Just a few weeks ago, Ariana Grande was announced as one of two headliners for the upcoming Wicked movie. The reveal comes just before her return to acting, as she appears in the new Netflix
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The “Positions” singer contributed a track to the film, and not only is the track eligible for Best Original Song, but it already looks like a front-runner for a nomination. It’s early days, but by the time the full list of potential winners is released in February 2022, it wouldn’t be strange to hear Grande among them.
The Grammy winner (and current nominee) co-wrote the track “Just Look Up,” a somewhat ironic title given the movie itself is named after Don’t look up. Released just a few days ago, the track could end up charting and becoming a minor hit as it’s a duet between Grande and Kid Cudi, two major stars. Even if he does not win on the Billboard rankings, it has a very good chance of making both musicians Oscar nominees for the first time.
On “Just Look Up,” Grande worked with Cudi and Nicholas Britell and Taura Stinson, who have been nominated for Oscars in the past but have yet to win. Britell is twice nominated for Best Original Score (for Moonlight and If Beale Street Could Talk), while Stinson teamed up with Mary J. Blige and Raphael Saadiq for a track of muddy titled “Mighty River”.
The pop superstar is also eligible for her role in the project, but there isn’t much buzz surrounding her performance. Categories like Best Actress and Best Supporting Actress are always incredibly competitive, and right now, it doesn’t look like Grande has any real chance of ending up in those races.
At the moment, it looks like this year’s Best Original Song category is full of top contenders, like tracks from musicians like Billie Eilish, Jay-Z, and even Beyoncé, all of whom could end up competing for the golden statue.