Original song category will see competition among mainstream performers like Adam Levine (Lost Stars), Tegan and Sara feat. The Lonely Island (Everything is Awesome), John Legend and Common (Glory) and Rita Ora (Grateful).
The Academy awards the lyricists of best original songs for film in this category. Performers are not recognised unless they have contributed to the song writing or music. As usual, there are a couple of misses from this category. I honestly think if they can go for a bigger number of nominees for the best movie category, the same can be done for other categories too! Big misses for me are AR Rehman for The Hundred Foot Journey and Coldplay for "Miracles" in Unbroken. An even bigger miss is Billy Boyd's "The Last Goodbye" for The Hobbit: The Battle Of the Five Armies.
Let's look at the nominees in this category —
Shawn Patterson — "Everything is Awesome" for The Lego Movie
John Legend and Common — "Glory" for Selma
Diane Warren — "Grateful" for Beyond the Lights
Glenn Campbell and Julian Raymond — "I Am Not Gonna Miss You" for Glen Campbell: I'll be me
Gregg Alexander and Danielle Brisebois — "Lost Stars" for Begin Again
Shawn Patterson - "Everything is Awesome" for The Lego Movie
Oscar snub to The Lego Movie had Twitter in frenzy. But I guess fans have to make do with the only nomination for the film in this category. Tegan and Sara, Canadian indie rockers, and identical twins, collaborated with the comedy trio The Lonely Island for this chirpy anthem.
Everything is Awesome is a cheerful song, inviting you to be part of the team. Barring Adele for Skyfall, the last three winners in this category have been from animated movie songs.
This is the first Oscars nomination for everyone involved with the song.
John Legend and Common - "Glory" for Selma
Apart from nomination for Best Picture, this is the only other category where the Academy acknowledges Selma. Written by John Legend and Common, the song has already won a Golden Globe Award this year. The song starts with the piano and strong vocals by John Legend. As it covers the journey from Selma to Fergusson, historic marches in the American civil rights movement, the song gave me goosebumps.
This is their first nomination and Glory is a strong contender.
Diane Warren - "Grateful" for Beyond the Lights
Even though it is sung by pop star Rita Ora, the song was not on music radars until after the Academy recognised it. Penned by six time nominee Diane Warren, song is about the self realisation. A sentiment favourite to win at the Oscars.
I don't see this seventh nomination working like a charm for Warren because of the next nominee.
Glenn Campbell and Julian Raymond - "I Am Not Gonna Miss You" for Glen Campbell: I'll Be Me
Country music legend Campbell is battling with Alzheimer's and this is his last song ever. The song talks about how Campbell will feel once he loses his battle. From the documentary of his last tour, Campbell tells you how you will miss him, feel the pain of his loss, when he won't even know you.
This strong, sentimental song brought me to tears and will give "Glory" a tough fight.
This is Campbell's first nomination and if he wins, he will not be there to receive it as he is currently in a care home.
Gregg Alexander and Danielle Brisebois - "Lost Stars" for Begin Again
Beautifully sung by Keira Knightley and Adam Levine, the song plays the crucial part in the plotline of the movie. Knightley's soft voice makes you take note of a woman trying to achieve something. It also summarises the film, where everyone is starting again to get where they want to.
This Alexander and Brisebois' first Oscar nomination.
Adam Levine and Maroon 5 will perform this song at the Oscar ceremony on February 22.
Our Prediction - "Glory" will win this race for Selma.
Winner in 2014: Kirsten Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez - "Let It Go" for Frozen
Also read: Oscars 2015: Predictions for Best Original Score
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