help survivors of the massive January 12 quake that killed 170,000 people and devastated what was already the poorest country in the Americas. No cameras were allowed inside, but the song’s producers said “We Are The World – 25 For Haiti” will air during NBC television’s coverage of the opening of the Winter Olympics on February 12. More than 70 stars — many of them hip-hop artists — lent their voice to the effort, none of them participants in the original recording. Rapper Wyclef Jean, a Haiti native, said in a statement he was “proud to be joined by so many members of the artistic community that want to support the region and have donated their time and talents to providing an effective way for the global community to get involved with helping the Haitian population.” The original tune was co-written and produced by Jackson, who died June 25 of cardiac arrest, Lionel Richie and Quincy Jones. Richie and Jones produced the new version. Academy Award-winning filmmaker Paul Haggis, who directed “Crash” and also co-wrote “Million Dollar Baby,” filmed the session for an accompanying video. “What an unbelievable group of people who have come together to give their voices, for a cause to start the healing of a people who have experienced a devastation of such magnitude,” said Richie. Among the other performers spanning a broad swath of genres and ages, from 83-year-old Tony Bennett to 15-year-old Justin Bieber, were Carlos Santana, Brian Wilson and Al Jardine of the Beach Boys. “It kind of hit me that I guess this is something way more important than I could have ever imagined,” rapper Lil Wayne, who is playing Bob Dylan’s part from the original recording, told a news conference. The recording was timed just a day after the 52nd Annual Grammy Awards to ensure the maximum number of stars would attend. The contemporary version of the song and the video will be available to buy through online and traditional retailers. Producers say all proceeds will go “directly” to earthquake relief efforts in Haiti.

This is such a fantastic idea … what a great way to raise money for Haitian relief. It’s such a shame that Michael Jackson couldn’t be part of this redux but it was nice of Kanye West to wear one of MJ’s jackets so that he could be there in spirit. I can’t even begin to express how much of an impact the original We Are The World had on me when it was released in 1985. I loved that song so much … I would sit by the radio and record it on cassette tapes every time it aired … I would have cassette tapes with just this song recorded on it over and over again. I’m really looking forward to hearing this version. I’m not sure why this report claims there were “no cameras” allowed in the studio because there were and a lot of photos have been made available. After the jump, check out some individual shots of some of the folks who participated in We Are The World: 25 Years for Haiti yesterday …

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Earlier today we learned that Taylor Swift made history as the youngest performer to win the Album of the Year award at the 52nd Grammy Awards last night and Beyoncé made Grammy history as the most honored woman in an single night. We also learned that the late Michael Jackson was paid tribute by a group of Grammy performers in a fun 3D performance and his children appeared on stage to accept his Lifetime Achievement Award. But there were a lot of other folks at the Staples Center last night for the Grammy Awards … many of whom made their grand arrivals on the red carpet last night:

I know Imogen Heap is taking a lot of flak for her weird outfit but A.) she always dresses weird so what’s the big deal and B.) her dress was a very special one that was broadcasting a live Twitter feed from her followers so that they could be with her at the Grammys last night. She gets snaps in my book. There was a lot of love, a lot of crazy mess and a lot of divas on the red carpet last night … which is pretty standard fare, I think. After the jump, check out a few photos from the show itself and find out who else took home Grammophone tropies from the 52nd Annual Grammy Awards last night …

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As we are all pretty much aware by now, the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards were handed out at Radio City Music Hall here in NYC last night in a ceremony that was mired in controversy but also featured heartfelt tributes to the late Michael Jackson as well as a few spectacular performances and on stage appearances. Here are a few photos from the red carpet arrivals last night:

But for a few exceptions, most everyone looked amazing on the red carpet. I loved all the shiny bling that some folks were wearing … particularly Kristin Cavallari who wore a simple vintage dress and looked absolutely amazing in it. The show itself was really fun .. the opening tribute performance to MJ was really very cool and except for Kanye West’s douchey behavior, the show was very entertaining. Here are a few pics from the show and some deets about what went down:

Planned and random acts of kindness reigned at the MTV Video Music Awards at Radio City Music Hall on Sunday night. Among the planned acts: Janet Jackson’s opening tribute to her brother Michael, whose death at age 50 on June 25 rocked the music world. The production began with Madonna recalling her encounter with Michael and reminding the audience that “Michael Jackson was a hero.” And while “he seemed otherworldly,” she added, “he was also a human being.” And then, the performance began. Dancers crept up on stage with original Thriller video airing in the background. The dancers’ moves duplicated the ones being performed on the video. Then a sequence of Michael’s hits played. Bad and Smooth Criminal led to Scream, his duet with Janet, who broke through glass to make her way onstage and sing along with the video. The loud, almost angry performance had the audience on its feet. After the tribute, Madonna said backstage that “it was good to finally get to say my piece.” And then near the end of the show, in a gracious act of kindness, video-of-the-year winner Beyoncé offered young country music star Taylor Swift a second chance to say her piece with an acceptance speech. The moment came after Kanye West took everyone by surprise early in the show when he went onstage to interrupt Swift’s acceptance speech for best female video for You Belong With Me … The teen country star returned for her live performance of You Belong With Me later in the show. Celebrities reacted backstage. Green Day’s Billie Joe Armstrong said, “Well, you know, she’s young, I think she’ll get over it. I think he needs to get it over it also. It was very uncomfortable sitting there.” “I feel bad for Taylor,” said Kristin Cavallari. “I think it was really disrespectful” … Other music-related news items had guests talking at the awards show, too. American Idol’s Kara DioGuardi was asked about her new colleague at the judges’ table, Ellen DeGeneres. “I feel fantastic. I feel ecstatic. I can’t wait for January, when we can all be on the panel.” DioGuardi added that she has been in touch with former judge Paula Abdul. “I’ve spoken to her, and she seems to be doing really well, and that’s what matters.” Abdul is set to play host at the VH1 Divas special on MTV’s sister network on Thursday night (9 ET/PT). Faye Dunaway had two divas she was looking forward to seeing on Sunday at the VMAs. “Lady Gaga and Beyoncé. How could you not love Beyoncé?” Dunaway asked. Ne-Yo echoed Dunaway’s sentiment. When asked who he was rooting for, he replied, “Besides myself?” and then added, “I’m here to see Beyoncé, Lady Gaga, Pink, everyone. I’m here just to enjoy the electricity.” And the atmosphere was electric, with returning host Russell Brand doling out his brash brand of humor. Among the stars: Jennifer Lopez, Alicia Keys, Eminem, Jermaine Jackson, Katy Perry, Robert Pattinson and Taylor Lautner.

For me, the live performances were the highlight of the entire night. After the jump, check out a few photos from the press room and watch a couple of my fave performances from the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards …

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After many months of Are they? or Aren’t they? speculation, P!nk finally came clean on The Ellen DeGeneres Show (which airs today) that she is back together with her presumed ex-husband Carey Hart. Even tho the couple split up they never filed the paperwork for divorce and have actually been married the whole time. Ellen, that wily little minx, kept pressing Mrs. P!nk to confess that she and Carey are back together and she finally let it slip. Here is a pic of the happy couple leaving Aroma Cafe together just last night :

It’s a good thing Pink and her husband Carey Hart have a sense of humor. The singer, who acknowledges in an interview with Ellen DeGeneres airing Friday that she and her ex are a couple again, says she finds it funny to perform her hit song “So What” – which contains some choice words for Hart. “He’s in the audience so when I sing, ‘He’s a tool,’ now that’s my favorite line,” she tells DeGeneres. “Hi, Honey, that’s you.” When the talk show host offers her congratulations on being “happy” and “back together” after splitting up, Pink says, “We are. Thank you.” Pink and Hart got married in Costa Rica in January 2006 and announced their split two years later, but, “We didn’t do the paperwork deal,” says Pink. Asked if she and the motocross racer would consider having another wedding ceremony, Pink says coyly, “I love a party.”

Aww. I so knew these two were still together. They’ve been hanging out A LOT since their “split”. They make a great couple and they always seem so happy together. I’m glad to know that even tho they’ve been thru some mess, they’ve also been able to keep it together and survive as a couple. Good for them!!

[Photo credit: X17; Source]

Last night the American Music Awards were handed out on live TV at the Nokia Theater here in Los Angeles, CA. Stars of varying importance made their way into downtown LA last night to walk the red carpet, participate in the show or mug for the cameras in the press room afterward. Chris Brown was one of the night’s big winners … Kanye West was one of the night’s biggest wieners … and Beyoncé, bless her heart, gave the best live performance of the night. Here are a few pics from the red carpet arrivals last night:

Here are a few pics from the show itself:

Here are a few pics from the press room and some deets about what went down at this years AMAs:

Chris Brown was the big winner at the American Music Awards on Sunday night, surprising himself most of all. “I don’t know what to say. I would have given it to Coldplay,” said Brown, who won artist of the year, male pop/rock artist and male soul/R&B artist. Kanye West, still sore at losing male rap/hip-hop artist last year, won the trophy this time – then said Lil Wayne deserved it more. “I want to give this award to Wayne,” he said. “If it was last year it would have been my award.” It was West’s second trophy of the night, following his win for rap/hip-hop album, for Graduation. “It’s our responsibility as musicians to push music to the point it was in the ’60s and ’70s,” he said. “I want to be Elvis.” Host Jimmy Kimmel, who had made West’s ego a running joke, quipped: “Elvis died on the toilet with half a jelly doughnut in his mouth. You may want to rethink that.”

Um, why does Kanye have to be so douchey? I mean, seriously. It’s like he just cannot stop himself from acting like a total a-hole on the public stage. I just don’t get it.

The show climaxed with Keys performing “Superwoman” with Queen Latifah and opera star Kathleen Battle, and ending with a large photo projected on a screen of incoming first lady Michelle Obama. In a big night for American Idol alums, Daughtry – winner of three trophies last year – picked up another this year for pop/rock group, while former Idol champ Jordin Sparks won for adult contemporary music, and Carrie Underwood won for country album for Carnival Ride. Taylor Swift, uncomfortably sharing L.A.’s Nokia Theatre auditorium with ex-boyfriend Joe Jonas, won for female country artist, and Rihanna got two awards for pop/rock female artist and female soul R&B artist … Music’s A-listers were out in force as the show featured blockbuster performances by Christina Aguilera, Mariah Carey, Beyoncé, Rihanna, West, birthday girl Miley Cyrus and Jonas Brothers, who also won the breakthrough artist award. And Justin Timberlake made a surprise appearance to introduce award of merit recipient Annie Lennox.

Much congrats to all the winners this year but, I gotta say, the “prestige” associated with winning an American Music Award seems to have diminished a bit — after all, the soundtrack to the movie Alvin and the Chipmunks took home an award last night.

For me, tho, the highlight was Beyoncé’s live performance of her hit single Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It). Homegirl turned that mutha OUT! After the jump, watch video of her performance in full …

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Last night the 2008 MTV Europe Music Awards were handed out in Liverpool, England to some very deserving folks … many of whom weren’t European at all. American music acts had a very good night at the MTV EMAs last night, including our dear Britney Spears who won two awards at the awards show — Best Act and one of the biggest prizes of the night, Best Album. Here are a few pics from the red carpet arrivals and the show itself:

American pop artists dominated the MTV Europe Music Awards last night (Oct. 6) at Liverpool Echo Arena, and the performers and winners were also keen to bask in President-elect Barack Obama’s election victory. Britney Spears sent a video acceptance for her two awards: best album for “Blackout” (Jive/Sony BMG) and best act of 2008. Host Katy Perry, whose costumes included an Obama-print dress, won the new act gong. “I want a recount,” she said. “The host can’t win.” Perry also opened the show sitting astride a giant chapstick during a performance of “I Kissed a Girl.” Pink collected the first award of the night, taking most addictive track for “So What” (LaFace/Sony BMG). California rock act 30 Seconds To Mars won the rock out award and the video star award for “A Beautiful Lie” (Virgin). The awards were voted for online by fans across Europe. “This has been a really exciting week for us Americans,” said frontman Jared Leto, who got the crowd to chant “Congrats Barack.” There was also recognition for a Liverpool’s most famous musician, with Bono presenting the ultimate legend award to Sir Paul McCartney. “This is the man who invented my job,” said the U2 singer. Bono was also jeered when he said the Beatles would have been Irish, if the Irish potato famine hadn’t driven their ancestors to Britain. “I’ve got to thank my mates Ringo, George and John,” said McCartney. “Many years ago, four little boys born here in Liverpool — and we went on to do quite well.” McCartney also thanked people in the U.S. for “voting in Mr. Obama.” The Liverpool crowd gave a warm reception to U.K. acts who performed, including Take That, the Ting Tings and Duffy. U.K. urban artist Estelle joined Kanye West for their first major awards show collaboration on “American Boy,” featuring a ticker-tape finale with an image of Obama on the giant screen. Eighties pop act Rick Astley was the unlikely winner of the best act ever, following a viral Internet campaign that raised his profile in the past year. Other performers included the Killers, Kid Rock, Beyonce, Pink and local indie rock act the Wombats, who covered Leona Lewis’ “Bleeding Love.” Perry closed the show with a performance of “Hot N Cold.”

Um, Rick Astley? Seriously? Can I just say … FREAKIN’ AWESOME! I can’t even front, I was a huge Rick Astley fan back in the day. His debut album came out right around the time Kylie Minogue’s debut album was released here in the States and I was in love with them both. Obvs, Kylie ended up with the more stellar career but I’m very happy to see that Rick Astley can still inspire so much lurve from the World to win the Best Act of All Time award :) Congrats, Ricky!!

Because Britney was here in LA performing with Madonna on stage at Dodger Stadium last night, she was not able to be on hand in person to collect her awards in Liverpool last night … she did manage to offer a pre-taped thank you speech that was filmed on the set of her new music video for her song Circus. Here is a screencap of Britney’s acceptance speech:

After the jump, check out video of Britney’s pre-taped acceptance speech as well as Beyoncé’s live performance of If I Was A Boy …

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Okay, even tho I already devoted an entire post to Britney Spears’s triumphant night at the 2008 MTV Video Music Awards, any mention of the show by ALL of the press (including THIS report from Time magazine) seems to devote a good portion of their reporting to Miss Britney Spears. But, there were other people and other things going on at the VMAs yesterday … here are a few pics of some of the folks who walked the red carpet yesterday (it should be noted that Britney did not walk the red carpet, choosing instead to keep her revelation of the night strictly for the show itself):

For the most part, I found the red carpet pretty tame … I mean, there really weren’t that many “hot messes” to speak of. Of course you had your usual poor fashion choices (that red and black dress did not really work on P!nk for me, nor did I like Rihanna’s outfit choice … Xtina looked hawt!) but that’s to be expected. Personally, I had a hard time focusing while on the red carpet … we were lined up in the blazing SoCal sun hours before the first celeb walked the carpet … it wasn’t that pleasant. I did get to snap some fun pics and meet a few very COOL folks … but I’ll post those pics a bit later on.

As for the show itself, I have not yet been able to watch it in its entirety, properly but I did manage to catch most of it on the huge screens that were plastered all over the VIP green room last night. After the jump, check out some pics from the show itself and take one more look at Xtina Aguilera’s amazing performance …

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