The audience was moved to tears during Rihanna’s performance of a moving tribute to the late Chadwick Boseman at the 95th Academy Awards. The singer took to the stage at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles to perform “Lift Me Up,” a song from the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever soundtrack. The performance was dedicated to the late actor, who lost his battle with colon cancer in August of 2020.
Rihanna performs "Lift Me Up" at the #Oscars. https://t.co/ndiKiHfmID pic.twitter.com/cyESzOZnmm
— Variety (@Variety) March 13, 2023
Fans and critics alike praised her performance, using words like “beautiful” and “heartbreaking” to describe it. She took the stage dressed in all black with silver gems and stood there while an orchestra played in the background. Rihanna’s incredible vocal abilities were on full display during her performance, which was both powerful and emotional.
All the emotions watching Rihanna’s #Oscar performance.
— Sharareh Drury (@shararehdrury) March 13, 2023
Her vocals are always enchanting. Seeing her pregnant is beautiful.
The tribute to Chadwick is heartbreaking. pic.twitter.com/5ETrYvsfJS
Following an emotional introduction from Black Panther star Danai Gurira, who referred to Rihanna as “royalty in her own right,” the tribute was then presented. The song was also nominated for Best Original Song, which was Rihanna’s first Oscar nomination. However, she did not win the award because “Naatu Naatu” by M.M. Keeravani from RRR was a better song.
Stunning performance from Rihanna and a beautiful tribute to Chadwick Boseman. ❤️#Oscars #Oscar #AcademyAwards pic.twitter.com/lNiDrzZL9N
— Michael Patterson (@michaelp93) March 13, 2023
Rihanna made headlines before her performance by arriving on the beige carpet with a glimpse of her growing baby bump. This caused quite a stir in the media. She accessorised her look with two eye-catching diamond rings, drop earrings made of diamonds and emeralds, and a sheer black Alaa dress. Her tresses were pulled back into a tight bun, and a few strands were left loose to frame her face.
Rihanna did so goood.. you can tell that she’s grown vocally. That was beautiful. RIP Chadwick Boseman 🙏🏾🖤 #Oscar pic.twitter.com/t2EEB8kOdE
— Jada Pinkett Shakur Alsina Smith (@DreamOfTy_) March 13, 2023
The audience members were so moved by the performance that they took to social media to share their reactions. One of Rihanna’s fans tweeted, “All the emotions watching Rihanna’s performance at the Oscars. Her singing has a way of mesmerising people. The sight of her pregnant is absolutely stunning. The memorial service for Chadwick is extremely moving. Another person commented, saying that Rihanna gave a “stunning performance” and that the tribute to Chadwick Boseman was “beautiful.” A third fan commented on Rihanna’s performance by tweeting, “Rihanna did so good. you can tell that she’s grown vocally.” That was absolutely stunning. Chadwick Boseman, rest in peace.
.@rihanna embraces her bump in Alaïa walking the 2023 #Oscars red carpet ahead of her performance of the Oscar-nominated song “Lift Me Up” from Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. See all the red carpet arrivals here: https://t.co/cXexgdbTWM pic.twitter.com/kfwWseuSOK
— Vogue Magazine (@voguemagazine) March 13, 2023
The moving tribute that Rihanna paid to a much-loved actor during her performance at the Academy Awards served as a timely reminder of the incredible talent that she possesses as an artist. Audiences were enraptured by her one-of-a-kind style and powerful vocals, making the occasion one that will live long in the memory.
At the 95th Academy Awards, Rihanna was seen making her way down the red carpet. Image courtesy of Sipa US / Alamy