Breaking with tradition: Oscar ceremony relies on big music acts

Breaking with tradition Oscar ceremony relies on big music acts 25.02.2025, 13:28

The Oscars will be awarded on March 2nd. For the first time, the organizers are relying on a new musical concept - and on big names from the music industry to provide entertainment.

The Oscars will be awarded in Los Angeles next Sunday and film fans around the world are already looking forward to the traditional emotional acceptance speeches, surprised winners and big gowns on the red carpet. However, one tradition will be omitted for the first time this year.

Back in January, the Academy announced that this year's awards ceremony would forego live performances of nominated songs and instead focus on the backstories of the nominated songwriters. This year's nominated film hits are "El Mal" and "Mi Camino" from "Emilia Pérez", "Like a Bird" from "Sing Sing", "Never Too Late" from "Elton John: Never Too Late" and "The Journey" from "The Six Triple Eight". The musical film "Wicked", however, did not receive a nomination in the category.

But music will not be missing from this year's Oscar ceremony. As has now been announced, the organizers want to rely on "global superstars" to create a great atmosphere in the hall and among the TV viewers at the 97th awards ceremony of the coveted golden boy. The music acts planned for March 2nd are US rapper Doja Cat, US rapper Queen Latifah, British R&B singer Raye and K-pop icon Lalisa "Lisa" Manoban from the South Korean girl group Blackpink. There will also be a special performance by the famous choir of the city of Los Angeles, the Los Angeles Master Chorale, according to the statement on the music program.

According to "The Hollywood Reporter," the organizers also promise a "fascinating moment" that the two "Wicked" stars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande will provide right at the beginning of the ceremony. Lead actress Erivo and supporting actress Grande are both nominated for an Oscar for their performance in the film musical.

Conan O'Brien promises a fun evening

At the beginning of the month, Hollywood insider service "Puck" reported that "the Academy and executive producers Raj Kapoor and Katy Mullan have decided to open the show with a 'Wicked' medley." However, this has not yet been confirmed. The Academy and broadcaster ABC are hoping that the performance of the two singers and actresses in one of the biggest blockbusters of 2024 will boost ratings. For Grande and Erivo, it is also the perfect advertisement for the upcoming sequel to their film "Wicked: For Good."

The host of the 2025 Oscars is talk show host and comedian Conan O'Brien. In an interview with "People," he promises that he wants to "cheer people up." "It's a celebration for an entire industry and for people from all walks of life who give their blood, sweat and tears to show business," said O'Brien. He hopes there will be plenty of laughs at this year's awards ceremony: "I don't want to let America down."