The 96th Academy Awards witnessed a night of stellar performances, but the Original Song category always holds a special place in the hearts of music and film lovers. This year, Billie Eilish and Finneas O’Connell clinched the coveted prize for “What Was I Made For?”, their poignant ballad from the cinematic sensation “Barbie.” This victory marked their second Oscar win, solidifying their position as the youngest two-time Oscar winners. It also echoed history, making them the first songwriters since James Horner and Will Jennings (“My Heart Will Go On” from “Titanic”) to win both the Oscar and Grammy for Song of the Year for the same track.
While “What Was I Made For?” was a strong contender and eventual winner, the Oscar telecast showcased a diverse range of nominated songs, each brought to life through captivating performances. The competition was particularly fierce, especially from another “Barbie” hit. Here’s a ranking of all five Original Song performances from the 2024 Oscars, leading up to the ultimate showstopper.
5. Jon Batiste – “It Never Went Away”
Jon Batiste, known for his charismatic presence as the former bandleader on “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert,” is no stranger to awards circuits. His Grammy Album of the Year win in 2022 for “We Are” was a testament to his musical prowess. However, his Oscars performance of “It Never Went Away,” co-written with Dan Wilson for the documentary “American Symphony,” fell somewhat flat compared to the other nominees.
The song, a heartfelt ballad about enduring love amidst personal struggles – inspired by his wife’s battle with cancer – felt emotionally sincere, but the performance lacked the dynamism and connection that resonated with other acts. The somewhat perplexing choice to project random movie couples onto the screen behind him, ranging from iconic pairings like Gwyneth Paltrow and Joseph Fiennes in “Shakespeare in Love” to Jake Gyllenhaal and Heath Ledger in “Brokeback Mountain,” felt visually distracting and conceptually muddled, detracting from Batiste’s performance rather than enhancing it.
4. Becky G – “The Fire Inside”
Becky G brought vibrant energy to the stage with “The Fire Inside” from Eva Longoria’s film “Flamin’ Hot.” Surrounded by a charming children’s choir dressed in red and white, the Inglewood native delivered a spirited performance of this feel-good Latin pop track. Her stage presence was confident, and the performance was undeniably uplifting, offering a moment of pure pop exuberance amidst the more emotionally weighty performances of the night.
However, “The Fire Inside,” penned by the prolific Diane Warren, felt somewhat formulaic, especially considering Warren’s impressive catalog of hits. While catchy and well-performed by Becky G, it lacked the distinctiveness and emotional depth of the other nominated songs. Despite Warren’s 15 Oscar nominations, this song, while pleasant, didn’t quite feel like the one to break her losing streak. It was a solid, enjoyable performance but not a standout in the context of the “best song” Oscar race.
3. Scott George and the Osage Singers – “Wahzhazhe (A Song for My People)”
In a year where Hollywood increasingly acknowledges the indigenous lands on which awards shows take place, the performance by Scott George and the Osage Singers of “Wahzhazhe (A Song for My People)” from “Killers of the Flower Moon” was a powerful and culturally significant moment. It transcended mere entertainment, offering a genuine celebration of Native American heritage and artistry.
The performance was visually striking and deeply moving. George and his ensemble, playing a large circular drum from above, created a rhythmic heartbeat that grounded the performance. Dancers and singers in traditional Osage attire moved with a captivating blend of dignity and grace, filling the Dolby Theatre with a sense of history and cultural pride. The camera captured a poignant reaction from “Killers of the Flower Moon” star Lily Gladstone, highlighting the emotional resonance of the performance, even as she faced disappointment in the Best Actress category. This performance was a vital reminder of the Oscars’ platform to showcase diverse voices and stories, and it resonated far beyond the typical award show spectacle.
2. Billie Eilish and Finneas O’Connell – “What Was I Made For?”
Billie Eilish and Finneas O’Connell’s performance of “What Was I Made For?” was undeniably impactful, even with the song’s extensive airplay throughout the awards season. There was a risk of the performance feeling predictable, but Eilish, with her distinctive vocal delivery and emotional depth, managed to breathe new life into the already acclaimed ballad.
The staging was minimalist yet effective. Standing on a small revolving pink-draped stage, Eilish and Finneas, on piano, created an intimate and focused atmosphere. Eilish’s vocal performance was particularly noteworthy, as she subtly twisted the song’s melody, adding nuanced vocal runs that showcased her evolving artistry. The performance was tender, introspective, and perfectly captured the youthful melancholy and wisdom that defines Eilish’s appeal. It was a reminder of why she and Finneas are such compelling artists – they tap into the emotional core of Gen Z while crafting music that resonates across generations. Their performance solidified “What Was I Made For?” as a deserving Oscar winner, showcasing both the song’s inherent power and the duo’s exceptional talent.
1. Ryan Gosling – “I’m Just Ken”
While “What Was I Made For?” took home the Oscar, Ryan Gosling’s performance of “I’m Just Ken” from “Barbie” was undeniably the most talked-about and electrifying moment of the night. Whether Mark Ronson and Andrew Wyatt’s power ballad will achieve the timeless status of classic movie songs remains to be seen, but Gosling’s performance instantly became iconic.
What “I’m Just Ken” might lack in cinematic gravitas, Gosling more than compensated for with sheer rock-star energy and theatrical brilliance. The performance was a masterclass in showmanship, beginning with Gosling in the audience, clad in a pink suit, gloves, and sunglasses, before exploding onto the stage with an army of Kens. The lavish production, complete with elaborate choreography and a surprise guitar solo by Slash of Guns N’ Roses, brought the Dolby Theatre to its feet.
Beyond the spectacle, Gosling’s vocal performance was surprisingly strong, recalling his early days on the “Mickey Mouse Club” alongside pop icons like Christina Aguilera and Justin Timberlake, and even hinting at his indie rock roots. But what truly elevated the performance was Gosling’s complete commitment to embodying the spirit of Ken, months after the film’s release. He didn’t just sing the song; he became Ken again, delivering a performance that was both hilarious and genuinely captivating. “I’m Just Ken” was not just a song performance; it was an Oscar moment, a joyous celebration of cinema, music, and pure entertainment, arguably stealing the show and becoming the performance everyone will remember from the 2024 Oscars.
