Common and John Legend's moving tune "Glory," from the civil-rights film Selma took home the Golden Globe last night, Jan. 11, for Best Original Song. Prince was on hand to deliver the award to the delight of pretty much everyone in the crowd. The pair beat out artists like Lana Del Rey, Lorde and Patti Smith in the category.
It is hard to say who received more applause: the winners or the presenter. Prince showed up almost out of nowhere and the crowd lost it — Louis C.K. and Channing Tatum went hard at whistling for the rocker. Common and Legend deserved this win. Their masterful song about the struggle for racial equality resonates now more than ever.
"The first day I stepped on the set of Selma, I began to feel like this was bigger than a movie," Common, who also has a part in the film, said. "As I got to know the people of the civil rights movement, I realize I am the hopeful black woman who was denied her right to vote. I am the caring white supporter killed on the front lines of freedom. I am the unarmed black kid who maybe needed a hand but instead was given a bullet. I am the two fallen police officers murdered in the line of duty."
"We still are in solidarity with those who are out there fighting for justice right now, and we're so grateful to write this song, hopefully, as an inspiration to them," Legend added.
On "Glory," Legend sings the chorus with all his soulful might as Common takes the verses. His flow is elevated by the message of equal rights that traces the movement from Rosa Parks to the peaceful protests in Ferguson, Missouri. Listen to the song here.
Legend and Common beat out Del Rey's "Big Eyes" for the movie of the same name, Lorde's "Yellow Flicker Beat" for The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1, Smith and Lenny Kaye's "Mercy Is" from Noah and Sia's "Opportunity" from Annie.
U2 took home the award last year for their Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom track "Ordinary Love."
