The Oscars just announced that Bette Midler will step in for Emily Blunt and sing the nominated tune “The Places Where Lost Things Go” from “Mary Poppins Returns.” This isn’t as odd a choice as you’d think when you realize the song was penned by her pal Marc Shaiman. Expect him to accompany her on piano, just like he did when Midler made that memorable appearance on “The Tonight Show” back in 1992 to say farewell to Johnny Carson.
Carson was the host of the 1982 Oscars where Midler made merry with the five tunes nominated for Best Original Song. Among her barbs with the most bit was this jab at “Endless Love,” which she noted was heard in the “endless movie ‘Endless Love,’ written by the very rich Lionel Richie.” In the video above, watch her unleash on the merits, such as they were, of the contenders before revealing the winner.
Midler’s most recent appearance at the Oscars was a more somber one. She concluded the 2014 “In Memoriam” segment with a subdued rendition of “Wind Beneath My Wings” from her hit movie “Beaches.”
PREDICT the Oscar winners now; change them until February 24
Which of the five nominees do you think will win Best Original Song. Make your predictions in that category and the other 23 competitive races. Be sure to check out how our experts rank this year’s Oscar contenders. And take a look at the most up-to-date combined odds. Don’t be afraid to jump in now since you can keep changing your predictions until just before winners are announced on February 24.
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