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Jamie Foxx Mimics Ray Charles in New ‘We Are the World’

Roger Friedman
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Jamie Foxx Mimics Ray Charles in New ‘We Are the World’

The new version of “We Are the World” went up on iTunes last night, and you can see it everywhere at 2 p.m. Saturday. Get all the info at www.world25.org.

Justin Bieber opens the song, but is followed in quick succession by Jennifer Hudson – who just about steals the whole recording. Quickly we see and hear Jennifer Nettles of Sugarland, Josh Groban, Tony Bennett, and of course Barbra Streisand.

One of the many treats of the new recording: Jamie Foxx. He gets a solo as himself early on, and then later cracks J-Hud up when he’s imitating Ray Charles. It’s a nice nod to the original record from 1985.

And yes, there is a lot of Michael Jackson, his voice ringing clear and true. I don’t know if much can be said for sister Janet, who seems to be mouthing the lyrics and not really singing. In the long form video, there’s also not terribly impressive vocals by Michael’s nephews. Ouch.

But Fergie and will.i.am, Wyclef Jean–singing in Haitian, and plenty of others get face time. Gladys Knight doesn’t have a solo but she’s front and center in the video as is Natalie Cole. Adam Levine from Maroon 5 has a nice solo, and Pink does, too. Carlos Santana gets lost a little bit in the mix. But with 85 artists, what can do you?

All in all, it’s a brilliant effort considering it was made ten days ago. Director Paul Haggis has cut in moving footage from Haiti, and producer RedOne did an excellent job with a rap section in the long version. Now it’s time for the downloading to begin–$2.99 gets you the song and the video from ITunes, and all the money goes to Haiti. All of it.

Breaking News: I Will Now Appear in 3D Only

Roger Friedman
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Breaking News: I Will Now Appear in 3D Only

42159 3 D glasses 90x90 Breaking News: I Will Now Appear in 3D OnlyI realize that I can no longer hold out. So I am making this announcement today.

Because of the enormous success of “Avatar,” and because the last two “Harry Potter” movies are going to be filmed similarly, I’ve decided to appear only in 3D from now on.

This decision first occurred to me while I was watching Barbra Streisand being filmed by Paul Haggis during the recording of “We Are the World.” Barbra, someone said, is in 3D! She’s never done that before.

Of course, the person who said this was young and didn’t realize that Streisand had groundbreakingly been in 3D a lot before, for all of her 67 years. She just hadn’t announced it. And of course, she didn’t go in public much. I’d seen her at a party with a lot of movie stars just a few weeks earlier. All of those stars were 3D as well, including Elton John, Shirley MacLaine, and Joan Collins.

They just hadn’t mentioned it to anyone.

At the “We Are the World” taping, Barbra said aloud, “I wonder how my nose will look in 3D.” But of course her nose had always been in 3D. Again, no one had brought it up. But you could walk up to it, touch it, walk around it. It felt like her nose was right there with you! When she sneezed, you felt like offering a hanky. This was before even “Yentl,” dating all the way back to “The Ed Sullivan Show.”

How will I maintain my new 3D disposition? For one thing, I will always be seen with objects around me at various distances. Thus, I will have depth. Not the kind of depth of a deep thinker, but a sense of depth around me, to my sides, in front and behind, above and below. People will feel as they get near me, I feel like I could stick my hand out and touch him.

Just don’t, please.

Another good thing about my plan: My technicians have worked so hard on new discoveries that special glasses needn’t be worn to see me in 3D. If one wants, you may wear glasses, in particular sunglasses and hopefully expensive ones. I like Prada, Gucci and Chanel. But unlike with other kinds of 3D attractions, no spectacles will be necessary. You’ll be able to see me in 3D by the naked eye.

I am not an inventor. I liken my announcement to when’ Madonna put out a record called “Vogue” five years after people started Vogueing in discos. But she synthesized the phenomenon. That’s what I am hoping to do with my decision to go 3D. Some people may not believe me at first. That’s why I will carry’a water pistol with me. And maybe a joy buzzer.

‘Basterds’ Brings Old Hollywood to Musso and Frank

Roger Friedman
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‘Basterds’ Brings Old Hollywood to Musso and Frank

rcorman Basterds Brings Old Hollywood to Musso and FrankThe combined ages of the Hollywood elite who celebrated Quentin Tarantino’s “Inglourious Basterds” for lunch on Wednesday was about a thousand.

Famed B-movie director Roger Corman, 95-year-old legend Norman Lloyd (Dr. Auschlander from “St. Elsewhere”) and Oscar winner Martin Landau hosted the lunch at the equally old and similarly robust Musso and Frank in Hollywood. The event was sponsored by Insignia Productions’ Ranee Bartolacci and organized by Tarantino fan Norah Lawlor of Lawlor Media in New York.

The other guests were people who know their Oscar movies: Cloris Leachman, Ron Howard, Jacqueline Bissett, plus Karen Black, John Milius, Tom Skerritt, Irwin Winkler, JoBeth Williams, Michael Nouri, Ron Perlman, Wayne Kramer, Bruce Davison, Frank Capra Jr, Ron Yerxa, Jon Voight, and the ever popular Norby Walters.

The group toasted Tarantino, partner in crime Eli Roth, and producer Lawrence Bender.

Everyone got a good chuckle when Norman Lloyd stood up suddenly and said, “Quentin, I’m available!”

Cloris Leachman, 83, who was supposed to be in the flm but wasn’t, got a big laugh when she answered, “I was available!”

Oscar Voters: Extra Time Could Change Minds

Roger Friedman
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Oscar Voters: Extra Time Could Change Minds

sbullock Oscar Voters: Extra Time Could Change MindsHello Academy voters.

I can’t recall a time when the deadline for getting in those ballots with final votes was so far away! Today is Feb. 10. March 2, when ballots are due, is basically 20 days away. That’s like three weeks!

And time has a way of letting ideas chew themselves over. Like, how did “The Blind Side” and “District 9” wind up as best picture nominees? Is Sandra Bullock really the best actress, or just someone we like a lot?

More awards coverage

This year there are 10 best picture nominees. But let’s face it, when you rank them, really five are the best actual films. Those are: “The Hurt Locker,” “Inglourious Basterds,” “Precious,” “Up in the Air” and “An Education.” Well made, well crafted, each as good as anything from a previous best picture list.

Then there’s “Avatar.” No acting, no writing. No real editing, because “Avatar” is essentially a video-slash-cartoon. Its effects, especially the 3D, make it a spectacle. But best picture? Not exactly. The directors and producers guilds already decided that. Maybe it’s the best technological achievement on film. And the glasses were cool!

Front-runners are often harmed in Oscar voting when too much time lingers. Last year, “Slumdog Millionaire” was starting to wear on people. If there had been two more weeks before the ballot deadline, there could have been an upset. Voters start to watch errant DVDs, things they’ve passed up.

Last year, it was “The Reader.” Suddenly there was buzz. It was too late. But this year, hmmm. My guess is, a lot of people who never actually watched “The Hurt Locker” have finally popped it into a DVD player. Ditto “Basterds.” “Up in the Air” is probably getting its due at last.

Anything can happen. But one thing’s for certain: Three more weeks could turn the tide for any of them. Just listen for friends who say, “Gee, I never realized how good [blank] was. It really deserves it.”

And don’t forget: Actors vote for movies with actors, not ciphers, no matter what color they are.

Jackson Family ‘Lawyer’ Ordered to Ethics School

Roger Friedman
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Jackson Family ‘Lawyer’ Ordered to Ethics School

It’s never quite the end for peripatetic Brian Oxman.

The man who calls himself the Jackson family lawyer has finally gotten his disciplinary action from the California State Bar.

According to the Daily Law Journal, Oxman’s probation began Jan. 21. He signed a stipulated settlement with the Bar. He received two years stayed suspension and ‘ get this ‘ must attend ethics school. I know a lot of people who would like to attend that graduation ceremony!

Oxman has been suspended before, in the 1990s. This time his punishment relates to a 2002 divorce case. Oxman represented the wife. He claimed ‘ without ever backing it up ‘ that the husband and his lawyer threatened a marriage counselor.

Of course, maybe he just dreamt it since Oxman has a habit of dozing in court.

The Jacksons had better think of another attorney if they’re going to file a civil claim against Dr. Conrad Murray, now charged in the manslaughter’of Michael Jackson.

This week Oxman tried to pry loose Michael’s medical records from UCLA by saying he needed them to prove an unrelated issue concerning the publication of the singer’s picture after he died. Michael’s estate attorney, Howard Weitzman, quickly pointed out that Oxman was misreading the law.

Barbara Walters: Living with ‘Richard Nixon’?

Roger Friedman
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Barbara Walters: Living with ‘Richard Nixon’?

58807935Valentine’s Day approaches, but is it even sweeter for Barbara Walters?

The almost-81-year-old news vixen has had her share of romances, that’s for sure. In her most recent autobiography, she coughed up news that she’d had a long affair with former Massachusetts Senator Edward M. Brooke.

Her past loves included ex-husbands Lee Guber (now deceased, ran New York theaters) and Merv Adelson (former head of Lorimar Productions, the company that gave us “Dallas” and “Knots Landing”). She’s also been linked and inked in the press with everyone from Sen John Warner (Liz Taylor’s ex) to the odious and happily dead Roy Cohn, who was gay and used Barbara as a beard. (He also destroyed countless lives working for Senator Joseph McCarthy in the 1950s.)

Now comes word that Barbara is living with actor Frank Langella (pictured here together), to whom she’d been linked last December. This would make Barbara kinda a cougar and Frank, well, a panther, or maybe just a Lion King. Langella turned 72 last month.

Anyway, a Barbara source says no it’s not true, that they’re just friends, etc. But where there’s smoke there’s fire. Another source’insists it is true. If they are living together, it would be in Walters’ magnificent Park Avenue aerie which is loaded with priceless art. Langella’s done very well as an award-winning actor, but Walters is a multi-multi-millionaire.

Of course, there are’weird aspects to this: for one thing, Langella played Barbara’s old pal, Richard Nixon, in “Frost/Nixon” to much acclaim. ‘He could just be entertaining her with his impression of the disgraced President. And then, of course, Langella once dated Whoopi Goldberg, now the moderator of “The View” and technically Barbara’s employee. At least she’s not dating Star Jones’s ex husband.

So, either way, love is grand, ain’t it?

Michael & Janet Jackson Duet in We Are the World

Roger Friedman
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Michael & Janet Jackson Duet in We Are the World

Less than 48 hours before “We Are the World 25″ premieres on the Olympics, I can tell you that the finished version has a duet of sorts with Michael Jackson and Janet Jackson.

It comes at the midpoint of the Quincy Jones produced record. Just like in the original version from 1985, Michael sings the bridge, with Janet joining in. The vocal and the video of Michael are taken from the original version of the record. On the new video, Michael’s image pops up from the old video, followed by Janet’s from the new one.

“It’s very emotional,” says an insider. The finished version was played today in its entirety just for the production staff.

I am told that leads and single lines are heard from Barbra Streisand, Celine Dion, Natalie Cole, Kanye West, Gladys Knight, Miley Cyrus, Lil Wayne, and T Pain. Apparently there’s a smash solo vocal by Pink. Justin Bieber, 15, sings the opening lines.

A three-minute version will be heard during the Olympics. Following that, a longer version will be available on iTunes.

More importantly, the new website for the single has gone live at World25.org. And the group has already made a deal with YouTube for a channel so that donors can see their money at work in Haiti. Director Paul Haggis’ crew will be posting clips constantly of World25 putting the money to good use.

Lady Gaga Was Never Scheduled for ‘We Are the World’

Roger Friedman
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0
Lady Gaga Was Never Scheduled for ‘We Are the World’

ladygaga1 Lady Gaga Was Never Scheduled for We Are the WorldThere’s a lot of controversy going on about pop spectacle Lady Gaga, aka Stephanie Germanotta.

I told you last week that she declined the opportunity to be part of “We Are the World 25.” She turned them down flat.

By coincidence, Gaga’s producer, Red One (yes, that’s his name), aka Nadir Khayat, worked with Quincy Jones on the new “We Are the World.” Because of that there was talk of Gaga joining in, but it didn’t happen. At a meeting with about 20 people, apparently, Red One said he might be able to get Ga Ga. In the end, he couldn’t.

At no time did executive producer Randy Phillips ever promise Ga Ga to anyone. But all the people he did say were coming, came. And a few more, like Fergie, taped their parts later. Phillips and Quincy Jones put together 80 artists in about four days. It was an amazing achievement, frankly. I still haven’t gotten over seeing Barbra Streisand, Celine Dion, Tony Bennett, Gladys Knight, India Arie, and so on all in one room. Yowza.

“We Are the World 25″ debuts on Friday.

Michael Jackson’s Doctor Won’t Be Putting Anyone Else Out

Roger Friedman
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Michael Jackson’s Doctor Won’t Be Putting Anyone Else Out

As the world knows, Dr. Conrad Murray was arraigned yesterday and set free on $75,000 bail. The government wanted $300,000. Dr. Murray’s lawyer thought he should just go free. The judge found a middle ground.

Now the case moves to downtown L.A. on April 5 for a preliminary hearing. But my sources say that we won’t have a trial before September, and it could be as long as a year before Dr. Murray has to face a jury of his peers.

Meanwihle, the government scored a point: Dr. Murray, while he waits for his medical license to be revoked, can no longer administer anesthesia. He won’t be putting anyone else out or under. That’s a good thing. You may recall’a story I did last summer: Dr. Murray’s late doctor father also had problems giving patients such drugs. He was suspended for two years. The Murrays apparently like knocking out their patients. A lot.

Wyclef, Mary J. Blige Take Haiti Hip-Hop

Roger Friedman
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Wyclef, Mary J. Blige Take Haiti Hip-Hop

59527114So many things to tell you from last night’s Haiti relief fundraiser at Donna Karan’s magical Urban Zen space on Greenwich Street. Not the least of it is how many different kinds of amazing events occur on a daily basis at Urban Zen. It’s quite the facility.

Out of nowhere, Haiti Hope Help & Relief has popped up, and started raising money to send 50,000 tents to Port-au-Prince for people to live in. The tents cost $1,000 and you can buy them by e-mailing haitirelief@urbanzen.org. Mitch Davis, one of the organizers, turned me on to this new group because all the money, 100%, is going straight to Haiti.

So Whoopi Goldberg and Wyclef Jean each spoke, and Soledad O’Brien was master of ceremonies, and the well-heeled folks in the audience listened. They included organizer Andre Harrell, plus Robert De Niro and Grace Hightower, Michael Stipe, Patti Smith, Robert Kennedy Jr., Gayle King, Russell Simmons, Al Sharpton, BET’s Debra Lee, Lyor Cohen, Tory Burch, Alina Chow, Donna D’Cruz, Daphne Guinness, Amy Sacco and Jay Z. Even Anna Wintour stopped by.

All of these people got a treat, too: Mary J. Blige did a full set with her band. Let’s just say she ripped the ceiling off. It’s nice to see a room full of rich people bouncing up and down, arms in the air. And Mary J. did her showstopper, “I See Colors,” which she wrote for “Precious” but somehow didn’t get nominated for an Oscar. (If she performed this number in the Kodak Theater, they’d have to have smelling salts for everyone.)

And then there was the after party, at Andre Balazs’s Boom Boom Room aka 18th floor at the Standard Hotel. Balazs is so behind this group that he had yellow tents outside the entrance stamped with The Standard Hotel logo, ready to be shipped to Haiti. Inside, upstairs (not easy to get there since the doorman didn’t want to let Wyclef’s band in) Jay Z and Trey Songz crowded in, Salman Rushdie took a booth, everyone from the dinner piled in.

This was all to see Wyclef, cousin Jerry Wonda and their band do another full set of rousing hits, Haiti and Trinidadian music. Mary J. joined Wyclef for their old hit, “Somebody Call 911″ and really, to see all these people crowd into a small space, shouting and singing along with vistas of Manhattan and the Hudson River behind, was hip-hop surreal. Some of them may still be there as you read this, that’s how much fun it was. Wyclef and Mary J. are magic together. And by the way. Mary J. may ‘ may, not definite ‘ tour with Alicia Keys this spring. It’s too much to think about.

Meanwhile, some people did have dinner last night: just prior to the Haiti benefit, the great Paul Sorvino, dining with friends, sang an operatic “Happy Birthday” to my friend Irene Walsh at venerable Cafe Luxembourg on the Upper West Side. One of the great TV newsmen, Brian Ross, of ABC, ate with a friend at an adjoining table, while screenwriter Jim Hart and his wife Judy entertained friends. And just beyond them was former New Jersey governor Jon Corzine. Who knew all this went on at Cafe Luxembourg on a Monday night?

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