Following speculation that only two songs would be performed during the 91st Oscars, the Academy has confirmed that is not the case.
Update (2/21/2019):
- Kendrick Lamar and SZA will no longer be performing Black Panther’s “All the Stars” at the Oscars.
- The Hollywood Reporter is writing that Lamar is currently in Europe and, “did not feel there was enough time for him to plan and execute a performance, according to one source familiar with the discussions.”
- The show’s producers felt that the song was tied so strongly to Lamar that they didn’t want to ask someone else to perform for him.
- “All The Stars” will be the only Best Song nominee that will not be performed at the Oscars.
Update (2/16/2019):
- We finally know who the Academy was referring to when they said “surprise special guest.”
- Actress and singer, Bette Midler announced on her twitter, that she will be singing “The Place Where Lost Things Go” from Mary Poppins Returns live during the Oscars.
Midler’s tweet reads:
- “So, (drum roll) Ladies and Gentlemen, I will be chanteusing (that's singing) on the Oscars on Feb 24…the nominated song from "Mary Poppins"…"The Place Where Lost Things Go" …so excited!!”
Previously:
- The Academy took to twitter this afternoon to announce that Mary Poppins Returns song, “The Place Where Lost Things Go” will be performed during the Oscars by a “surprise special guest.”
- The song is one of five that have been nominated in the Best Song category.
- Earlier this week, Lin-Manuel Miranda took to twitter to share disappointment when it appeared that only two songs would be performed during the broadcast: “All the Stars” from Black Panther and “Shallow” from A Star is Born.
- The Hollywood Reporter says that along with the Mary Poppins Returns announcement, Jennifer Hudson has also been confirmed to perform “I’ll Fight” from RBG during the broadcast.
The Oscars broadcast will air live on Sunday, February 24 at 8pm EST/5pm PST on ABC.