The 97th Annual Academy Awards is gearing up for a night that transcends the traditional boundaries of cinema and music, with an impressive roster of performers set to grace the stage. In a notable pivot from past ceremonies, the Academy has announced that influential artists such as Doja Cat, Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, LISA of Blackpink, Queen Latifah, and RAYE will deliver compelling performances aimed at celebrating the filmmaking community. This shift signals a broader trend of integrating mainstream music culture into Hollywood’s most prestigious event.
The Academy’s choice to invite such a diverse array of performers reflects a strategic effort to engage a broader demographic. With artists from various genres—ranging from pop sensation Doja Cat to the iconic hip-hop artist Queen Latifah—this year’s Oscars promises a lively atmosphere reminiscent of glitzy music awards shows. The inclusion of artists like LISA of Blackpink introduces an international flair, appealing to the K-pop fanbase that has experienced exponential growth in recent years.
This year’s musical aspect will also feature a special performance by the renowned Los Angeles Master Chorale, enhancing the cultural enrichment of the event. As the Academy seeks to evolve and adapt to changing entertainment landscapes, this blending of music and film serves as a fundamental cornerstone in reimagining the Oscars, traditionally thought of as a more staid ceremony focusing primarily on film accolades.
Among the multitude of performances announced, the anticipation surrounding Erivo and Grande’s participation stands out. Both stars, hailing from the Broadway adaptation of “Wicked,” have long been speculated to be integral to the Oscar’s opening number, although definitive details remain under wraps. “Wicked” has shattered records to become the highest-grossing musical Broadway screen adaptation to date, making its musical elements a logical and strategic inclusion for the Oscars. The lack of original songs from the film—which would qualify for the Best Song category—does not diminish the potential impact of these performances.
Given the commercial success of “Wicked,” it is likely that their collaboration will be a focal point of promotional material leading up to the event. Just as the Academy used performances from “Barbie” as a ratings lure in the previous year, the high-profile pair of Erivo and Grande have the potential to draw significant viewership and interest.
However, the Academy has not been without controversy. An eyebrow-raising decision was made when it was announced that no songs nominated for the Best Song category would be performed during the show. This unexpected move stirred discontent among musicians actively involved with the nominated works—artists such as Elton John, Selena Gomez, and Diane Warren. Given the historical context, many viewed this as a deviation from tradition. Nevertheless, it appears the producers are not abandoning the concept of musical segments; rather, they are showcasing popular music artists who may be more in tune with the current cultural zeitgeist, even if they are not part of the nominated songs.
Raj Kapoor, one of the producers for the Oscars who has also worked on this year’s Grammy showcase, hints at a burgeoning trend where the boundaries between award shows are increasingly blurred. This indicates a desire to embrace a more contemporary and lively format that stresses entertainment aesthetics rather than focusing solely on accolades.
As the Oscars approaches, hosted by comedian Conan O’Brien, it’s evident that the Academy is endeavoring to reshape the image of one of Hollywood’s most celebrated nights. By embracing an electrifying musical performance lineup, including some of the biggest names in the industry today, the 97th Academy Awards seeks to foster synergy between music and film. This bold reinvention could pave the way for future ceremonies, opening up opportunities for a more inclusive, vibrant celebration of entertainment that resonates with a diverse audience.
Set to air live on ABC and stream on Hulu on March 2, 2025, with red carpet coverage leading up to the main event, the coming Oscars could very well serve as a template for future ceremonies—a synthesis of film and music that might just redefine what it means to celebrate art in Hollywood.
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