We all know the Best Original Song performances are the most entertaining part of the Oscars. With Rihanna set to sing her nominated track “Lift Me Up” from Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, it’s definitely time to take a look back at some of the most memorable Best Original Song Performances. You’ll probably start asking yourself why some of these songs didn’t win.
Suggested Reading
Fame – “Fame”/”Out Here On My Own” – Irene Cara
Don’t act like I’m the only one who’s done the whole dance sequence from Fame.
Endless Love – “Endless Love” – Lionel Richie and Diana Ross
The soundtrack to junior high school dances everywhere.
Footloose – “Footloose” – Debbie Allen
No offense to Kenny Loggins, but you know he wasn’t going to bring it like Ms. Debbie.
Footloose – “Let’s Hear It for the Boy” – Deniece Williams
Eight-year-old me is still somewhere singing this song nonstop.
The Little Mermaid – “Under the Sea”/”Kiss the Girl” – Geoffrey Holder
Come on, everyone loves “Under the Sea.”
Aladdin – “Friend Like Me” – Nell Carter
This is the moment the Aladdin stage was born. Nell Carter is one of those performers who was born to be an entertainer.
The Bodyguard – “Run to You”/”I Have Nothing” – Natalie Cole
It’s impossible to match Whitney Houston, but Natalie Cole does a beautiful job of putting her own spin on these songs.
Aaliyah – “Journey to the Past” – Anastasia
Another reminder of how truly talented Aaliyah was. She was destined for superstardom.
Hustle & Flow – “It’s Hard Out Here For a Pimp” – Three 6 Mafia, Taraji P. Henson
The unlikeliest Oscar-winner in history.
Dreamgirls – “Listen”/”Love You I Do”/”Patience” – Jennifer Hudson, Beyoncé Knowles, Anika Noni Rose, Keith Robinson
With all due respect to Melissa Etheridge, I don’t know how you vote against the Dreamgirls.
Despicable Me 2 – “Happy” – Pharrell Williams
Even Lupita Nyong’o knows you can’t sit still during this jam.
Selma – “Glory” – Common, John Legend
No song may be better crafted for a movie than “Glory” is for Selma.
Fifty Shades of Grey – “Earned It” – The Weeknd
This is your mom’s jam. Don’t ask for any further details.
Harriet – “Stand Up” – Cynthia Erivo
Cynthia Erivo doesn’t miss when it comes to live performances.
Judas and the Black Messiah – “Fight for You” – H.E.R.
I’m predicting this is just the first of many Oscars for H.E.R.
King Richard – “Be Alive” – Beyoncé
The show really went downhill after Beyoncé’s opening performance.
Straight From 
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