Two weeks ago we were spit-balling contenders for this year’s Best Original Song category. So far, the best bets seem to be tunes from “The Princess and the Frog,” “Nine” and “Where the Wild Things Are.” There has been some movement since, however, so I thought it was a good time for an update.
In that first piece, I mentioned Mariah Carey’s “100%” from Lee Daniels’s “Precious: Based on the Novel ‘Push’ by Sapphire.” As it turns out, that song will no longer be included in the film. Instead, a new contender has joined the fray: Mary J. Blige, whose original track “I See in Color” was included for the first time in a print of the film screened last week at Lionsgate in Santa Monica. But it’s the story behind it’s inclusion that is most interesting.
I’m told Blige reacted to “Precious” quite emotionally. What she saw on the screen hit her so close to home that she became personally invested in the film and wanted to contribute in some way. “I See in Color,” which plays during a key scene in the film (and therefore has a leg up with the music branch), is the result.
Contenders in the original song category are beginning to firm up, so we’ll have more updates for you in the coming days.
Comments
15 responses to “Mary J. Blige joins the race for Best Original Song”
Is “I See in Color” a good song?
Yeah, is it a good song? I saw the film before the song was added to the prints.
This is a major development in the race. Even if the song isn’t spectacular, the opportunity for AMPAS to award a music legend like Mary J. Blige will make her a serious contender (I’m almost tempted to say a lock), similar to Bob Dylan winning for Wonder Boys.
Speaking of “Precious”, what were your thoughts on Mariah Carey’s performance Kris? The folks over at EW raved about her in one of their videos and I was wondering what you thought her shots at any sort of acting awards were. We already know Mo’Nique is a definite contender, but after Carey’s previous disastrous attempts at acting it would be interesting to see what notices she gets this time around.
Let’s get it Mary J.
Kris, any knowledge as to why they cut Mariah’s song?
She also has a song from “I Can Do Bad All By Myself”, which is performed in the movie (so it appears in clips on YouTube).
Haha, it would be funny if she performed both in a medley at the Oscars. I could see it.
BTW, I know it’s OT but can I just point out that the Avatar trailer poll in the sidebar is literally split 50/50.
A clip of Mariah’s “100 percent” on YouTube sounds amazing! If they cut it off the film -it’ll be a shame!
“I’m told Blige reacted to “Precious” quite emotionally. What she saw on the screen hit her so close to home that she became personally invested in the film and wanted to contribute in some way.”
This is a stupid reason. What she saw on “Precious” was lots of money on Box Office and her pockets, and also an Oscar for her. Is MONEY everywhere, people. Don’t Forget It.
The thought of Mary J. Blige doing her typical (but awesome) performance style at the Oscars is my idea of a good ceremony.
If Mary J Blige managed to steal herself away from praising Jesus long enough to perform on stage I’m sure he would resurrect himself just to witness it. That woman’s histrionics are unbelievable sometimes, but that’s why she’s so entertaining. And if she WON? Oh my, the “thank you jesus” train would knock down everyone in the audience.
The Academy will figure out a way NOT to nominate the song.
The Music branch will purposely not nominate the song for what purpose?