Rihanna performing at Super Bowl LVII.Photo: Ezra Shaw/Getty
Rihannawill be singing at theOscars!
The track is up for Best Original Song, and is one of two (with “Born Again”) that Rihanna contributed to theBlack Panther: Wakanda Foreversoundtrack. It serves as a tribute to the lateBlack Pantheractor Chadwick Boseman, who died of colon cancer in August 2020 at age 43.
“After speaking with Ryan and hearing his direction for the film and the song, I wanted to write something that portrays a warm embrace from all the people that I’ve lost in my life. I tried to imagine what it would feel like if I could sing to them now and express how much I miss them,” said Tems — who co-wrote the song with Rihanna, Ludwig Göransson and director Ryan Coogler — in a press release. “Rihanna has been an inspiration to me so hearing her convey this song is a great honor.”
The nomination marks the first Oscars nod for Rihanna, who has nine Grammy wins to her name.
The others vying for Best Original Song include David Byrne, Ryan Lott and Mitski for “This Is a Life” fromEverything Everywhere All at Once, M. M. Keeravani and Chandrabose for “Naatu Naatu” fromRRR, Diane Warren for “Applause” fromTell It Like a Womanas well as BloodPop andLady Gagafor “Hold My Hand” fromTop Gun: Maverick.
Rihanna is fresh off atriumphant return to the stagevia the Apple Music Super Bowl LVII Halftime Show, which she performed on Feb. 12. The gig marked her first public performance since the 2018Grammy Awards.
During the performance, Rihanna revealed that she isexpecting her second childwith rapperA$AP Rocky.
The “Diamonds” singer also recentlycelebrated her 35th birthdaywith a private dinner at the Los Angeles restaurant Giorgio Baldi.
A source told PEOPLE that she and Rocky “were very affectionate” throughout the night, and that the rapper “kept checking on her. They are a cute couple.”
source: people.com
