If you were hoping to hear actors Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone sing their Oscar-nominated songs from the musical “La La Land” at the Academy Awards later this month, you’re out of luck. The word is out that the stars won’t be crooning “City of Stars” and “Audition,” which are both up for best original song.
It’s not exactly shocking news, given that one of the most-common criticisms of the film are the actors’ weak voices.
No substitute singers have been announced, and it’s unclear if the songs will even be performed at all. But that got us thinking about another time that the Oscars got a stand-in to perform a nominated song, with surprisingly entertaining results. From the 1993 Oscars, the genius of Nell Carter:
Other stand-ins haven’t gone so well. From 1984’s ceremony:
So, who should sing the “La La Land” songs in Stone and Gosling’s place? Take our poll! And if you’ve got other creative ideas for stand-in singers, feel free to share your pick in the comments section below.
The Oscars will be given out on Sunday, Feb. 26. Other nominated songs are “How Far I’ll Go” from “Moana,” “Can’t Stop the Feeling” from “Trolls,” and “The Empty Chair” from “Jim: The James Foley Story.”
— Grant Butler
gbutler@oregonian.com
503-221-8566; @grantbutler
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