The 2023 Oscars have been a monumental event! Not because the shop has been violence-free compared to last year but because the entire program was smooth flowing and filled with surprises along the way.
Some of the most notable moments at the 95th annual academy awards were musical moments that energized and filled the whole room with much enthusiasm.
According to Variety, the 2023 Oscars increased viewership by 12% compared to last year. An average of 18.7 million viewers were recorded to have watched the ceremony last night.
We have compiled all the musical moment highlights at the 2023 Oscars that you might have missed!
2023 Oscars Highlights
Lenny Kravitz's In Memoriam Segment
In Memoriam segments rarely get the attention they deserve. But last night's In Memoriam segment was special as the Grammy Icon Lenny Kravitz lent his exceptionally brilliant vocals to honor those who the industry has lost in the past year - including Olivia Newton-John, and Angela Lansbury, among many others.
Women Get Applauded On International Women's Month
Although Diane Warren didn't take home the Academy for Best Original Song that she long overdue deserved, her performance of "Applause" from "Tell It Like A Woman" with Sofia Carson surely gave the entire Dolby Theatre applaud for every woman in the room in a poignant and meaningful performance for International Women's Month.
Lady Gaga's Stripped Down 'Hold My Hand' Cover
The past few weeks have been a nail-biter for Little Monsters worldwide. This is because Lady Gaga's announcement of whether she would be performing at the Oscars wasn't confirmed until the day before. However, when Variety reported that Gaga would indeed perform after bowing out the day before, everyone was in shock at the stripped-down yet very soulful performance she had delivered. And, as always, she deserved a standing ovation!
'Naatu, Naatu' Tap-Danced Their Way To The 'Top Of The World'
"Naatu Naatu's" bombastic performance was definitely one of the ceremony's top moments. The incredible energy that the song has conveyed transcended language barriers - ultimately defining what good music truly is. True enough, "Naatu Naatu" won Best Original Song against giants, which got its composer M. M. Keeravani improvising a Carpenters' "Top Of The World" cover to celebrate their success in their triumphant acceptance speech.
Rihanna's Musical Guest
Rihanna's performance at the Oscars is perhaps one of the most highly-anticipated moments at the ceremony. Singing her hit single "Lift Me Up," which was nominated for Best Original Song, the performance also marked the second time Rihanna performed with her special musical guest - her second baby. The pregnant music superstar first performed at the 2023 Super Bowl halftime show last February 2023 - oh, to be a child of Rihanna!
Which of those are your favorites?
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