It’s been over 35 years since “We Are The World” was sung on national television, and last night during the finale episode of American Idol, Lionel Richie, who originally penned the song along with Michael Jackson, sang the song with Idol contestants and judges.

The song was brought back in honor of those who are quarantining at home due to COVID-19. The song originally was created in support of African famine relief in 1985, for the charity USA for Africa.

“We Are The World” is the fastest-selling single in United States history and was re-recorded in 2010 to benefit those affected by the hurricane in Haiti.

This version included many current and past America Idol judges and contestants, but did not have a charitable angle from its creation.

Susan Saunders 5/18/20