Josh Groban pronounced the scene "inspired chaos" as an all-star chorus re-recorded "We Are the World" Monday at the Hollywood studio where the original was taped 25 years ago. "It's great to see so many legendary artists sweating it out (and) to be in the middle of a sandwich between Barbra Streisand and Weezy (Lil Wayne)," he said.

Quincy Jones, the original producer, and Lionel Richie, who co-wrote the song with Michael Jackson, were back to oversee "We Are the World: 25 For Haiti," a contemporary update of the 1985 anthem. The 3-D video, shot by Paul Haggis, and song, which includes altered lyrics and an added rap segment pertaining to Haiti, will premiere Feb. 12 during NBC's coverage of the Winter Olympics opening ceremony. Proceeds from the release will go to Haitian relief efforts.

At Henson Recording Studios, formerly A&M Studios, roughly 80 singers, rappers and actors jammed into choir formation to repeatedly sing the familiar refrain.

NEWTON SEEKS RECOGNITION FOR HIS TRIBE

"Mr. Las Vegas" Wayne Newton is asking Virginia legislators to grant state recognition to his Indian tribe.

The Virginia-born entertainer appealed yesterday to the House Rules Committee to officially recognize the Patawomeck, or Potomac, tribe, of which he is a member. Committee members voted unanimously in favor of the recognition, which has been given to eight Virginia tribes.

The recognition allows the group to be known as a tribe but does not grant sovereignty.

Newton and Patawomeck Chief Robert Green said it would validate their identity and help them protect sacred burial grounds.

FAWCETT'S SON GOING BACK TO REHAB

A judge in Los Angeles is sending the troubled son of Ryan O'Neal and the late Farrah Fawcett back to rehab after more than a month in jail.

The judge placed Redmond O'Neal back on probation and sentenced him to an intense residential rehab program during a brief hearing yesterday. The 25-year-old has been jailed since Dec. 29 for violating his probation on a previous drug conviction.

'BOSTON LEGAL' ACTOR KILLED IN ACCIDENT

An actor who appeared on the TV show "Boston Legal" has been killed in an SUV crash in Wisconsin.

The Iowa County Sheriff's Department says Justin Mentell was killed when his SUV went down an embankment off a highway and hit two trees on Monday.

The sheriff's department says the 27-year-old from Waukegan, Ill., wasn't wearing a seat belt.

Mentell portrayed attorney Garrett Wells on "Boston Legal" from 2005 to 2006. More recently, he was Terrell in the 2009 Disney movie "G-Force."

— Advertiser News Services