Oscar Awards performances that deserve to be in the Smithsonian

The Oscar Awards are not just a place to enjoy the past year in movies. There are normally fabulous performances by the artists nominated for Best Original Song as well. For instance, in 2024, every artist nominated for the award will do a performance.

What memories will be made this year? We don't know. That is the exciting part, though, right?

But if you are looking for past great performances, here is a sampling. You may not love every song. But you might find that you love every performance.

Excellent musical performances from Oscar Awards' past

Irene Cara - "Flashdance...What A Feeling" (1983)

1983 was the year of Irene. The late, great Irene Cara cemented her legacy as an 80s pop icon when she co-wrote "Flashdance...What A Feeling" for the motion picture Flashdance. Cara was nominated for an Oscar for Best Original Song which gave the audience a phenomenal performance. Forever in our hearts.

John Legend and Common - "Glory" (2015)

It's not often we come across an Oscar performance where one of the performers gets choked up. That was the case for John Legend during the performance of Glory with Common from the motion picture Selma. The goosebumps moment came when Common started his verse. While rapping, many people gathered behind him to represent the march on Edmund Pettus Bridge in Alabama. Absolute chills.

Elton John - "Can You Feel The Love Tonight" (1994)

Only Sir Elton John can take a song about two lions falling in love and make it sound poetic. All that was needed was his piano, a seat, and a few minutes at the 67th Academy Awards and the rest was history.

Celine Dion - "My Heart Will Go On" - (1998)

The 70th Academy Awards was a gold mine for the movie Titanic. At the time, Titanic not only had the most Oscar nominations, it had the most wins. This icing on the cake was the live performance from Celine Dion of the movie's signature song (that won an Oscar that night as well). "My Heart Will Go On" is a song that's impossible to shake off, even more so with this performance. Just listen to the building out to the end. Perfection!

The Cast of Dreamgirls - "Dreamgirls Medley" (2007)

The cast of Dreamgirls (Beyoncé, Jennifer Hudson, Anika Noni Rose, and Keith Robinson) gave a spectacular performance in honor of three songs from the movie receiving a nomination. Unfortunately, neither song won the gold statue, but the silver lining is Jennifer Hudson walked away with her first Oscar win. Think it's time to watch Dreamgirls? Yeah, we think so.

Bruce Springsteen - "Streets of Philadelphia" (1994)

First of all, Philadelphia is a fantastic masterpiece. Amazing movie, top to bottom. I envy anyone who was in the room during the 66th Academy Awards. The reason? Bruce Springsteen's immaculate performance of "Streets of Philadelphia." The AIDS epidemic was peak in the early 90s. What made this performance one of the greatest of all time is the Boss's tribute to those who lost their lives due to AIDS through song. They don't call him the Boss for nothing.

Three G Mafia and Taraji P. Henson - "Hard Out Here For A Pimp" (2006)

There are Oscar performances and then there's Three 6 Mafia's performance at the 78th Academy Awards. It was so refreshing to see such a traditional show such as the Oscars break away from the norm. Three 6 Mafia performed "Hard Out Here For A Pimp" from the movie Hustle & Flow alongside Taraji P. Henson (who also starred in the film) and what a performance it was. What makes this special is that this song was the very first rap song performed at the Oscars.

Diana Ross and Lionel Richie - "Endless Love" (1982)

If there were a class on "performance chemistry", then Diana Ross and Lionel Richie's performance of "Endless Love" at the 54th Academy Awards should be a part of the curriculum. From waltzing down the spiral staircases on both sides of the stage to meeting in the middle in perfect harmony. This performance oozed love and passion. One may have thought they were a couple with how good this performance was. We thank Diana and Lionel for their contribution to one of the best songs to sing at karaoke.