The Academy revealed today that two-time Oscar-nominee Bette Midler will perform on the 91st Academy Awards. The Tony, Emmy and Grammy winner will step in for Emily Blunt to sing the nominated song “The Place Where Lost Things Go” from “Mary Poppins Returns.” Midler revealed the news on twitter this afternoon after it was leaked to Variety.
So, (drum roll) Ladies and Gentlemen, I will be chanteusing (that's singing) on the Oscars on Feb 24…the nominated song from "Mary Poppins"…"The Place Where Lost Things Go" …so excited!!
— Bette Midler (@BetteMidler) February 17, 2019
Midler’s friend, composer Marc Shaiman, who co-wrote the song, was thrilled.
As a child, I was obsessed with “Mary Poppins”. As a teenager, I was obsessed with Bette Midler. Could I have ever imagined that one day Bette Midler would sing a song I co-wrote w/#Scottwittman for a sequel to “Mary Poppins” at the Oscars?! My heart is exploding https://t.co/ArXvPknvHJ
— marcshaiman (@marcshaiman) February 17, 2019
Midler last performed on the 86th Academy Awards. She sang her signature hit “Wind Beneath My Wings” during the annual In Memoriam segment.
Originally, when the Academy announced all five songs would appear on the telecast it was revealed they would be limited to just 90 seconds. With the recent news that all the categories would now appear on the live telecast, it’s unclear if the concern about keeping the show to just 3 hours remain. The other confirmed performers include Lady Gaga for “Shallow” from “A Star is Born” and Jennifer Hudson for “I’ll Fight” from “RBG.” It’s still unknown whether Kendrick Lamar and SZA will perform “All the Stars” from “Black Panther” or who will sing When a Cowboy Trades His Spurs for Wings” from “The Ballad of Buster Scruggs” (although for the later it’s assumed it will be Willie Watson).
It was also revealed today that Grammy winner Kacey Musgraves will present on this year’s telecast. Chances are the Album of the Year winner is introducing this year’s Original Song nominees.
The 91st Academy Awards will be broadcast live on ABC on Feb. 24 at 5 PM PT, 8 PM ET.