Celebs to release charity singles for Haiti

The announcement came as organisers released the list of performers like Bruce Springsteen, Jennifer Hudson, Shakira and Sting who have pledged to appear on the Hope for Haiti Now telethon.

U2 and Jay-Z are to collaborate on a joint charity single to benefit Haiti, they announced here today, the same day as Rihanna released a cover version of Bob Marley's Redemption Song with the proceeds going to Haiti aid organisations.

The announcement came as organisers released the list of performers who have pledged to appear on the Hope for Haiti Now telethon set to air on Friday night on major US television stations. The performers include Wyclef Jean, Bruce Springsteen, Jennifer Hudson, Mary J. Blige, Shakira, and Sting in New York City.

Alicia Keys, Christina Aguilera, Dave Matthews, John Legend, Justin Timberlake, Stevie Wonder, Taylor Swift and a group performance by Keith Urban, Kid Rock, and Sheryl Crow will star in Los Angeles. Coldplay, and a group performance by Bono, The Edge, Jay-Z, and Rihanna will perform in London. More than 100 other stars will be speaking and answering phones.

Between performances, CNN anchor Anderson Cooper will report from the ground in Haiti, Wyclef Jean will host in New York, and organiser George Clooney will manage proceedings in Los Angeles.

Proceeds will be split evenly among the event's beneficiaries including: Partners in Health, Wyclef's Yele Haiti Foundation, the recently formed Clinton Bush Haiti Fund, Oxfam, the Red Cross, UNICEF and the United Nations World Food Programme.