Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Mark Ronson says if Ryan Gosling doesn’t perform ‘I’m Just Ken’ at Oscars then ‘we’re not doing it’

Ronson said performing with Gosling at the Oscars would be ‘a dream’

Maira Butt
Tuesday 06 February 2024 17:05 GMT
Comments
Barbie's Ryan Gosling gets into character for 'I'm Just Ken' in hilarious behind-the-scenes clip

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Mark Ronson has said if Ryan Gosling doesn’t sing Barbie power ballad “I’m Just Ken” at the Oscars then it won’t be performed at all.

The Barbie soundtrack producer and co-writer said he’d had no confirmation about whether a live performance was on the cards, but he was clear that there is only one person who could do the job of singing it.

During an interview for Variety, Ronson was full of enthusiasm at the prospect.

“That would be great. Did he confirm to you? I want to know... it’s my dream. It’s my dream.”

When asked if he’d possibly sub in another singer to perform at the event, Ronson said: “No. I think if Ryan doesn’t do it then we’re not doing it.”

Gosling hasn’t confirmed if he will be performing Oscar-nominated hit “I’m Just Ken”
Gosling hasn’t confirmed if he will be performing Oscar-nominated hit “I’m Just Ken” (AP)

Barbie has earnt two Oscar nominations for its soundtrack with “I’m Just Ken” nominated for best original song alongside “What Was I Made For” by Billie Eilish and her brother Finneas.

Eilish’s song won a Grammy for best song written for visual media over otherBarbie tracks including Dua Lipa’s “Dance the Night” and “I’m Just Ken”.

Gosling previously hinted he’d been thinking about performing the 1980s-style hit in an interview with W Magazine last month.

“Well, I haven’t been invited. And I wasn’t thinking about it until now, and now it’s all I’m going to think about,” Gosling said.

“Do you get paid to sing at the Oscars? Do you have to drive yourself? What kind of scratch is involved? They pick you up at least, right?” he asked.

Gosling and Ronson both performed a version of the hit last month, sharing details of how the song came to be in an Instagram caption. Ronson shared he’d been “starstruck” when he met the Barbie actor.

Apple TV+ logo

Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days

New subscribers only. £8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled

Try for free
Apple TV+ logo

Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days

New subscribers only. £8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled

Try for free

“I was dying to show the song in a different context — [Gosling] demanded I go “Full Ronson” with the arrangement... Since I’m the person who throws on Stevie’s ‘Someday at Christmas’ the day after Thanksgiving, this appealed to me greatly,” Ronson said.

Gosling and Ronson both released an EP with Andrew Wyatt last month with remixed versions of “I’m Just Ken”.

The 96th Academy Awards will take place on 10 March and will be aired on ABC.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in