the Buzz for February 26th, 2011

26
Feb

A.R. Rahman featuring Dido — “If I Rise”
(from 127 Hours [Music from the Motion Picture]) — If I Rise - 127 Hours (Music from the Motion Picture)

Even though the indomitable Cher’s Burlesque showstopper
“You Haven’t Seen the Last of Me” picked up the Golden Globe for Best Original Song last month, the thrilling tune is nowhere to be found in the same category at tomorrow night’s Academy Awards, so, as if by default, Rahman — a winner here two years ago for his sleek work on behalf of Slumdog Millionaire — becomes the odds-on favorite to win his second Oscar, this time for his haunting, ethereal end title theme (which features the divine Dido, bouncing back big time from her disappointing last album) from 127 Hours. (Due to unfortunate scheduling conflicts, Dido is unavailable to perform this song on the Oscar telecast, so, in what will no doubt be yet another boon to her already white-hot ascendancy, Florence + the Machine’s Florence Welch has been drafted into action. Incidentally, the Buzz is proud to present its third annual Academy Awards liveblog, beginning with ABC’s official red carpet coverage at 7pm EST tomorrow evening; A will kick things off alone, nobly aided by the sensational Sherry Ann and other special guests, and I’ll try like hell to be home before the ceremony begins at 8:30pm. Be there or be square.)