Producers Craig Zadan and Neil Meron made the announcement on early Wednesday morning, ending weeks of speculation over whether the Oscar-nominated recording superstar would take the stage at the Academy Awards on Feb. 24. Adele will sing the title song from the James Bond film "Skyfall."
"It's an honour to be nominated and terrifyingly wonderful to be singing in front of people who have captured my imagination over and over again,” Adele said in a charmingly British statement ("honour"). “It's something I've never experienced and probably only ever will once!"
As the press release announcing Adele's appearance notes, her "Oscar show performance will be the first time she will have performed 'Skyfall' anywhere live and will also mark her first U.S. television performance since the Grammys last year."
Adele was nominated for Best Original Song alongside "Suddenly" from "Les Miserables," "Pi's Lullaby" from "Life of Pi," "Everybody Needs A Best Friend," from "Ted" and "Before My Time" from "Chasing Ice." Whether the other Original Song nominees will also perform at the Oscars is unclear, but remember that this year's grouping is loaded with famous faces. In addition to Adele, Hugh Jackman ("Suddenly"), Seth MacFarlane ("Everybody Needs A Best Friend") and Scarlett Johansson ("Before My Time") could see time on stage. (Or additional time, as in the cases of MacFarlane, who is the Oscar host, and Jackman, who is rumored to appear with his "Les Mis" cast members for a medley of songs.)
James Bond will have a heavy presence at the Academy Awards. In addition to Adele, the telecast will also celebrate 50 years of 007. It's rumored that all of the actors who have played Bond (including Sean Connery) could appear as part of that tribute.
For the full Oscars press release announcing Adele's appearance, head over to the official Academy Awards website. Listen to "Skyfall" above because it's amazing.
[via Oscars.org]
