Ed Sheeran performed on Kimmel with Dave Grohl, John Mayer, and Pino Palladino
As Oscar voters are currently submitting their nomination ballots, there is a flurry of activity among those vying for the prestigious awards, particularly from popular musicians. A notable contender is Ed Sheeran, who last year contributed the song “Drive” to the soundtrack of the film F1, starring Brad Pitt. Sheeran collaborated with an impressive lineup of musicians, including John Mayer and producer Blake Slatkin, to create the song. The recording features Dave Grohl on drums, Pino Palladino on bass, and Rami Jaffee on keyboards, bringing together a talented ensemble.
“Drive” has been described as an ’80s beer-commercial rocker, and while it may not be the frontrunner for the Best Original Song Oscar, Sheeran is determined to give it his all. On a recent episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Sheeran and his band performed “Drive” live for the first time. The performance, while a bit awkward, showcased the spectacle of these talented musicians sharing the stage for this song. It was a moment worth witnessing, regardless of the eventual outcome for the song at the Oscars.
Another musician making waves in the Oscar campaigning scene is Miles Caton, known for his role in the film Sinners. Caton, previously a backup singer for H.E.R., delivered a captivating performance of the movie song “I Lied To You” on Jimmy Kimmel Live! alongside Ludwig Göransson and Raphael Saadiq. The performance was well-received and stands out as a strong contender in the Best Original Song category.
Meanwhile, Teyana Taylor, although not in contention for Best Original Song, is actively involved in Oscar campaigning. After winning a Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actress in One Battle After Another, Taylor is a frontrunner for the Oscar in the same category. During a recent appearance on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, Taylor performed “Hard Part,” a duet with Lucky Daye from her album Escape Room. The performance showcased her talent and added to the buzz surrounding her awards season prospects.
In the midst of the Oscar campaigning frenzy, these musicians are pulling out all the stops to secure nominations and potential wins. The performances on late-night shows like Jimmy Kimmel Live! and The Tonight Show are not only entertaining but also strategic moves in the race for recognition in the esteemed awards ceremony. As the anticipation builds for the Oscar nominations and eventual awards ceremony, these musicians are leaving an indelible mark with their standout performances and compelling music that is sure to resonate with audiences and voters alike.