The Queen of Pop channeled one of her role models: Marilyn Monroe when she performed “Sooner or Later” at the 1991 Academy Awards. (Photo property of the Oscars)
By: Jacob Elyachar
Tomorrow night, Adele, Barbra Streisand, Catherine Zeta-Jones and the Cast of Les Miserables will take the Oscars stage to give memorable performances.
While the Academy Awards mainly focuses on achievements in film, these award ceremonies have delivered performances that are unforgettable to not only the audience, but to the artists themselves.
“Sooner or Later” by Madonna (1991)
The Queen of Pop delivered an impeccable performance as she paid homage to legendary actresses Mae West and Marilyn Monroe as performed the Stephen Sondheim-penned track from Dick Tracy. This was definitely one of Madonna’s best vocals of the 1990s and one of the highlights of the 1991 Oscars.
“Beauty and the Beast” by Angela Lansbury, Celine Dion & Peabo Bryson (1992)
To celebrate the multi-nominated animated film, the Silver Screen and Broadway legend sang the first half of the titular song, while Celine and Peabo sang the second half as two dancers performed an interpretive dance as Belle and the Beast. What made this performance memorable were successful transitions and the strong vocals from Angela Lansbury and Celine.
“Streets of Philadelphia” by Bruce Springsteen (1994)
The Boss took the 1994 Academy Awards by storm when he performed “Streets of Philadelphia.” Bruce’s performance was very special because he perfectly told the song’s story and made the audience connect with the song. In addition, this was also Bruce’s first song that he had written for film. Bruce took home the Oscar for Best Original Song.
Sir Elton John delivered an amazing rendition of his Oscar-winning hit: “Can You Feel The Love Tonight.” (Photo by AP Photo/Michael Caulfield)
“The Lion King Segments” by Lebo M, Hinton Battle, David Alan Grier, Ernie Sabella & Sir Elton John (1995)
One of Disney’s biggest animated movies of the 1990s was The Lion King. For the 67th Annual Academy Awards, Lebo M, Hinton Battle, David Alan Grier and Ernie Sabella joined forces with choreographer Debbie Allen and countless of dancers to produce a memorable number. Before receiving the Oscar for Best Original Song, Sir Elton John performed his award-winning song that impressed the audience.
“My Heart Will Go On” by Celine Dion (1998)
In a year of lackluster performances, Celine Dion delivered the performance of the ceremony with her superb rendition of Titanic’s signature song. This featured Celine’s incredible vocal acrobatics and an incredible multi-piece orchestra that back Celine during the performance.
“I Don’t Want To Miss A Thing” by Aerosmith (1999)
After an introduction from Steven’s daughter, Liv, America’s Favorite Rock and Roll Band delivered a fiery rendition of the Armageddon classic that successfully infused rock into the Oscars.
Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston’s duet of “When You Believe” from “The Prince of Egypt” was a show-stopper at the 1999 Academy Awards. (Photo by AP Photo/ Eeric Draper)
“When You Believe” by Whitney Houston & Mariah Carey (1999)
Two of music’s greatest vocalists performed Steven Schwartz’s award-winning track for The Prince of Egypt at the 71st Academy Awards. Both of them had incredible harmonies and their duet produced one of the many show-stopping moments of the evening.
“You’ll Be in My Heart” by Phil Collins (2000)
The legendary singer-songwriter performed the slowed down version of his hit: “You’ll Be In My Heart” from Tarzan. Phil showcased his amazing vocals and delivered a performance that gave viewers chills and earned the Best Original Song Oscar.
“I Move On” by Catherine Zeta-Jones & Queen Latifah (2003)
A pregnant Oscar nominee Catherine Zeta-Jones joined forces with fellow nominee Queen Latifah to deliver a sultry and passionate cover of the Chicago’s original song: “I Move On” that impressed the 2003 Oscars audience.
Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber congratulates Beyoncé after she delivers a stunning performance of “Learn to Be Lonely” from the silver screen adaptation of “Phantom of the Opera.” (Photo property of the Oscars)
“Learn to Be Lonely” by Beyoncé with Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber (2005)
Beyoncé performed three different songs during the 77th Academy Awards. However, the “Crazy in Love” singer shined when performed “Learn to Be Lonely” from the motion picture adaptation of Phantom of the Opera. The film and Broadway show’s creator: Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber accompanied her on the piano.
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