Even though I’m convinced this year’s Oscars will be a disorganized tragedy, I’m really looking forward to the Best Song performances. Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper will perform “Shallow,” Bette Midler will perform “The Place Where Lost Things Go” from Mary Poppins Returns and more. There was a lot of excitement around the idea of Kendrick Lamar and SZA performing “All the Stars” from Black Panther too – the song is nominated, and some people believe that “All the Stars” could potentially shock “Shallow.” Unfortunately, Kendrick and SZA won’t be performing it at the Oscars. In defense of the Academy, it sounds like Kendrick and SZA’s decision.
Despite the Academy’s efforts to secure Kendrick Lamar and SZA for a performance of the Oscar-nominated song “All the Stars” from “Black Panther” on the upcoming Oscars telecast, the duo will not be a part of the show, Variety has learned. The reason, according to a source close to the situation, is logistics and timing. Lamar was also a no-show at the Grammys this year. The song will not be performed by another act, an Academy source confirmed.
All four of the other nominated songs will be performed: “When a Cowboy Trades His Spurs for Wings” from “The Ballad of Buster Scruggs” (Gillian Welch and David Rowlings), “The Place Where Lost Things Go” from “Mary Poppins Returns” (Bette Midler and Marc Shaiman), “I’ll Fight” from “RBG” (Jennifer Hudson) and “Shallow” from “A Star Is Born” (Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper).
Hall of Fame rockers Queen, subject of best picture nominee “Bohemian Rhapsody,” will also perform on the telecast. A previous plan to showcase only “All the Stars” and “Shallow” was aborted in the face of backlash and nominee solidarity, following a Variety report about those plans.
Huh. I’m really disappointed that we won’t get an Oscar performance from Kendrick, damn. But also: it sounds like this has nothing to do with the Oscars or any decisions they might have made. This sounds like Kendrick is possibly having some issues – I’m looking through the last photos we have of him… he really was scheduled to attend the Grammys, but he backed out of that too. Has he been seen at all in 2019? Huh. I wonder what’s going on there and I hope it’s not sad tea.
Photos courtesy of WENN.
Damn this was the only performance I wanted to see
It’s a SHAME that “Shallow” will win when “All the Stars” is so f-ing great. I was so looking foward for this performance!
Honestly, I don’t understand the hype around ASIB and Shallow at all. Mediocrity being rewarded once more. All the Stars is such a great song
The scheduling/touring explanation going around is not improbable…but it feels like something they would have known awhile ago? Bob Dylan performed via satillie when he was on tour. Plus there was the whole thing about Bob Iger “getting involved” to encourage him to be on the show. I hope it’s nothing but something is tingling in the back of my mind.
Of course if it’s anything I hope it’s just that he told them to f**k off because the Oscars suck! 😂
Kendrick was busy throwing a fit because spotify wanted to stop advertising sexual perverts like r kelly and that other pedophile, whatever his name is.
Is this true?? I will be SO DISAPPOINTED if it is, ugh.
Yes it is. He threatened to pull out his music if they ban r kelly and that other pervert who I keep forgetting his name.
Love Kendrick.
They are not 90 second performer. I bet the restrictions they were given, they looked at the said no.
They were the only reason I was gonna watch. Oh well.
Ugh. I was really looking forward to their performance.
He’s super low key so who knows, but I thought he went away this year because he just welcomed a baby
Agreed! Pretty sure at least half of the Youtube video views are mine. Heck, it’s even my ringtone, which is why I’ll be gutted if they lose the Oscar.
“Sad tea”
Yeah, I don’t think that works.
I hope he is OK, but also hope he had a genuine reason for not going, as #Oscarssowhite aside, it would have been a gesture of respect to the filmmakers and a way to honor the film and its impact. That the Black Panther song will not be represented when others will will probably be very saddening to the filmmakers and fans alike.
Love that song “All the stars are closer…” Hope it wins. Kendrick seems like someone who is not impressed by statues and fakery. Not surprised he said thanks no thanks.