Michael Jackson Will Appear in 'We Are The World' Remake

The King of Pop will appear in a split-screen with his sister Janet Jackson. The request was made by Katherine Jackson, mother to both Michael and Janet. Richie, who wrote the song with Jackson in 1985, called Michael's duet with Janet "magical". He said, "To have Michael's presence singing his part is the best gift we could ever get."

Richie said it was important to get the message of the song across to the next generation. Michael is the only one to appear in both versions of the single. Richie explained that the 2010 group is an entirely new group for a new generation.

In the interview, the 'Hello' singer also addressed the usual worries when remaking something of these proportions. "When you say you're going to redo, it conjures up all kinds of terrible images of what could go wrong. Everything could go wrong!" said Richie.

Once they got their new group together, Richie made sure to put some musical icons, like Barbra Streisand, Tony Bennett, and Celine Dion, in the group to get the newer generation more excited for the project. The '25 for Haiti' group ranges from teen sensations like Justin Bieber and the Jonas Brothers, to established singers like Bono, Jennifer Hudson and Jamie Foxx.