Rihanna is performing ‘Lift Me Up’ at the 2023 Oscars, and the memes are already spectacular
Rihanna will perform at the Oscars this year. (Getty)
Rihanna is taking to the stage at the 2023 Oscars ceremony with her Black Panther single “Lift Me Up” – but fans are hopelessly divided over the song choice.
The 2023 Oscars are just around the corner, and with anticipation mounting for the star-studded awards ceremony, it’s been announced that none other than Rihanna will be performing her Black Panther: Wakanda Forever song “Lift Me Up”.
The Grammy award-winning artist released the track back in October as part of the Black Panther soundtrack, marking the first solo song since her last album, ANTI, which was released in 2016. “Lift Me Up” was followed by the release of a second single, “Born Again”.
At the time, the songs divided fans. While many were displeased at the somewhat lacklustre ballad style, others were swept away by the vocals. In any case, plenty were simply happy to hear Rihanna sing again after a years-long musical drought.
Despite the mixed online reaction, “Lift Me Up”, which was made in collaboration with rapper Tems, director Ryan Coogler and producer Ludwig Göransson, has been nominated for best original song at this year’s ceremony.
The Oscars, which will be broadcast on 12 March and hosted by Jimmy Kimmel, are a landmark moment for Rihanna, who is not only receiving her first Oscars nod, but will also be the first performer since Phil Collins in 2000 to perform at the Super Bowl and Oscars at the same year.
At her captivating Super Bowl Halftime show, Rihanna casually announced that she was expecting her second child; and as people eagerly await more original music (or even a tour), there may well be another surprise announcement in store.
Despite the excitement of another live performance from Rihanna, the song choice – despite its Academy Award nomination – is dividing fans.
“The audience will fall asleep with that song,” one person complained. Another added: “I love you Ri, but please don’t.. out of all songs. NOT THIS.”
One the other hand, some fans are buzzing at the chance to hear her perform “Lift Me Up” live.
“I can’t wait to hear Rihanna perform this at the Oscars. It’s gonna be such a beautiful performance,” one person said.
Others are simply grateful that she hasn’t dropped off the face of the music industry again.
Some fans are worried that, much like Beyoncé’s Album of the Year snub at this year’s Grammys, Rihanna could lose out.
But others are simply impressed at how booked and busy she is while pregnant.
