Janelle Monáe just booked a major gig this weekend.
The Dirty Computer singer and Antebellum star will be part of a special performance at Sunday night’s (Feb. 9) 2020 Academy Awards, joining a musical roster that also includes the Oscars debut of Billie Eilish, as well as best original song nominees Elton John, Randy Newman and Cynthia Erivo.
“LIIIIIVVVVVVE !! Kansas City Born and raised !!!” Monáe wrote alongside the announcement on her Instagram.
She got some major props from a few fellow stars on booking the sought-after slot, with Erykah Badu writing “Okurrrrrrr” and Melanie Fiona adding “HELL YESSSSSSSSS!!!!!” along with six handclaps, seven trophies and a crown. She also got love from Grimes, Apollonia, Lena Waithe, Erivo and Taraji P. Henson.
Questlove, drummer and one of the frontmen for The Roots, will make a “special appearance” on the 92nd annual Academy Awards as well. In addition, all five nominees for best original song will be performed by the artists who introduced them in the films, though Taron Egerton (who was passed over for an Oscar nomination for best actor) will apparently not be joining John to sing “(I’m Gonna) Love Me Again” from Rocketman, which is presumed to be the front-runner to win the award.
The song, which John co-wrote with his longtime collaborator Bernie Taupin, won in this category at the Golden Globes and tied at the Critics’ Choice Awards.
It was not known at press time what Monáe will be performing.
The four other nominated songs, and their confirmed performers are:
“I Can’t Let You Throw Yourself Away” from Toy Story 4 – Performed by Newman. Music and Lyric by Newman
“I’m Standing With You” from Breakthrough – Performed by Chrissy Metz. Music and Lyric by Diane Warren
“Into The Unknown” from Frozen II – Performed by Idina Menzel and Aurora. Music and Lyric by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez
“Stand Up” from Harriet – Performed by Erivo . Music and Lyric by Joshuah Brian Campbell and Erivo
Check out Monae’s announcement below.
