A few months back we featured a video of John Legend performing Best Original Song contender “Shine” from “Waiting for Superman.” Today, though, via Wall Street Journal’s Speakeasy blog, I stumbled across this more, well, “produced” video of the singer crooning the tune.
It’s a gorgeous piece of music (and a highpoint of a post-screening LAFF shindig back in June). I imagine it’ll be in the thick of the hunt this season, possibly even the eventual winner. I don’t think any of the Disney contenders have the gravitas to win and after that it’s, what, stuff from “Burlesque” and “Country Strong?”
Speaking of which, I updated the Best Original Song category in our Contenders section with all of the possibilities I could round up. Let me know if I forgot anything. (I’m sure I did.) Check out Legend’s WSJ performance of “Shine” after the jump.
[Photo: Evening Standard]
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18 responses to “John Legend performs ‘Shine’”
Absolutely beautiful song.
Kris, your #10 contender for Best Song (“Never Let Me Go”) is ineligible, as it is a cover version of a song written and released decades ago.
But what about that song playing during the end credits of Conviction?
Is it really a cover? Because I could never confirm that. Who was the artist?
Luther Dixon. Guess I didn’t sleuth it enough. Anyway, I remember the Conviction song, but I’m not sure what it’s called. It’s virtually ineligible, though, given the placement.
There are several songs with the title “Never Let Me Go”, but it turns out that the one in the movie was previously recorded by Nat King Cole and Boz Scaggs, among others. (And is probably not the Luther Dixon song, as I previously thought. Very confusing.)
Again, it’s a closing credits number so it barely has a shot, but you may want to include the title song from “Made in Dagenham” on the list.
I also know that Macy Gray has recorded an original song for “For Colored Girls.” I assume it won’t be the only one from the film — something by Janet Jackson, perhaps?
Playing over the end credits doesn’t make a song ineligible as long as it’s the first cue according to AMPAS rules. Recently though, would have to agree that the music branch has gone for songs used in the film somehow, other than end credits. The end credits for Superman were kind of cool — reminiscent of how Etheridge’s song was used in gore’s movie.
Leone: Obviously I’m aware of the original song rules. But it’s VIRTUALLY ineligible, given the process of how voters vote (as you know).
As for the Conviction song, it’s called “Heaven & Hell” by Wild Colonials and it is not original.
You forgot to put “Ramona” and “Threshold” from Scott Pilgrim vs The World in the contenders
I’d love Daft Punk to have an original song in “Tron Legacy”. It’d be just as unlikely a nominee as Original Score, but the idea of the music branch being forced to listen to it makes me smile.
Is the song at the start of the credits of Secretariat original?
Also, while they are not getting nominated, two other credit songs I’m aware of are “Dear Laughing Doubters” from Dinner for Schmucks (an amusing little song); and an odd, upbeat song written by the director and composer for the end of Buried.
And The Other Guys has a couple of joke songs like “Pimps Don’t Cry”. Not getting nominated, but just trying to recall everything I’m aware of that may be eligible.
There’s a cool song at the end of “Get Low” sung by Alison Krauss called “Lay My Burden Down,” written by Aoife O’Donovan of the excellent bluegrass band Crooked Still. It plays as the end credits start so that’s not going to help, but it’s a real beauty of a song.
http://carmanjprice.blogspot.com/2010/09/get-low-music.html
John Legend Comes to Hopelink
John Legend will be the featured speaker at non-profit Hopelink’s Reaching Out Luncheon Monday, October 18 in Bellevue, WA. Legend will speak about his philanthropic work and inspire with his music. Visit Hopelink’s website for more information.
The song at the end of Conviction is called Heaven and Hell (2010) by the Wild Colonials.
The song would not be ineligible as it is a re-recording of their own song. Not specifically written for the film. Great song though!
Tremendous lyrics beautifully performed best song . . . yes!
Here is an old recording of the Dixon song Never let me go by Lloyd Price.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pH4vUEmNkSA
Forgot the link, sorry.