Bono, Jay-Z Recording Charity Song While Many Stars Added to ‘Hope For Haiti’ Telethon

The list of entertainers set to appear and/or perform this Friday night on the “Hope For Haiti” telethon keeps growing by the hour. Most recently, musicians Bruce Springsteen and Jay-Z have been announced as performers joining Taylor Swift, Justin Timberlake, Keith Urban and Alicia Keys for the telecast, which will air on every major network and a number of cable channels at 7PM EST.  Haitian native Wyclef Jean will anchor the show from New York, while George Clooney will do so from Los Angeles. CNN’s Anderson Cooper will report from Haiti.  London has also been added to the lineup, and that’s where Jay-Z will perform, along with Bono (more below), The Edge and Rihanna in a special joint performance. Coldplay is also to perform from London.
In New York, Springsteen will perform, along with Jennifer Hudson, Mary J. Blige, Shakira, Jean and Sting. In Los Angeles, Swift is to perform, and Urban, Kid Rock and Sheryl Crow plan a collaboration. Also performing in Los Angeles is Timberlake, Dave Matthews, John Legend, and Stevie Wonder, according to ABC News.
Musically, the most interesting update of late is that music superstars Jay-Z and U2 have collaborated on a brand new song for Haiti with producer Swizz Beatz (romantically-linked to Alicia Keys).
“Me, Bono, Hova (Jay-Z) have something to say about Haiti,” Swizz Tweeted this week. “Stay tuned. I told you I was working on something amazing for Haiti They need us!!!!!!”
In fact, the writing and recording of the new tune came about rather quickly. “Last night we wrote a song,” the Edge said (via Consequence of Sound). “Bono got a call from a producer, Swizz. He and Jay-Z wanted to do something for Haiti. So, Bono came up with the phrase on the phone, and last night we were here, we wrote a song–finished, recorded, and sent it back to them.”
E! reports that Bono and Jay-Z are set to perform from the Robert Pattinson-hosted London portion of the telethon (George Clooney will host in Los Angeles, Wyclef Jean in New York City, and CNN’s Anderson Cooper in Haiti).
While all donations made during the event will go to seven different charities, including Red Cross, Oxfam America, and Partners in Health, additional money will be raised on iTunes with songs from the featured performers being made available following telecast.  People can purchase the night’s performances for 99 cents each through iTunes starting Saturday. So here’s hoping all this star power will encourage lots of generosity as Haiti struggles to survive and rebuild after last week’s devastating earthquake!