http://www.shieldsgazette.com/news/J...iti.6006373.jp
X FACTOR winner Joe McElderry is expected to join a line-up of A-list stars to make a charity single for the Haiti earthquake survivors.
It's understood the 18-year-old from Westoe, South Shields, has been
approached to star on a cover version of REM's Everybody Hurts, in a project being spearheaded by music mogul Simon Cowell.
Already Leona Lewis, Susan Boyle, JLS and Alexandra Burke have agreed to perform.
Apart from getting his own artists from his Syco label on board, Cowell has spoken to record chiefs at Universal, and Joe's X Factor mentor Cheryl Cole and Take That will also sing.
The death toll, for the earthquake which hit the Caribbean Island on January 12, is now estimated at 200,000, with around two million people homeless.
Cowell said: 'We have a very short time to do this and the people in Haiti need as much help as we can give them, as soon as possible.
"I'd like to make this record with as many different types of singers as we can and I hope everyone in the industry comes together to get involved."
The 50-year-old was asked by Prime Minister Gordon Brown to create a record, and it's been confirmed by Downing Street that VAT will be waived.
Mr Brown said he believes the single will make a 'huge' amount of money for the rescue efforts.
"I have already talked to Simon Cowell and I said there would be an exemption from VAT for a charity single," he said.
"The agony and anguish for the people that we are seeing on our television screens is something that British people want to respond to.
"He can make a huge amount of money to help the people of Haiti."
It's also being suggested that music legends Sir Paul McCartney and Sir Elton John will be offering their talents.
All funds raised will be split between charities the
Disasters Emergency Committee and Helping Haiti/ Medicins Sans Frontiers.
