Michael Jackson - "We Are the World" remade to support Haiti

Twenty-five years after the all-star recording of "We Are the World" became a signature moment in celebrity altruism and pop-music history, a number of today's biggest stars gathered on Monday night to record "We Are the World — 25 for Haiti," the classic 1985 charity single re-imagined as a benefit for earthquake relief.

Though song co-writer Michael Jackson passed away last summer, his presence was most definitely felt in the studio, where fellow co-writer Lionel Richie and producer Quincy Jones had assembled more than 80 singers, rappers and actors for the new version. To make sure that listeners feel his presence too, Janet Jackson will be representing her brother in the new recording. "She's doing Michael's part in the middle the same part Michael did," Jones told the press. "She's representing Michael."

Many of those involved on Monday said MJ's part in the original will always remain their favorite. "My favorite part of the song — it would be the bridge [when Michael comes in]," said Mya, who hinted that Jackson's voice might make it onto this version too. "I'm not exactly sure what I'm supposed to share. ... We do hope [to have Michael's voice on the track]."

Celine Dion, who paid tribute to Jackson at the Grammy Awards on Sunday, noted that by re-recording the song, they are not only helping the people of Haiti but also remembering the passion Jackson had for helping those in need. "In a way it was because of him I learned English. I had my posters in my bedroom when I was a young, young kid," she recalled. "The atmosphere [in the studio] is amazing. People are very touched to be there. We're talking about somebody who was living through music and his passion was to try to help and change the world through his lyrics and what he was doing."

The song was recorded on February 1, 2010. Some of the stars asked to perform on the track are: Pink, Lil Wayne, Jordin Sparks, Taylor Swift, Miley Cyrus, Kanye West, Jonas Brothers, Celine Dion, Robin Thicke, Wyclef Jean, Usher, Jennifer Hudson, Britney Spears, Keri Hilson, Jamie Foxx, Barbra Streisand, Jason Mraz, Bustaa Rhymes, Justin Beiber, Selena Gomez, Nicole Richie, Gladys Knight, Katharine McPhee, Enrique Inglesiais, Julianne Hough, Will.i.am, Jeff Bridges and Vince Vaughn. There have been rumors that Beyonce, Lady Gaga, and Jay-Z would appear also, but nothing has been confirmed.

The song will premiere on Friday, February 12, during the opening ceremony of the 2010 Winter Olympics.