Music3 min(s) read
People point out Michael Jackson’s reaction while recording ‘We Are The World'
'We Are The World', a charity single that brought together some of the biggest musical stars in the world, was originally released in 1985 - but it's going viral again in 2026 thanks to Michael Jackson.
The King of Pop was one of many artists to collaborate on the track, with peers such as Diana Ross, Cyndi Lauper, and Tina Turner joining in to help raise money to combat the 1983-85 famine in Ethiopia.
But now, more than 40 years since the track's original recording, fans are still causing behind the scenes clips to blow up thanks to a new Netflix documentary, titled The Greatest Night in Pop.
And the thing catching most people's attention? MJ's reaction to some of the track's vocalists letting loose.
Michael Jackson's "hilarious" reaction while recording 'We Are The World' explained
Fans have pointed out that during the recording of the iconic track - which hit Number 1 in the US at the time of its release - that the King of Pop certainly didn't seem impressed with some of the vocals on show.
Jackson had written the song alongside Lionel Ritchie and it was produced by his long-time collaborator Quincy Jones, so it's safe to say that he had a vision for how the whole thing was supposed to turn out.
One particular point of umbrage to Jackson seems to be the song's bridge, which was shared between Huey Lewis (lead singer of The News) and Cyndi Lauper.
In footage captured backstage shown for the first time on the Netflix documentary, MJ can be seen pulling a "stony" face as Lewis takes up his solo.
However, it may come as a surprise to learn that there was probably a very real reason for Jackson's displeasure; Huey Lewis was not meant to sing that part of the song.
In fact, it was originally written for Prince.
Why wasn't Prince part of 'We Are The World'?
Alongside Michael Jackson and Madonna (one of the rare superstars at the time who didn't appear on 'We Are The World'), Prince was inarguably part of the trifecta of musical icons that defined the pop music of the 1980s.
While writing and dreaming up 'We Are The World', there were two "white whales" that producers wanted to hear on the track; Bruce Springsteen (who indeed does appear) and Prince.
Despite one of Prince's band members, Sheila E, being present for the recording, the superstar himself never turned up, instead opting to go partying in LA the night before.
So, the day of the recording, despite Prince's presence being part of the plan, they had to switch tack. Therefore, the solo reserved for Prince was given to Huey Lewis... and meme history was made.