Michelle Obama is scheduled to make the keynote speech at the South by Southwest festival in Austin, Texas, on March 16, but hours before her speech, the first lady released a charity song called "This Is For My Girls." The song stars the vocal talents of Kelly Clarkson, Missy Elliott and Kelly Rowland. The song was written by acclaimed songwriter Dianne Warren, and all the proceeds go toward the Let Girls Learn, an initiative that strives for the 62 million girls all over the world who do not have access to a quality education.
The all-female anthem was executive produced by AOL MAKERS and also features Janelle Monae, Lea Michele, Zendaya, Jadagrace and Chloe & Halle. The song dropped on iHeart Radio on Tuesday and was released on iTunes on Wednesday. It will also be performed at the first lady's SXSW speech where Warren and Elliot will join her as well as actress Sophia Bush and moderator Queen Latifah.
At the speech, "This Is For My Girls" will be performed live for the first time, and those involved will also engage in "a dialogue on finding one's passion, music, and the importance of girls' education everywhere." The first lady will also use the opportunity to highlight her Let Girls Leran initiative, "which helps break down barriers and stigma that prevent girls from getting the education they rightfully deserve."
As for the song "This is For My Girls, " 100 percent of the proceeds will be donated in support of the Peace Corps Let Girls Learn Fund because all of the artists involved waived all fees and royalties.
"It's kind of like 'We Are the World' meets 'Lady Marmalade' with these strong voices and strong women," Warren said in an interview. "When was the last time you heard a song like this or a record that had this many amazing divas on it? I'm really proud."'
When singer/actress Zendaya was asked to join in on the charity single, she said she was stunned and called it an "amazing opportunity." "Both of my parents are educators so for me, education is important because that's what I've been surrounded by my entire life," she explained. "To see how hard they work to give an education to the kids that they have in their schools and what they do, and just to think somebody doesn't have that opportunity is hard to believe."
Listen to a sample of "This Is For My Girl below and download the single on iTunes here.
