A few days back, Simon Cowell announced that he would be doing his best to help victims of the earthquake in Haiti by getting as many singers as possible to record a song whose proceedings will be donated entirely for Haiti relief. Said and done: Cowell picked REM’s classic “Everybody Hurts” for a cover and got the most talented and popular singers to make a contribution.
As Rolling Stone can confirm, the single is now out. It features vocals from the likes of Robbie Williams, Mariah Carey, James Blunt, Michael Buble, Susan Boyle, Cheryl Cole, Rod Stewart, Miley Cyrus and Westlife, to name just a few of the many who agreed to take part in the campaign. Speaking of which, the campaign is carried out with the help of The Sun and with props from Gordon Brown, who said VAT would not apply to the single, this being the best way to boost sales.
“The Simon Cowell-curated all-star rendition of REM’s ‘Everybody Hurts’ premiered this morning on U.K. radio, Reuters reports. The Haiti benefit single, which will be available for download this Sunday, February 7th, features Mariah Carey, Leona Lewis, Susan Boyle, Rod Stewart, Jon Bon Jovi and Miley Cyrus. Cowell’s version sticks pretty close to the Automatic For the People original, with all the stars involved each singing a line from the R.E.M. classic,” Rolling Stone informs.
“With Cowell’s involvement, ‘Everybody Hurts’ aims more at a British audience than an American one, as several contestants from Cowell’s UK shows like The X Factor and Britain’s Got Talent make appearances, including Joe McElderry and X Factor judge Cheryl Cole, and members of Brit boy bands Take That (including Robbie Williams). JLS and Westlife. Rounding out Cowell’s crew are Mika, Kylie Minogue, James Morrison, Michael Buble and James Blunt,” the same music publication informs.
As is usually the case, shortly after it premiered on the radio, the song was uploaded on the Internet on websites like YouTube. However, those who want to help the cause can do so by purchasing the single once it’s out officially. So far, the entertainment industry has helped raise many millions of dollars, with about $64 million in donations just by means of the Hope for Haiti telethon.