Exciting Musical Highlights at the Oscars
After last year’s Academy Awards captivated audiences with a vibrant karaoke rendition of “I’m Just Ken,” the producers for this year’s ceremony are set on delivering another unforgettable musical experience. This time, the enchanting tones of “Barbie” will yield to the magical pink and green palette of “Wicked,” the acclaimed film adaptation of the beloved Broadway musical, which has garnered ten Oscar nominations, including that of best picture. “Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo are set to grace our stage, promising an unforgettable moment,” shared Oscars executive producer and showrunner Raj Kapoor with AFP. “With the enthusiasm that ‘I’m Just Ken’ generated, we’re eager to recreate that electric atmosphere this year,” added fellow executive producer Katy Mullan.
Expectations for the ‘Wicked’ Medley
While the specific songs to be performed have yet to be disclosed, fans can anticipate a medley featuring Erivo’s powerful performance of “Defying Gravity” and Grande’s lively rendition of “Popular.” The familiarity and affection for “Wicked” among Hollywood attendees present a unique challenge, as Mullan humorously noted that preventing A-list celebrities from overpowering the onstage performances could be difficult. “We actually encouraged that last year, so maybe we should allow it again,” she remarked.
Controversy Over Song Nominations
This year’s musical selection has sparked some debate. Since the songs from “Wicked” were not composed specifically for the film, they don’t qualify for the best original song Oscar. Traditionally, nominated songs are performed live during the ceremony. However, Kapoor mentioned that the producers have expanded the possibilities for diverse musical performances this year. Diane Warren, a nominated songwriter, criticized this decision as “extremely disrespectful.” In response, Kapoor assured that nominated songwriters would be honored through a “beautiful” video montage, emphasizing that with the Oscars now in its 97th year, a bit of change is beneficial.
New Host and Celebrating Resilience
In a shift from previous ceremonies hosted by Jimmy Kimmel, comedian Conan O’Brien will take the reins this Sunday. Kapoor expressed enthusiasm for O’Brien’s unique approach, stating, “With Conan, we enter a realm of fresh discovery… We are rejuvenated and focused on doing things differently.” While the Oscars are typically well-planned, they have seen unexpected moments in the past, such as the mix-up with “La La Land” in 2017 and Will Smith’s confrontation with Chris Rock in 2022. “Whatever unfolds that evening, Conan will be ready to respond,” Kapoor remarked.
This year’s Oscars will also honor the bravery of first responders, particularly those who battled the recent devastating fires in Los Angeles, while celebrating the resilience of the city. Kapoor promised a “touching moment” that would highlight the impact of these events on the local filmmaking community and the city as a whole. The ceremony will incorporate behind-the-scenes glimpses that recognize everyone involved in the filmmaking process, from the hands-on workers to the visionary talents like directors and production designers, according to Mullan.
Speculation About Performers
Although many details about the awards remain confidential, speculation is high regarding the lineup of musical performers. Already confirmed are artists like Doja Cat, Queen Latifah, Raye, and K-pop superstar Lisa from Blackpink. Will there be additional surprises in store? There’s even buzz that best actor nominee Timothée Chalamet, who portrayed Bob Dylan in “A Complete Unknown,” might join a legendary folk musician on stage, with Kapoor playfully expressing hope that this could happen: “If you can get to Bob, we would love for that to happen!” The Oscars are set to commence on Sunday at 4:00 PM (0000 GMT Monday) and will be aired on ABC and Hulu.
