If you tuned in at 8:00 PM EST for the Academy Awards, then odds are you missed some of the best moments of the evening. As expected, the Academy broadcast the Best Original Song performances during the pre-show, with standout performances by Celeste, H.E.R., Leslie Odom, Jr., Laura Pausini, Daniel Pemberton, Molly Sandén and Diane Warren mixed in with red carpet moments galore.
READ MORE: The 100 Most Anticipated Films Of 2021
In an unconventional evening for music, the standout was singer Molly Sandén and her adorable choir of Icelandic children. While the other four songs were performance atop the Dolby Family Terrace of the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, “Husavik” was performed in the titular town of Husavik, Iceland. Much like The Weeknd‘s Super Bowl halftime show, the “Husavik” performance took full of advantage of the pre-recorded nature of the segment and pulled out all the stops. In this case, it means going big and going home.
READ MORE: Oscars Predictions 2021: ‘Nomadland,’ ‘My Octopus Teacher,’ Viola Davis
We’ve already shared our thoughts about the decision to move the Best Original Song nominees to the pre-show, but it bears repeating: these songs are often a much-needed jolt of energy to the broadcast, and odds are good that their presence will be sorely missed as the night unfolds. Odds are that people will be talking about the performances long after some of the winners themselves have been forgotten. Well, at least those “Husavik” sweaters.
Oscars 2021 Winners List [Updating Live]
Below are three of the full performances, not including “Io Sì (Seen)” and “Fight For You.” According to Deadline, those performances have yet to be cleared by the artists.
Celeste, “Hear My Voice” from “The Trial of the Chicago 7“
Leslie Odom, Jr., “Speak Now” from “One Night in Miami…“
Molly Sandén, “Husavik” from “Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga.”
Follow along here for all our coverage of the 93rd Academy Awards.