By Alan Fein

(AXcess News) News York - Simon Cowell's global release of the Helping Haiti single "Everybody Hurts" features a documentary video of the devastation caused by the earthquake in Haiti. "Extra" gives readers a first-peak at Cowell's video release.

Personally, I am proud to say I am no fan of "American Idol" and even less of the no-talent so-called "judge" Simon Cowell.  I find programs of that nature to be boring, dull, without substance and purely a come-on for promoting pre-selected talent in recording deals through the use of the press as a celebrity/gossip mash up of "who says what" and "how dare they."

Now out of a job, Cowell has become a vulture of misfortune in the production of "Everybody Hurts" - despite its supposed intention of aiding those in need in Haiti who suffered so greatly from the devastating earthquake that all but leveled the tiny island nation.

"Extra" noted how Cowell quickly brought together such talented music artists as Mariah Carey, Rod Stewart, Jon Bon Jovi and many more to re-record R.E.M's "Everybody Hurts" in order to raise money for Haiti relief.

Where Elvis and Michael Jackson still living...well,, maybe Elvis would have had sense enough to stay out of the once-top celebrity list of singers and songwriters - they may have joined the group of stars in the fund raising effort.  It appears that just about everyone in Hollywood who hasn't had enough celebrity coverage in the gossip rags is out to 'help Haiti".  Good luck with that!  For after all, the music industry, like its close cousin, film, will come to the aid of anything that appeals to people's heart - and purse - strings as long as they get some credit out of it.

"Volunteering" behind Cowell's "Everybody Hurts" probably means pro bono work, though expenses and other costs - like most charity events - come off the top.  Then who gets the cash at the end of the Haiti relief event is another consideration.  You can bet "Extra" won't be touting that.  Nor will the television network that most likely will air the taping of "Everybody Hurts" video and of course sell commercial spots to companies looking to up their image with consumers so as to say, they really care... as long as it's good for bottom line profits.

When the earthquake first struck, AXcess News ran but one story - beware of online swindles, making it the top story across its nationwide network of 92 major market news websites as well as the 16 largest cities in Canada and again as many in Great Britain, Ireland and Scotland.  All with the intent of warning consumers not to be taken in by fraudulent offers to donate money to Haiti relief.

I only hope that Simon Cowell's "Everybody Hurts" music - and video - generates real, true Haiti relief and that the money ends up in the hands of those relief organizations who are there on the ground helping Haitians rebuild their lives.  God bless them, each and every one for the work they do!