When Oscar voting officially closed at 5 PM on March 22nd it meant The Academy could finally announce the musical performers for this year’s 94th Academy Awards. And, as expected, Beyonce is part of the mix along with three other performers of the Best Original Song class. The fifth? Well, it won’t be Van Morrison.
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Nominated for his original song “Down To Joy” from “Belfast,” Van Morrison declined to appear due to “tour conflicts.” Strangely, the Academy decided not to find another singer to perform the song during the ceremony. This is somewhat odd as many other singers have filled in over the decades.
Additionally, and as previously reported, Beyonce will be performing her nominated track, “King Richard,” via satellite from the Compton Tennis Courts that the film’s subjects, Venus and Serena Williams, practiced at as kids.
The three other nominated performers are Billie Eilish and Finneas (“No Time To Die” from “No Time To Die”), Reba McEntire (“Somehow You Do” from “Four Good Days”), and Sebastián Yatra (“Dos Oruguitas” from “Encanto”). It’s unclear if these performers will pre-tape their performances or perform live at the Dolby Theater.
ABC has also been hyping “the biggest musical number in Oscars history” and the first live performance of another “Encanto” song, “We Don’t Talk About Bruno,” also written by Lin-Manuel Miranda.
The 94th Academy Awards will air live on ABC this Sunday, March 27, 2022 at 5 PM PT/8 PM ET.