CMT Blog: Archive

Dozens of new stars lend their voices to "We Are the World: 25 Years for Haiti," a heartfelt remake with updated production and a new rapping interlude. Like the original, though, it features some country artists alongside perennial pop favorites and current superstars. Zac Brown and Julianne Hough are in the massive chorus line, as is Jeff Bridges (who plays a country singer in Crazy Heart), but Jennifer Nettles of Sugarland and her distinctive drawl lead the country crooners with a very visible solo right in the beginning. Of course, Miley Cyrus is in there to get the tween donations going -- parents, be sure to explain how texting for charity works. For producers, the ultimate goal was simply to encourage aide for the earthquake-ravaged nation (purchase the single at iTunes or text WORLD to 50555 to give $10), yet they faced an obvious dilemma: How to do justice, or improve, on the iconic classic? Not everyone thinks they did, but in the end, does that really matter?