Cowell to Produce Single for Haiti

Simon Cowell is trying to earn a different reputation: The Idol host announced that he will produce a single to benefit victims of the Haitian earthquake, and reports indicate that he has already contacted fellow Brits Leona Lewis and Susan Boyle to lend their vocals. Cowell said that the request came from the highest British office, the prime minister. The producer promised to have the record done in 48 hours, hopefully in enough time to be downloaded around the time of the Hope for Haiti telethon (which will now feature Beyoncé and Madonna as well as a host of previously announced talents). Other musicians are also getting in on the act, as Quincy Jones and Lionel Richie are planning to remake "We Are the World" (the 1985 celebrity sing-along written by Richie and Michael Jackson for African famine relief). Early reports have Usher, Natalie Cole, and John Legend on the list of stars signed on to sing, but it is highly expected that many more will join as word spreads.