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Just Stand Up!
Just Stand Up!
Just Stand Up!
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"Just Stand Up!"
Single by Artists Stand Up to Cancer
ReleasedSeptember 2, 2008 (2008-09-02)
Recorded2008
Studio
Genre
Length3:34
Songwriters
Producers
Audio video
"JUST STAND UP!" on YouTube

"Just Stand Up!" is a song performed by an all-star female charity supergroup of pop, R&B, rock, and country artists during the telethon "Stand Up to Cancer". The group was purposely billed as Artists Stand Up to Cancer to the public. The song reached number 7 in Italy, number 10 in Canada, and number 11 in the US and Ireland.

Background

[edit]

American songwriter and producer Antonio "L.A." Reid conceived of the collaboration after a meeting with the founder of Stand Up to Cancer, which benefited from the proceeds of the record. Reid co-produced the track with American singer Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds, and the single was released on August 21, 2008.

The singers performed the song live on the "Stand Up to Cancer" special, which aired simultaneously on US TV networks ABC, CBS and NBC on September 5, 2008.[7][8]

The single was re-released on September 30, 2008, with the original recording, as well as the audio of the live performance. The CD was enhanced so it had special features for a computer. A music video was not produced for the single.

Performers (in order of appearance)

[edit]

Chart performance

[edit]

The song debuted on the Billboard Hot 100 at 78 on the week of September 13, 2008. The next week it was the greatest sales gainer and jumped 67 places to land at number 11. The next week, however, the song fell to number 36. It also peaked on the Billboard Pop 100 chart at 18. As of October 2013, "Just Stand Up!" had sold 393,000 digital downloads in the US.[9] On the UK Singles Chart, it debuted at number 39, before climbing the chart to number 26.[10] On the Canadian Hot 100 chart it made a "Hot Shot Debut" at number 10 in the week of September 11, 2008, based on downloads.

Live performance

[edit]

The live performance was held on the "Stand Up 2 Cancer" event on September 5, 2008, aired by multiple channels. All the original artists appeared for the performance, except LeAnn Rimes, Sheryl Crow and Melissa Etheridge, with the addition of Nicole Scherzinger from The Pussycat Dolls singing the parts of Sheryl Crow. The live performance is slightly different from the original song available for download. The live performance video is available for purchase on iTunes.[citation needed]

Track listing

[edit]
  1. "Just Stand Up!" – 3:37
  2. "Just Stand Up!" (Live Video) – 4:28

Credits and personnel

[edit]
Vocalists
Production

Credits adapted from Discogs.[12]

  • Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds: writer, producer, keyboards, acoustic guitar, bass, drum programming
  • Ronnie "Preach" Walton: writer, co-producer, keyboards, drum programming
  • Antonio "LA" Reid: executive producer, producer
  • Kenya Ivey: additional background vocals
  • Paul Boutin: recording and mixing
  • Alejandro Venguer, Brian Garten, Marcos Tovar: additional recording
  • Karen Kwak: project coordinator

Charts

[edit]
Chart (2008) Peak
position
Australia (ARIA)[11] 39
Austria (Ö3 Austria Top 40)[13] 73
Canada (Canadian Hot 100)[14] 10
Ireland (IRMA)[15] 11
Italy (FIMI)[16] 7
Japan (Japan Hot 100)[17] 85
New Zealand (Recorded Music NZ)[18] 19
Sweden (Sverigetopplistan)[19] 51
UK Singles (OCC)[10] 26
US Billboard Hot 100[20] 11
US Adult Contemporary (Billboard)[21] 12
US Adult Pop Airplay (Billboard)[22] 25
US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (Billboard)[23] 27
US Pop Airplay (Billboard)[24] 30

Certifications

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Region Certification Certified units/sales
United States (RIAA)[25]
Video release 		2× Platinum 100,000^

^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Just Stand Up!

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
"Just Stand Up!" is a charity single recorded and performed by an all-star supergroup of female artists to support the Stand Up to Cancer (SU2C) initiative, a collaborative effort by entertainment industry leaders to fund groundbreaking and accelerate treatments. The song, conceived by Chairman Antonio "L.A." Reid, emphasizes unity and resilience in the fight against cancer, with all proceeds from its sales directed toward SU2C's mission. Produced by Kenny "Babyface" Edmonds and , the track features prominent vocalists including , , , , Fergie, , , , Ashanti, , , , , , and . Released digitally on on September 2, 2008, it debuted at number 78 on the chart the following week, driven by airplay and digital sales, before climbing to its peak position of number 11 as the greatest sales gainer. The song received its premiere during the SU2C on September 5, 2008, broadcast simultaneously on ABC, , and from the Fashion Rocks event at in , where the assembled artists performed it together in a highly publicized moment of . This performance, part of a broader broadcast, contributed to the overall campaign's success in raising over $100 million for in its initial phase.

Background

Conception

Stand Up to Cancer (SU2C) was established in 2008 as a program of the Entertainment Industry Foundation (EIF), a philanthropic organization dedicated to supporting causes in the entertainment sector, with the primary goal of accelerating innovative and improving patient outcomes through collaborative efforts. The initiative was co-founded by nine women, including prominent figures such as film producer , journalist , and EIF Board Chairperson , who leveraged their influence to unite the entertainment industry in raising awareness and funds for . This launch marked a pivotal moment in celebrity-driven , emphasizing to bridge the gap between scientific discovery and clinical application. The conception of the charity single "Just Stand Up!" emerged directly from the SU2C campaign's early organizational efforts, spearheaded by , then-Chairman of , in early 2008. Inspired by a compelling meeting with the women who founded , Reid proposed creating an all-female supergroup recording akin to the landmark 1985 charity single "" by USA for Africa, aiming to harness the star power of top female artists to amplify the campaign's message of hope and unity against cancer. This idea was positioned as a musical cornerstone for SU2C's inaugural fundraising , intended to premiere live during the broadcast and drive donations toward cancer research initiatives. The project received official announcement in the summer of 2008, building momentum for the telethon airing across ABC, , and , with collaborating on production alongside longtime partner Kenny "Babyface" Edmonds to ensure the single captured the emotional urgency of the cause.

Development

The development of "Just Stand Up!" began when Antonio "L.A." , Chairman of , conceived the charity single following a powerful and inspiring meeting with the women who founded . Reid led the recruitment process, approaching prominent female recording artists across pop, R&B, rock, and country genres to assemble an all-star supergroup in support of the initiative. The decision to focus exclusively on female artists underscored the significant roles women play in cancer advocacy, mirroring the female leadership of the Stand Up to Cancer campaign. In August 2008, held key meetings and negotiations with potential participants, emphasizing the charity's mission to rally public support for accelerating groundbreaking and ending cancer as a leading cause of death. These efforts culminated in the project's public announcement on August 19, 2008, despite logistical challenges in coordinating the artists' busy schedules around ongoing tours and commitments to prepare for the song's recording and premiere.

Production

Songwriting

The song "Just Stand Up!" was written by "Babyface" Edmonds and Ronnie Walton, with the focusing on , , and defiance in the face of cancer. The composition emerged as part of the Stand Up to Cancer initiative, emphasizing solidarity among women to combat the disease through motivational messaging. Central to the lyrics are themes of encouragement, captured in the anthemic "Just stand up," which urges resilience and perseverance during hardship. The verses highlight collective support and inner strength, portraying cancer as a battle that can be confronted together, reflecting broader narratives of and communal resolve. This thematic core draws from the uplifting spirit of the charity effort, promoting hope and action against illness. The song's structure was crafted to suit an ensemble of performers, featuring distinct verses for individual vocalists interspersed with a unifying chorus that builds rhythmic momentum for group delivery. This arrangement ensures seamless transitions and harmonious interplay, allowing each artist to contribute uniquely while reinforcing the message of . Written in the summer of , the track was finalized ahead of its recording sessions to meet the September release timeline for the Stand Up to Cancer .

Recording Process

The recording of "Just Stand Up!" took place at multiple studios including Brandon’s Way, Starstruck, Recording, Legacy, Roc The Mic, and Capitol Studios in August 2008. Produced by and Babyface Edmonds, the track employs a mid-tempo R&B-pop characterized by prominent , sweeping strings, and intricate layered vocals that create a sense of collective strength. The song runs for 3:34, with key musical elements including progressively building harmonies in the chorus designed to evoke unity and empowerment. Coordinating the remote vocal recordings posed significant challenges, as many artists could not attend in person due to scheduling conflicts, necessitating precise and editing to blend their individual performances into a seamless ensemble.

Performers and Credits

The "Just Stand Up!" single features a supergroup of 15 prominent female recording artists, collectively billed as Artists Stand Up to Cancer, who contributed vocals to support the initiative. The full roster includes , , , , Fergie, , , , , , , Ashanti, , , and . This ensemble draws from diverse musical backgrounds, encompassing pop artists such as and , R&B performers like and , and rock and country voices including and , creating a unified yet multifaceted sound for the charity track. In the studio version, the artists' contributions are structured across verses, pre-choruses, bridges, and a collective chorus to emphasize themes of resilience and . The song opens with an intro sung by all participants, followed by Verse 1 led by and , focusing on the heart's enduring strength. The pre-chorus features , , , and , building encouragement, while the chorus is anchored by with backing from the full group and a prominent ad-lib by . Verse 2 shifts to Fergie, , and , addressing overcoming adversity. Subsequent pre-choruses incorporate additional voices like and alongside returning artists. Bridge 1 highlights , , , and on guiding inner strength, and Bridge 2 brings , Ashanti, and for messages of trust and hope. The track closes with an outro by Fergie and , fading into a final group .

Production Personnel

The production of "Just Stand Up!" was led by renowned producers Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds and Antonio "L.A." Reid, who oversaw the creative and technical assembly of the charity single. Edmonds, a multiple Grammy Award-winning artist and producer known for his work in R&B and pop, handled key instrumental elements including drum programming, keyboards, acoustic guitars, and bass, while also serving as the primary songwriter alongside co-producer Ronnie "Preach" Walton. Walton contributed additional drum programming and keyboards, and together with Edmonds, penned the song's lyrics and composition to inspire resilience in the face of cancer. Recording and mixing duties were managed by engineer Paul Boutin, who captured the ensemble's performances and blended the multitrack elements at various studios. Additional vocal engineering was provided by Brian Garten, Alejandro Venguer, and Marcos Tovar, ensuring the layered harmonies from the all-star lineup were precisely integrated. Kenya Ivey supplied supplementary background vocals, adding depth to the track's uplifting chorus without overshadowing the featured performers. The project was coordinated by Karen Kwak, who facilitated the collaboration among the high-profile contributors. The single was released under the SU2C Music LLC imprint in partnership with , a division of , ensuring proceeds directly supported initiatives.

Release

Single Release

"Just Stand Up!" was first released as a digital download single on September 2, 2008, exclusively available on and other major digital platforms. The single was distributed by Island Def Jam Music Group under the auspices of Stand Up to Cancer (SU2C). Physical formats, such as enhanced CD singles, became available later that month on September 30, 2008. This release incorporated the original studio recording alongside a live video performance by the artists.

Formats and Track Listing

The single "Just Stand Up!" was released in digital download, , and video single formats, with the video single certified separately by the RIAA. It was first made available as a digital download on September 2, 2008, followed by the on September 30, 2008. The features the studio version and a live video performance from Up to Cancer , with no official B-sides or remixes issued.
TrackTitleDurationFormat
1Just Stand Up!3:37Audio
2Just Stand Up! (Live Video)4:28Video

Promotion and Live Performances

Promotional Events

The promotional campaign for "Just Stand Up!" began in August 2008 with announcements highlighting the collaboration of over a dozen female artists, including , , , and , to support (SU2C). These reveals were accompanied by artist interviews in major media outlets, where participants discussed the song's inspirational message and commitment to funding. The efforts built anticipation for the single's digital release and radio premiere on September 2, 2008, marking its debut on airwaves ahead of the . SU2C's broader media campaigns amplified the single through a series of public service announcements (PSAs) launched in summer 2008, featuring celebrities and cancer survivors across TV, radio, print, and online platforms to raise awareness and promote the September telethon. Artists further endorsed the initiative via personal promotions, including early social media posts and website announcements, urging fans to purchase the track and support the cause. The campaign extended into October 2008, aligning with National , as the physical released on September 30 to sustain momentum and tie into heightened public focus on and research.

Stand Up to Cancer Telethon

The primary live performance of "Just Stand Up!" occurred during the inaugural on September 5, 2008, which was simulcast live on ABC, , and from the Kodak Theatre in . The rendition was broadcast from the Fashion Rocks event at in , integrating seamlessly into the telethon's programming to amplify awareness and fundraising efforts for . Billed as "Artists Stand Up to Cancer," the ensemble delivered the song in a collaborative format, with performers joining the stage one by one to sing their assigned verses in sequence, creating a dynamic, unified showcase of solidarity. Several original recording artists were unable to participate due to personal or scheduling reasons: , , and were absent from the live event. In a notable adjustment to the roster, of stepped in to perform Crow's parts, ensuring the song's structure remained intact while maintaining the all-female supergroup's momentum. The performers included , , , , Fergie, , , , , Ashanti, and , with Scherzinger's addition briefly referenced in lineup announcements. Following the broadcast, footage of the live performance was made available for digital purchase on as an enhanced video, with all proceeds directed toward Stand Up to Cancer's initiatives to fund groundbreaking . This release extended the event's reach, allowing fans to support the cause beyond the airing while preserving the collaborative spirit of the supergroup's onstage unity.

Commercial Performance

Chart Performance

"Just Stand Up!" debuted at number 78 on the chart dated September 13, 2008. The following week, it climbed 67 positions to its peak of number 11, earning the greatest gainer accolade for that chart issue, propelled by the song's live performance during the Stand Up to Cancer telethon on September 5, 2008, and a subsequent surge in digital downloads. It held the number 11 position for one week before dropping to number 36, as the initial sales momentum from the telethon waned after that single strong week, and the track ultimately charted for a total of 4 weeks. Internationally, the single achieved strong initial reception in several markets. It peaked at number 10 on the Canadian Hot 100. In , it reached number 7 on the FIMI Singles Chart. The song entered the at its peak of number 11. On the UK Singles Chart, it topped out at number 26. In , "Just Stand Up!" attained a peak of number 39 on the ARIA Singles Chart.

Sales and Certifications

In the United States, "Just Stand Up!" sold 343,000 digital downloads as of April 2010. By October 2013, this figure had reached 393,000 units, according to industry reports citing Nielsen SoundScan data. No official sales updates have been published since 2013. Download sales figures have not been updated publicly since 2013; total units would be higher including post-2013 downloads and streams from all platforms. The (RIAA) certified the accompanying video single as 2× Platinum on October 15, 2010, equivalent to 100,000 units shipped (with thresholds for video singles set at 50,000 units each). No has been issued for the audio single format. As of November 2025, the song has accumulated over 12 million streams on alone. Under RIAA guidelines, where 150 on-demand audio/video streams equate to one sale equivalent unit, this contributes approximately additional units. Combined with the 393,000 sales as of , this adds approximately stream-equivalent units from alone.

Legacy

Charitable Impact

The release and performance of "Just Stand Up!" played a pivotal role in launching Stand Up to Cancer's (SU2C) inaugural fundraising in September 2008, which raised over $100 million in pledges toward the organization's initial goal of accelerating breakthroughs. All proceeds from sales of the charity single were donated directly to SU2C, providing essential early support for its mission in 2008. As of , SU2C had amassed more than $810 million in total pledges since its founding, enabling sustained investment in collaborative over more than 15 years. These funds have supported numerous research grants, including high-impact Dream Teams that unite scientists, clinicians, and industry experts to advance innovative studies on cancers such as , , and pancreatic types. Through such initiatives, SU2C has funded research leading to more than 40 clinical trials, enrolling thousands of patients and contributing to advancements in and targeted therapies.

Cultural Significance

The song "Just Stand Up!" holds a prominent place in the history of charity music, particularly as an all-female supergroup effort that exemplified female empowerment and solidarity in 2000s activism. Featuring an ensemble of leading artists including , , , , and others, it was praised for its star power and uplifting message of resilience against cancer. described the track as an "empowering song" and one of 's iconic moments, assembling a "who's who of female , and R&B greats" to benefit the Stand Up to Cancer initiative. Its legacy draws frequent comparisons to landmark charity singles like "," positioning it within a tradition of collaborative that leverages influence for social good. In , the 2008 Fashion Rocks live performance has achieved viral status, amassing over 2 million views on and serving as a reference point in ongoing cancer awareness efforts.

References

  1. https://news.standuptocancer.org/press/just-stand-up-star-studded-charitable-single-sets-pace-for-su2c-fundraising-campaign/
  2. https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/chart-beat-chat-the-jonas-brothers-just-stand-up-keith-urban-and-ub40-1044253/
  3. https://news.standuptocancer.org/press/stand-up-to-cancer-announces-more-than-100-million-raised-in-unprecedented-effort-to-end-cancer/
  4. https://www.eifoundation.org/eif-programs/stand-up-to-cancer/
  5. https://news.standuptocancer.org/press/abc-cbs-nbc-announce-historic-collaboration-to-stand-up-to-cancer/
  6. https://standuptocancer.org/who-we-are/our-story/
  7. https://variety.com/2008/music/markets-festivals/carey-cyrus-to-stand-up-to-cancer-1117990741/
  8. https://www.songfacts.com/facts/stand-up-to-cancer/just-stand-up
  9. https://www.discogs.com/release/10396243-Artists-Stand-Up-To-Cancer-Just-Stand-Up
  10. https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/female-stars-team-for-cancer-charity-tune-1044410/
  11. https://genius.com/Artists-stand-up-to-cancer-just-stand-up-lyrics
  12. https://www.discogs.com/release/1789485-Just-Stand-Up-To-Cancer-Just-Stand-Up
  13. https://www.scribd.com/document/138569939/Digital-Booklet-Just-Stand-Up
  14. https://www.discogs.com/master/127967-Just-Stand-Up-To-Cancer-Just-Stand-Up
  15. https://music.apple.com/us/song/just-stand-up-feat-mariah-beyonc%C3%A9-mary-j-blige-rihanna/1444851002
  16. https://www.discogs.com/label/11537-Island-Def-Jam-Music-Group
  17. https://musicbrainz.org/release/6c6236a3-3ec9-3cc0-b9c5-208b92a299d4
  18. https://www.discogs.com/release/1631718-Just-Stand-Up-To-Cancer-Just-Stand-Up
  19. https://www.cbsnews.com/pictures/stand-up-to-cancer/
  20. https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/fashion-rocks-sept-5-2008-new-york-new-york-radio-city-music-hall-1044135/
  21. https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/tis-like-starts-third-week-atop-hot-100-1044121/
  22. https://www.billboard.com/charts/hot-100/2008-09-20/
  23. https://australian-charts.com/showitem.asp?interpret=Artists+Stand+Up+To+Cancer&titel=Just+Stand+Up!&cat=s
  24. https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=default_award&ar=STAND+UP+TO+CANCER&ti=JUST+STAND+UP%21&format=VIDEO%20SINGLE&type=#search_section
  25. https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=default_award&ar=STAND+UP+TO+CANCER&ti=JUST+STAND+UP%21&format=SINGLE&type=#search_section
  26. https://www.mystreamcount.com/track/6wtcR8APXJAtPXb6LV96ia
  27. https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/about-awards/
  28. https://www.aacr.org/professionals/research-funding/funded-research/independent-research-grants/su2c-dreamteams/
  29. https://standuptocancer.org/spotlight/impact-stories/
  30. https://www.billboard.com/pro/ask-billboard-sisters-are-doin-it-for-themselves/
  31. https://www.billboard.com/lists/beyonce-iconic-moments/
  32. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HUEF-NzPnD8
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