The most obvious get for this year’s Oscars telecast producer, Will Packer, was Beyonce. Nominated for the first time for co-writing “Be Alive” from “King Richard,” an appearance by the 28-time Grammy winner would at least increase the Academy Award’s ratings by a 10th of a point. And, surprise, it’s likely happening.
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Multiple reports say that Beyonce is interested in either pre-taping a performance of the song at the Compton tennis courts where “King Richard’s” real-life subjects, Venus and Serena Williams, trained or a live version at the Dolby Theater. This writer heard buzz a few days ago that this has either already been taped at the courts with a massive choir on hand or rehearsals were ongoing. So, it’s happening, it’s just when AMPAS plans on announcing the news. Deadline states that if Beyonce gets to pre-tape she also wants that option for her fellow nominees.
Other expected performances from the show included Reba McEntire singing the Diane Warren nominated “Somehow You Do” from “Four Good Days,” noted anti-vaxxer Van Morrison performing “Down to Joy” from “Belfast,” and Billie Eilish and Finneas singing the title track from “No Time To Die.” Who will perform “Dos Oruguitas” from “Encanto” is unclear, but ABC is already hyping that the massive hit Disney didn’t submit for Oscar consideration, Lin-Manuel Miranda’s “We Don’t Talk About Bruno,” will have its first “live” performance during the telecast.
The show is also expected to open with what ABC is hyping as the “biggest opening number in Oscars history” which, dear god, might include recently announced presenter, DJ Khaled.
The music icon has performed at three Oscars ceremonies previously. In 2005 for the song “Look To Your Path” from the film “Les Choristes” and “Learn to be Lonely” from “Phantom of the Opera,” in 2007 she sang a melody of songs from “Dreamgirls,” (“Listen,” “Love You I Do,” “Patience”) and in 2009 where she was part of a massive musical number with show host Hugh Jackman.
The 94th Academy Awards will take place on Sunday, March 27 beginning at 5 PM PT, 8 PM ET.
