Haiti Benefit Recording Taking Shape

Simon Cowell announced earlier this week that he will produce a star-laden single to benefit Haiti’s earthquake victims. At that time he didn’t know who would appear on the record nor which song would be recorded. But that was then. Now he has some details.

The recording will be a cover version of R.E.M.’s 1993 song “Everbody Hurts.” At this time London’s Sun newspaper is reporting that Rod Stewart, Leona Lewis, Michael Bublé and boy band JLS have signed on and that Cowell is waiting for replies from Paul McCartney, Coldplay, Take That and Robbie Williams.

Photo: AP Photo

"Wetten Dass…? (Bet It…?)" show, Bremen, Germany

According to the Sun, which is also behind the recording as part of its “Helping Haiti” effort, R.E.M. is “deeply touched” that the song is being used to help Haitians recover from the devastating earthquake that struck the poverty-stricken country last week.

“It means a lot that the song the guys wrote all those years ago will be used for such an important appeal,” R.E.M. manager Bertis Downs told the Sun, adding that the band will forego all royalties for the recording.

Photo: Greg Allen/Gregallenphotos.com

Nikon at Jones Beach Theatre, Wantagh, N.Y.

Less than 48 hours ago, Cowell told the press that British Prime Minister Gordon Brown asked him to produce a benefit recording to help raise money for Haiti. Cowell said at the time that he’d have a record out within 10 days and that the British government might exclude the single from any taxes.

“We are all working hard to make this single a success and to raise lots of money for ‘Helping Haiti,’” Cowell said. “We have a short time to do this and the people in Haiti need as much help as we can give them as soon as possible.”

Click here to read the complete Sun article.