Dian Warren Discusses Michelle Obama’s New Charity Single “This Is For My Girls”

First Lady Michelle Obama took over the music industry Tuesday when she debuted her hot new single at SXSW in Austin TX. This all-star collaboration, lead by acclaimed songwriter Dian Warren, “This is For My Girls” features powerhouse vocals from the likes Kelly Clarkson, Missy Elliott, Kelly Rowland, Janelle Monae, Lea Michele, Zendaya, Jadagrace and Chloe & Halle.

“It’s kind of like ‘We Are the World’ meets ‘Lady Marmalade’ with these strong voices and strong women,” Warren told Billboard in an exclusive interview soon after the song’s radio release. “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.”

Mrs. Obama’s musical initiative comes to us with the help of executive production by AOL’s woman empowerment website, Makers.com. All proceeds from “This Is For My Girls” is set to benefit the White House’s “Let Girl’s Learn” campaign, dedicated to aiding the estimated 62 million girls without education around the world.

Warren, who was most recently honored with an eighth Academy Award nomination for best original song for Lady Gaga’s “Til It Happens to You”, explained that Project Runaway producer Desiree Gruber encouraged her to release “This Is For My Girls” as part of Mrs. Obama’s initiative because both the campaign and the song were the missing element the other needed to find success.

“Desiree knew the song and always loved the song because I played it for her. It needed something. It was meant for female empowerment with its uplifting message.

“We haven’t had an anthem like this in awhile,” Warren added. “I envisioned the record being with all these different women, never just one girl singing on it. With Kelly Rowland on it, it’s almost like an updated Destiny’s Child record. I think it can be a huge worldwide anthem. I hope it becomes that.”

For more on How Warren and Mrs. Obama selected the song’s all-star line up, read Billboard’s exclusive here.  Enjoy the song embedded below.

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Kelly Clarkson, Missy Elliott, Kelly Rowland, Janelle Monae, Lea Michele, Zendaya, Jadagrace and Chloe & Halle

“This Is For My Girls” (Snippet) Courtesy Of Cosmopolitan 

Motown/Capitol Records