In this Feb. 21, 2012 file photo, performer Adele arrives for the Brit Awards 2012 at the O2 Arena in London. Adele will perform the James Bond theme “Skyfall” at the Oscars, her first U.S. performance since last year’s Grammy Awards. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences said Wednesday, Jan. 23, 2013, that Adele will sing the Oscar-nominated song at the 85th annual Academy Awards on Feb. 24. She and producer Paul Epworth are nominated for best original song for “Skyfall.” (AP Photo/Jonathan Short, File)By August Brown
Here’s a new situation for the English singer Adele – up for a major award but with actual competition.
She swept the Grammys last year for her sales juggernaut “21” and snagged a Grammy for a live performance of “Set Fire to the Rain” this year. Now her theme to “Skyfall” is up for original song at the Academy Awards on Sunday. The brassy retro theme number is the front-runner but victory is far from assured.
For at-home Oscar swamies, here are some reasons we might see an upset.
* “Everybody Needs a Best Friend,” from “Ted.” Music by Walter Murphy; lyrics by Seth MacFarlane. Oscar loves this kind of twee jazz-standard vibe judging by Randy Newman’s big nods for his songs in “Monsters Inc.” and “Toy Story 3.” “Ted” was a sleeper comedy hit, and not only did its mastermind, MacFarlane, cut a likable solo album of similar big-band material – he’s also the host of the Oscars telecast. Who knew so many stars would align for a sailor-mouthed teddy bear?