So who DIDN’T watch the “Hope For Haiti Now” telethon on Friday night? If you answered “no,” you must not have turned on the tube at all, because the star-studded event was broadcast on almost every single network. The fundraising effort was organized in just one week’s time by actor George Clooney, along with Haitian-born musician Wyclef Jean. The commercial-free telecast was jam-packed with live musical performances from Rock & Roll Hall of Famers like Bruce Springsteen, Stevie Wonder and Madonna (I can’t remember if Madge is actually in the Hall of Fame, but if she’s not, she will be soon), as well as impassioned deliveries from today’s biggest hitmakers like Taylor Swift, Shakira, Justin Timberlake, Coldplay, Rhianna, Jay-Z and Christina Aguilera.
Here’s a rundown of my favorite performances: “Lean On Me,” as performed by Sheryl Crow, Kid Rock and Keith Urban. Always loved the song, both the Bill Withers and the Club Nouveau versions. Sheryl Crow is my favorite non-country female singer. We all know how I feel about Keith Urban. And even though I’d never buy a Kid Rock CD, every time I’ve seen him perform live on awards shows and such, he is rock solid. They trio’s harmonies and excellent arrangement was a shining moment and definitely one I’ll be downloading.
Shakira doing “I’ll Stand by You.” I love the song by the Pretenders. Shakira’s version was pretty much a carbon copy of Chrissie Hynde’s delivery, but this chick’s got some serious pipes, and her emotion seemed genuine.
Madonna brought me back in time with her reprise of “Like a Prayer.” When the song came out in 1989, its video created a big controversy, because she was dancing in front of burning crosses and having sex in a church. (Come on, would we expect anything less from her?!?) Without the shocking images—just Madonna and a gospel choir—to detract from the lyrics, the song took on a new, hopeful slant. With all the serious ballads being sung by other artists, it was nice to hear something uptempo. Madonna was a last-minute addition to the telethon, but a natural participant, as her son, David, was adopted from Haiti.
Justin Timberlake took on Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah.” This song has risen from relative obscurity to ubiquitous status in recent years, thanks to inclusion on the “Shrek” soundtrack, and numerous renditions by “American Idol” contestants. I’m not normally a Justin Timberlake fan, but I enjoyed his take on the song. Justin was accompanied by Matt Morris, a new artist he just signed to his record label, on guitar and vocals.
Finally, I’ll mention Jennifer Hudson’s performance of “Let It Be.” Pretty much any version of this song brings me to tears. Watching Jennifer and thinking of the 2008 murders of her mother, brother and 7-year-old nephew, made it all the more inspiring. Hudson rose from the dregs of personal tragedy, much as Haiti is fighting to rise from the rubble of a natural disaster.
Throughout the show, CNN’s Anderson Cooper spoke with survivors of the earthquake. We were shown footage of triumphant rescues, and of forlorn orphaned children lying on blankets in makeshift hospitals. Equal parts hope and heartache.
The performances from Friday night’s historic broadcast can be purchased at iTunes for 99 cents each. The money raised will help relief efforts.
Other ways you can make a donation for this cause:
So who DIDN’T watch the “Hope For Haiti Now” telethon on Friday night? If you answered “no,” you must not have turned on the tube at all, because the star-studded event was broadcast on almost every single network. The fundraising effort was organized in just one week’s time by actor George Clooney, along with Haitian-born musician Wyclef Jean. The commercial-free telecast was jam-packed with live musical performances from Rock & Roll Hall of Famers like Bruce Springsteen, Stevie Wonder and Madonna (I can’t remember if Madge is actually in the Hall of Fame, but if she’s not, she will be soon), as well as impassioned deliveries from today’s biggest hitmakers like Taylor Swift, Shakira, Justin Timberlake, Coldplay, Rhianna, Jay-Z and Christina Aguilera.
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