Rita Ora will sing the Oscar-nominated song “Grateful” at the Academy Awards show on February 22. The song is from the little-known film “Beyond the Lights.” Directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood, the film is about a famous pop singer who falls in love with a cop who helps her develop her own voice and “break free to become the artist she was meant to be.” It stars Gugu Mbatha-Raw (Noni the superstar), Nate Parker (Kaz the cop), and Minnie Driver (Noni’s overbearing stage mother).
Diane Warren, “Grateful” songwriter, is disappointed with the real superstar, Rita Ora, who sang her song for the film. “She sang it great,” said Warren, “but it’s a little frustrating.” Warren suggests that Ora doesn’t support the song enough. Warren expected Ora to tweet more about the song and its Oscar nomination. Warren points out that Ora’s Twitter feed has been overwhelmed with promotions for Ora’s song “Doing It” featuring Charli XCX. That said, Ora will perform “Grateful” live at the Oscars on February 22. That’s a pretty big plug.
