A Lagos rave rewrites the rules of nightlife, drawing young Nigerians priced out of club culture

LAGOS, Nigeria (AP) — On a recent Friday night, thousands of mostly young people trooped into a large auditorium in Lekki, an upscale part of Lagos.

Nigeria Rave Party

Inside, it was hard to discern the faces of people just meters away. The whole hall was dark, lit only by flashing green strobe lights from the stage. Those gathered had come together for therapy.

But this was Group Therapy, a popular rave in Lagos, where revelers come seeking a different party scene they wouldn't find anywhere in Nigeria's commercial heart of Lagos.

Lagos' nightlife scene had, for decades, been dominated by table culture, a club experience that prioritizes how much people spend on drinks and prime seating. The party environment encourages a competitive atmosphere that young people who live in Nigeria, Africa's most populous country, say has shut them out amid skyrocketing inflation.

At Group Therapy, there are no tables. Revelers in Lekki danced shoulder to shoulder. There was only one small bar, selling drinks for much less than the typical Lagos nightclub.

"At raves, the dance floor is present. You go to a usual Lagos party, and there is no dance floor," DJ Aniko, the founder of Group Therapy, told The Associated Press. "We barely have spaces to just dance, spaces you can just go to literally have a nice time. Most places you have to make a reservation, or book a table, it is a lot more complicated."

A Lagos party without tables

Yetunde Onikoyi, 28, started going to raves last year.

"Ever since then, I have been hooked by the neck; it is like a chokehold. I always want to be here," Onikoyi said.

The nightclub culture has been determined by a table culture where partying is often a rat race of who buys the most drinks at the most expensive prices, and seats are reserved in a multitier system, including VVIP, VIP and the regulars.

A bottle of a drink can cost anywhere between 100,000 naria ($72.34) to nearly a million naira, thereby pricing out most of the young residents navigating a tough economic terrain. A parade of bartenders hoisting drinks with an LED board naming the table for some of the highest spenders of the night. A ticket for Group Therapy only costs 21,000 naira ($15.19), without the pressure to purchase drinks.

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Experts say raves have grown in response to the table culture at clubs.

"Raves are more democratic," said Oluwamayowa Idowu, founder of Culture Custodian, a leading culture publication in Lagos. "What this says is that people don't have the purchasing power to sustain a club lifestyle. Clubs are still open and busy, but just generally in today's climate, there is more of a focus on you enjoying yourself as opposed to you performing enjoying yourself."

Aniko told the AP that several patrons have reached out to create separate seats, requests which they have declined on several occasions.

"Finding a place that still focuses on the human aspects of things, as against the materialism or need to amass as much as possible, is always a blessing," said Dayo Williams, a consultant who had come to the party.

'House music evokes feelings'

Each DJ worked their decks from the late night to early morning, blaring out an endless loop of high-tempo beats that electrically charged the hall, rising to a pulsating crescendo before dovetailing into another loop. The sea of heads bopped rhythmically and bodies swayed wildly.

Since around 2022 after the post-pandemic crossover of South African music genres, DJs have infused African sonic elements into house music, a subgenre of electronic dance music that has been a choice for raves in Lagos. The raves, deemed more inclusive than clubs, have become prominent among the younger generation, who have railed against Nigeria's conservative society.

House music "evokes feelings," said Zia Yusuf, a content writer and creator who attended. "You just connect to the music, and you connect to the music with other people who connect to the music with you."

Culture experts regard it as one of the crossovers of South African musical influence,similar to amapiano.

Nigeria has, in recent years, taken the spotlight at global stages with an explosive rise of its artists, exporting its music across the world, but it has also, in turn, imported several genres in recent years. The choice of house music is deliberate, according to Aniko. Aniko doesn't want musicians to control Group Therapy like they often do in big clubs, sometimes previewing unreleased songs or dictating the audience's choice for the night.

"Once you are reliant on the mainstream industry for the music, the mainstream creeps into the space," Aniko said.

byCUSTOS CAELORUM

in

March 05, 2026

A Lagos rave rewrites the rules of nightlife, drawing young Nigerians priced out of club culture

LAGOS, Nigeria (AP) — On a recent Friday night, thousands of mostly young people trooped into a large auditorium in Lekk...

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Tottenham loses again and faces fight for Premier League survival

LONDON (AP) — Tottenham'sPremier Leaguesurvival hopes took another blow with a 3-1 loss to Crystal Palace on Thursday.

Britain Premier League Soccer

Spurs — one of the richest teams in Europe and a founding member of the Premier League — is just one point above the relegation zone and without a domestic win in 2026.

"We know that the position we are in is not where we want to be. We need to figure out how to get out of it as soon as possible," said Tottenham striker Dominic Solanke. "There have been difficulties, but we aren't in the position to make excuses. We need to do the job on the pitch."

Spurs' latest defeat was the fifth in a row and the third under new coach Igor Tudor, who was tasked with the responsibility of turning the season around.

He watched as his team capitulated in front of a home crowd at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium — conceding three goals in the first half, having taken the lead and then gone down to 10 men when Micky van de Ven was sent off.

Palace took full advantage by scoring three times in seven minutes before the break.

Ismaila Sarr struck twice — one from the penalty spot — with Jorgen Strand Larsen getting the other for the visitors.

That was after Solanke had given Spurs the lead in the 34th minute. Van de Ven was red-carded four minutes later for bringing down Sarr in the box and Palace took control.

"I am very disappointed, like the fans," Tudor said. "We know what the moment is and we need to keep working and believe.

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"But after this game I believe more than before because I saw something in the team and in the dressing room after the game. When we will be complete it will be good, I believe."

The deepening crisis at Tottenham comes after winning the Europa League last season and advancing to the knockout stage of the Champions League this term, where it faces Atletico Madrid in the round of 16 next week.

But its desperate league form has carried on from last year when it finished one place above the relegation zone — its lowest final position in the Premier League era.

Its plight also comes amid a tumultuous period when it has had seven managers in less than seven years.

Tottenham has spent only one season out of England's top flight since 1950 and has been an established member of the Premier League since the competition's inception in 1992.

It is a two-time English league champion and was a Champions League finalist in 2019.

It's near-63,000 capacity stadium is one of the most impressive in Europe and regularly hosts NFL games, as well as top music concerts.

Deloitte ranked Spurs ninth on its most recent rich list in January with revenues of $781 million. That placed Tottenham above giants like Chelsea, Inter Milan, AC Milan and Juventus.

AP soccer:https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

byCUSTOS CAELORUM

in

March 05, 2026

Tottenham loses again and faces fight for Premier League survival

LONDON (AP) — Tottenham'sPremier Leaguesurvival hopes took another blow with a 3-1 loss to Crystal Palace on Thursda...

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DJ Moore trade alters complexion of Buffalo Bills − and 2026 NFL Draft

Brandon Beane finally got far enough down the road to pick up the can. The question now is whether hisBuffalo Billsare actually on the road to Super Bowl 61 given WRDJ Moore's image was miraculously plastered on said can.

If nothing else, Thursday's news that theBills had agreed to acquire Moorefrom theChicago Bears, essentially for a second-rounder, solved a major headache for Beane − TBD if he's cured or will be reaching for more Tylenol − while creating options heading into the NFL free agency market and, ultimately,the 2026 draft.

"At the end of the day, that is on me, all that stuff is on me," Beane told local reporters in February about theBills' ongoing inability to find high-end receiver production and deep-strike capability for2024 league MVP Josh Allenopposite slot machine Khalil Shakir and TEs Dalton Kincaid and Dawson Knox.

2. New York Jets – OLB/DE David Bailey, Texas Tech

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 3. Arizona Cardinals – OLB/DE Arvell Reese, Ohio State

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 4. Tennessee Titans – RB Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 5. New York Giants – LB Sonny Styles, Ohio State

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 6. Cleveland Browns – OL Francis Mauigoa, Miami (Fla.)

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 7. Washington Commanders – S Caleb Downs, Ohio State

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 8. New Orleans Saints – WR Carnell Tate, Ohio State

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 9. Kansas City Chiefs – CB Mansoor Delane, LSU

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 10. Cincinnati Bengals – DE Rueben Bain Jr., Miami (Fla.)

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 11. Miami Dolphins – OT Spencer Fano, Utah

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 12. Dallas Cowboys – CB Jermod McCoy, Tennessee

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 13. Los Angeles Rams (from Atlanta Falcons) – WR Denzel Boston, Washington

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 14. Baltimore Ravens – DL Caleb Banks, Florida

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – TE Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 16. New York Jets (from Indianapolis Colts) – WR Makai Lemon, USC

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 17. Detroit Lions – OT Monroe Freeling, Georgia

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 18. Minnesota Vikings – S Dillon Thieneman, Oregon

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 19. Carolina Panthers – DT Peter Woods, Clemson

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 20. Dallas Cowboys (from Green Bay Packers) – OLB/DE T.J. Parker, Clemson

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 21. Pittsburgh Steelers – WR Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 22. Los Angeles Chargers – G Olaivavega Ioane, Penn State

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 23. Philadelphia Eagles – DE/OLB Akheem Mesidor, Miami (Fla.)

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 24. Cleveland Browns (from Jacksonville Jaguars) – WR Omar Cooper Jr., Indiana

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 25. Chicago Bears – S Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, Toledo

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 30. Denver Broncos – WR KC Concepcion, Texas A&M

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 31. New England Patriots – DE Keldric Faulk, Auburn

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" />

NFL mock draft: First-round projection after Trent McDuffie trade

A year ago, Beane's frustration was especially apparent during a local radio interview, when he wondered why fans and media members were "bitching" about the team's wideout challenges.

"Our job is to score points and win games," Beane added.

"It's not fantasy football to trot out the best receivers. You got Josh Allen. First thing you got to do is protect him. You can't have everything. You can't have Pro Bowl wide receivers and have a Pro Bowl offensive line and an All-Pro quarterback and three great running backs. You've got to pick.

"So, that's where I'm like, I don't understand this narrative."

Maybe Moore can put it to bed after Keon Coleman, Josh Palmer, Elijah Moore, Curtis Samuel, Mack Hollins, Amari Cooper and others couldn't in the two years since Stefon Diggs' departure. All were Band-Aid-adjacent alternatives. And no Bills fan will forget that the team was futilely (as it turned out) relying on 32-year-old journeyman Brandin Cooks, a late-season pickup in 2025, to haul in Allen's final pass of the devastating divisional-round playoff loss at Denver that ultimatelycost longtime coach Sean McDermott his job.

Regardless, this transaction should have significant ramifications for the Bills,Bears, Moore andthe early part of the draft in general.

Why didn't Buffalo just draft a receiver?

Beane's been on the lookout. Coleman, the 33rd overall pick two years ago, has infamously not worked out −just ask Bills owner Terry Pegula.

But Moore's a proven commodity, one who's averaged better than 1,000 receiving yards per season over his eight-year NFL career. He's not exactly Ja'Marr Chase − who is? − but Moore does resemble a running back once the ball is in his hands. And while he might not run routes as crisp as Shakir's, Moore can also get open deep − look no further than his pair of game-winning TD catches against the Green Bay Packers last season.

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Bottom line? He could be the perfect complement for this offense. He's also ready to go for a squad Pegula expects Beane and rookie head coach Joe Brady to navigate to a Lombardi Trophy sooner than later.

And while the 2026 draft is viewed as rich with receivers, Beane probably wasn't going to have the chance of taking USC's Makai Lemon, Washington's Denzel Boston, Arizona State's Jordyn Tyson or Ohio State's Carnell Tate (despiteBeane's humorous wishcasting at the combine) with the 26th pick of the first round. And potentially trading up was going to cost him draft capital anyway, so why not just target Moore?

Who will the Bills target in draft now?

TBD of course, especially with free agency yet to unfold − though Buffalo is currently cap-strapped. But with DE Joey Bosa and G David Edwards and C Connor McGovern all unsigned, interior O-line andpass rush helpcould now be at the top of Beane's to-do list.

What does the trade mean for DJ Moore?

A fresh start.

He had a career year in 2023 (96 catches for 1,364 yards and 8 TDs). But that's when Justin Fields was throwing to him in Chicago, and the Bears weren't very good. Moore seemed to struggle to find a vibe with QB Caleb Williams for much of the past two seasons and was out-produced by rookie TE Colston Loveland in 2025, Year 1 for the Bears under hotshot coach Ben Johnson. Moore, who's just entering a four-year, $110 million extension, was also a lot more expensive than Loveland and young WRs Rome Odunze and Luther Burden III.

But now Moore will be paired with Allen, one of the league's most accurate and strongest-armed passers − and one whose legs make it hard for defenses to double-team receivers. They could be a lethal combo.

What does the DJ Moore trade mean for the Bears?

Odunze and Loveland were first-round picks the past two years and Burden came in Round 2 in 2025. Johnson's passing attack should be just fine in the hands of that trio − especially given Moore's 50 receptions and 682 yards last season were career lows.

As important, having one first-round pick and two selections in Round 2 could be key for Johnson and GM Ryan Poles, who areapparently losing C Drew Dalman to retirementand could see most of last season's starting secondary leave during free agency.

What does the DJ Moore trade mean for the draft?

Maybe not a ton overall, but with the Bills filling a glaring need, they no longer need to overreach for a wideout. I thought players like Notre Dame's Malachi Fields, Tennessee's Chris Brazzell II or Louisville's Chris Bell might be considerations for Beane at No. 26 pending his desperation level. Any of them might still serve as a big-bodied target for Allen, especially in the red zone, but they'd all now be value propositions ... if Beane gets one with the 91st pick. Bell in particular − he's coming off a torn ACL but compares himself to A.J. Brown − could be a steal, if not someone likely to necessarily contribute immediately.

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:DJ Moore trade takeaways: Bills' WR issue solved, NFL draft shifts

byCUSTOS CAELORUM

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March 05, 2026

DJ Moore trade alters complexion of Buffalo Bills − and 2026 NFL Draft

Brandon Beane finally got far enough down the road to pick up the can. The question now is whether hisBuffalo Billsare a...

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Elisabeth Hasselbeck Challenges Sunny Hostin Over Iran Strikes on The View

Elisabeth Hasselbeckcontinues to spark heated debates with panellists onThe View. The mother of three is firing back atSunny Hostin, who has publicly criticized PresidentDonald Trump'sattacks on Iran.

The formerSurvivorcontestant, who is back on the show as a fill-in host, questioned Sunny's thoughts on Thursday. Elisabeth referred to former PresidentBarack Obama'stime in the White House when a memo surfaced in 2011. Donald declared war on Iran last weekend with several airstrikes in the region. His actions have polarized public opinion.

Sunny Hostin called Donald Trump's Iranian strikes "illegal and unconstitutional"

Elisabeth isn't afraid to state her opinion. On Thursday, she challenged Sunny's claim that the attacks on Iran were "illegal and unconstitutional." Elisabeth turned to a 2011 document to make her point. That's when she says a memo by the Office of Legal Counsel stated that the President has constitutional authority to direct the use of military forces in Libya. According to Elisabeth, Barack had this authority because they could "reasonably determine that such use of force was in the national interest."

She adds that "prior congressional approval is not constitutionally required" regarding military force. Sunny fought back, saying that the President doesn't go to the Office of Legal Counsel on matters like that. She had previously worked in the Department of Justice. Sunny believes that Congress should have voted on potential military strikes against Iran.

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To say Elisabeth's return to the program has been controversial might be an understatement. Earlier this week, she had a heated argument with co-hostWhoopi Goldbergregardingthe ICE shootings.

As Elisabeth and Sunny continued arguing Whoopi stepped in to try and steer the conversation elsewhere. Sunny, though, could be heard discussing a war. She believes that starting one is simple, but ending one is not.

TELL US – DO YOU BELIEVE THE ATTACKS ON IRAN WERE NECESSARY?

The postElisabeth Hasselbeck Challenges Sunny Hostin Over Iran Strikes on The Viewappeared first onReality Tea.

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March 05, 2026

Elisabeth Hasselbeck Challenges Sunny Hostin Over Iran Strikes on The View

Elisabeth Hasselbeckcontinues to spark heated debates with panellists onThe View. The mother of three is firing back atSunny Hostin, who h...

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Oscars might not care about hearing best song nominees performed, but we do

Last year, there were none.

This year, movie music fans will at least get to hear two of the fivebest original song nominees.

In a controversial move – isn't there always one? – the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciencesdecreed thatonly"Golden"from "KPop Demon Hunters" and"I Lied to You"from "Sinners" would be granted the stage for live performances during the March 15 Oscars ceremony.

Asreported by Varietyin January, citing a letter from the Oscars' executive producers, the other nominees will be celebrated via custom-produced segments that may include behind-the-scenes footage of the songwriting process.

Songs by Nick Cave and Bryce Dessner ("Train Dreams"from "Train Dreams"), Nicholas Pike ("Sweet Dreams of Joy"from "Viva Verdi!") andperennial nominee Diane Warren("Dear Me"from her documentary "Relentless") will be scuttled "to create a fast-paced, entertaining and cohesive" show, according to the Academy's letter.

Last year, the broadcastnixed all of the best original song performances, again citing time constraints. The 2025 Oscars marked thefirst omission of best song performances since 2012; the category was also deemed unworthy of airtime in 1989 and 2010.

So since we only have a couple of new productions to anticipate, we're taking a look back at a dozen of the most memorable from Oscars past.

The only caveat: Performances didn't have to equate to a winning song, but said song had to be nominated. Otherwise we'd haveLady Gagaat the 2015 Oscars,who stunned with her tributeto "The Sound of Music," at the top of the list.

12. Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston, 'When You Believe' ('The Prince of Egypt'), 1999

This duet showcased the vocal acrobatics of two of the most deservedly acclaimed female singers in modern music. While the hand holding betweenMariah CareyandWhitney Houstonfeels more staged than genuine and the song hasn't maintained the instant recognizability as Aerosmith's competing "I Don't Want to Miss a Thing" (probably songwriter Warren's best chance to have won thatstill-elusive Oscar), no one is going to quibble with such unadulterated star power. When a choir joins the singers for the final third of the song and both Houston and Carey take flight with their trademark belting, just sit back and marvel.

11. Three 6 Mafia and Taraji P. Henson, 'It's Hard Out Here for a Pimp' ('Hustle & Flow'), 2006

TheSouthern rappers from Memphisbecame the first hip-hop group to perform at the Oscars, and later in the ceremony, the first to win the best original song award. Their performance electrifies with a combination of a street savvy set – part living room, part gritty sidewalk – and the group's loping song.Taraji P. Henson, in a white, Marilyn Monroe-esque dress, delivers the earworm chorus and clearly enjoys moonlighting on stage, especially when she commands the spotlight for a final, bracing note.

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10. The Swell Season, 'Falling Slowly' ('Once'), 2008

Sometimes simplicity is the most effective approach, and it works to brilliant, chills-inducing effect. The folk duo of Irish musician Glen Hansard and Czech singer/ pianist Markéta Irglová, stars of the sweet indie film "Once," oozes quiet chemistry. The film is based on their ownburgeoning musical relationship, which turned personal for a couple of years after its release, and their quick glances at each other during the tender song indicates undeniable mutual affection.

9. Diana Ross and Lionel Richie, 'Endless Love' ('Endless Love'), 1982

The vibrations between these two pros is palpable the moment they arrive from the wings on opposite sides of the stage.Lionel Richie, looking fly in his tinted glasses and classic tux, andDiana Ross, in a sublime feathered outfit, snuggle as they progress through the song. But they leave enough space for Ross to toss out a wallop of a crescendo as Richie plays her understated foil.

8. U2, 'The Hands That Built America' ('Gangs of New York'), 2003

Though the Oscar eluded the band (Eminem's"Lose Yourself"won best original song), they certainly didn't lose with their rendition of this evocative ballad. As the Edge strums an acoustic guitar, a somber Bono stands uncharacteristically still for the first verse, hands clasped in front of him as he sings. But after taking off to slowly stroll the stage,the inimitable frontmanhits a note that sounds more like an operatic cry, so deeply does he feel the music. Throughout the performance, powerful black and white video of immigrants sweating and smiling as they help build New York plays behind the quartet.

7.Beyoncé, Jennifer Hudson and Anika Noni Rose, 'Dreamgirls' medley ('Dreamgirls'), 2007

Talk about a power trio.Jennifer Hudsonkickstarts the medley with "I Love You I Do" as she slinks among a foursome of horn-wielding dancers. ThenBeyoncé arriveshalfway through the song to swish her dress, beam beatifically and uncork her own potent voice. But it's the tradeoffs between the two on "Listen" that stun. As the pair duet, they perhaps unintentionally push each other's vocals to the stratosphere, with Beyoncé ultimately taking the spotlight with her fierce, from-the-gut performance. The closing "Patience" withAnika Noni Roseand Keith Robinson is an unquestionably pretty, if understated, finale.

6. Adele, 'Skyfall' ('Skyfall'), 2013

A decade before shewowed audiences in Las Vegaswith an astonishing presentation of the titular song from the James Bond film, Adele bewitched with her Oscars performance. The creeping strings and plucked guitar provide the cinematic sweep, but it is Adele's voice – pure and glasslike – and the dramatic flourishes that infuse her delivery that cement her reputation as a preeminent vocalist of our time.

5. Robin Williams, 'Blame Canada' ('South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut'), 1999

Some – OK, most – would callRobin Williamsa national treasure. Same for the guys behind the source material, Trey Parker and Matt Stone, architects of"South Park"and the satirical film from whence this gem of an anthem came. But who better than a game-for-anything, rubber-faced (and limbed!) Williams to bring it all to life, marching with townsfolk, high kicking with dancing Mounties and making us smile on our crankiest days.

4. Bruce Springsteen, 'Streets of Philadelphia' ('Philadelphia'), 1994

With a gentle backbeat chugging behind him,Bruce Springsteensounded appropriately "bruised and battered" as he unspooled his Oscar-winning ballad from the poignant Tom Hanks movie about a gay man persecuted for having AIDS. The song in general was a perfect tonal fit for the film. But this performance, not much more than Springsteen standing and clasping a microphone, is all that was needed as he sang in a hushed tone both melancholy and hopeful, his background singers adding a haunting touch.

3. Celine Dion, 'My Heart Will Go On' ('Titanic'), 1998

Even though anyone with ears was sick to death of the Celtic-tinged theme to James Cameron's opus by the time the Oscars rolled around, only those with the stoniest of hearts and iciest of veins (apologies, Jack Dawson) wouldn't be moved by anotherCeline Dionmaster class in singing. On a stark white set and backed by an orchestra, Dion, in contrasting black, pounded her chest, elegantly waved her arms and controlled the song through tranquil dips and skyrocketing climaxes as only she can.

2. Ryan Gosling, 'I'm Just Ken' ('Barbie'), 2024

Oh, where to begin? The fuchsia suit and shades? The suave waltz from the audience to the stage? The "Material Girl"/"Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend" set filled with gliding "Kens" (including actors Simu Liu and Kingsley Ben-Adir) in three-piece suits? The guest appearances from Mark Ronson, Slash and Wolfgang Van Halen? It was all so charming, self-deprecating and ridiculous in the best sense that one canonly applaud Ryan Goslingfor his fearless vindication for Kens everywhere.

1. Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper, 'Shallow' ('A Star is Born'), 2019

There is chemistry and then there is smoldering.Lady GagaandBradley Cooper, who shared undeniable harmony in"A Star is Born,"seamlessly transferred that connection to a live audience in a cleverly staged performance that gripped your soul. With the camera facing the audience, the pair walked to the stage hand in hand, their eyes locked as Cooper sat on a stool a few feet in front of Gaga to sing the opening verse. Barely breaking eye contact, Gaga slid behind her piano for her intense portion of the song as Cooper quietly positioned himself next to her. The twosome sat millimeters apart for the closing lyrics, eyes closed and emotions apparent, allowing viewers to share a most intimate moment.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Best Oscars musical performances ranked

byCUSTOS CAELORUM

in

March 05, 2026

Oscars might not care about hearing best song nominees performed, but we do

Last year, there were none. This year, movie music fans will at least get to hear two of the fivebest origin...

Read More