The Oscars are upon us. On March 2, 2025, the 97th Academy Awards will take place. Conan O’Brien will host the event. I look forward to watching the performances of these five songs nominated for Best Original Song.
Best Original Song – Nominees
*El Mal from Emilia Pérez
Performed by Zoe Saldaña
Music by Clément Ducol and Camille
Lyrics by Clément Ducol, Camille and Jacques Audiard
The song El Mal has an intense, passionate, and rhythmic sound. The beats are similar to a person’s heartbeat. Clément Ducol and Camille created phenomenal music with a bold rhythm. Zoe Saldaña’s voice is husky and bold. It’s cool to hear her sing in Spanish. She sings with great passion. Clément Ducol, Camille and Jacques Audiard did an excellent job writing the lyrics.
*The Journey from The Six Triple Eight
Performed by H.E.R
Music & Lyrics by Diane Warren
H.E.R.’s voice is soulful, and she sings with great feeling. Her vocal style is smoothly rhythmic, and she conveys the emotions beautifully. The composition is beautifully well-structured. Diane Warren did great work with the music and lyrics of this heartfelt song. They complement each other. The words are profound and inspirational – full of hope.
*Like a Bird from Sing Sing
Performed by Abraham Alexander & Adrian Quesada
Music & Lyrics: Abraham Alexander & Adrian Quesada
Abraham Alexander and Adrian Quesada have fantastic voices. They composed and wrote the song, and the poetry is profound. The metaphor of flying is a powerful one. The lyrics are powerful and represent that feeling of endless possibilities and opportunities. They sing with heart and soul. The guitar in the background is fantastic and creates a calming sound.
*Mi Camino from Emilia Pérez
Performed by Selena Gomez
Music & Lyrics: Camille & Clément Duco
Selena Gomez’s voice is rich and soulful. She sings with great passion. Camille & Clément Duco did remarkable work with the music and lyrics of this heartfelt song. Although I don’t speak Spanish, my interpretation is based on the tone of Selena Gomez’s voice; she sounds confident and determined to overcome anything that comes her way. The music has this bold, fiery energy.
*Never Too Late from Elton John: Never Too Late
Performed by Elton John & Brandi Carlile
Music & Lyrics: Elton John, Brandi Carlile, Andrew Watt & Bernie Taupin
Elton John and Brandi Carlile sing an incredible duet. Their voices complement each other nicely, and the blend of Pop and Country is fantastic. Elton John, Brandi Carlile, Andrew Watt and Bernie Taupin did incredible work with the song’s music and lyrics. It’s a well-written piece.
I look forward to watching these artists perform their songs at the 97th Academy Awards.
Flora Youssef
