Washington [US], February 27: Rapper and singer Queen Latifah will pay a special tribute to the legendary Quincy Jones at the 97th Academy Awards. Jones, a record producer, composer, arranger, conductor, trumpeter, and bandleader, has received numerous accolades, including 28 Grammy Awards.
Executive producer Raj Kapoor shared the exciting news during a press conference, saying, “One of the most exciting things that we’ve worked on this year is a musical performance that will tribute Quincy Jones.” Kapoor added that Queen Latifah will be “a part of the performance,” as reported by Variety.
Earlier this year, Jones was honoured with a Governor’s Award. Kapoor elaborated, “We’ve planned and curated this beautiful moment that we hope will uplift the room, that will celebrate the spirit of Quincy and all of his greatness.” He further stated, “It’s a beautiful moment, and we think it will be very celebratory and make everybody feel really good.”
In addition to the tribute to Jones, the Oscars ceremony will feature a ‘Wicked’ medley performed by Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, along with performances by Blackpink’s Lisa, currently appearing in The White Lotus, Doja Cat, and Raye. The Los Angeles Master Chorale will also make a special appearance.
Kapoor also provided insight into the theme for the 2025 Academy Awards, which will focus on community, spirit, and the people who work behind the scenes. “That’s a really important theme. There have been so many people that this devastation has touched. We really wanted to create some really beautiful moments on stage that celebrate this amazing city that we live in,” said Kapoor, hinting at a tribute to Los Angeles.
Additionally, a charitable initiative linked to the event will allow attendees to interact and donate if they wish.
Kapoor was joined by host Conan O’Brien, executive producer Katy Mullan, co-executive producer Rob Paine, producer and writer Mike Sweeney, writer Jon Macks, music director Michael Bearden, production designer Alana Billingsley, and supervising choreographer Mandy Moore, according to Variety.