Beyonce and Jennifer Hudson perform during the 79th Annual Academy Awards in 2007.
Kevin Winter/Getty Images
When the Oscars roll out the red carpet this Sunday (Feb. 22), it will be a show whose musical oomph is heavy. This year's awards will be packed with performances by Common, John Legend, Lady Gaga, Maroon 5 and more.
As the Oscars are celebrating with live musical performances, Billboard.com is too, by looking back at the 10 best live music moments the Academy Awards have ever broadcast. The Oscars simply would not have been the same without Beyonce and Jennifer Hudson's a battle of the "Dreamgirls" divas, Michael Jackson's teenage serenade to "Ben, " or Madonna's homage to Marilyn Monroe.
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U2 - "The Hands That Built America" 2003
As fellow Irishman and Oscar presenter Colin Farrell put it, U2's "The Hands That Built America" honors "new Americans who left Ireland in search of a better life, willing to fight for it at any expense." Written for Martin Scorsese's "Gangs of New York, " the song ultimately lost out to Eminem's "Lose Yourself" but provided a rocking awards show performance nonetheless. Footage of immigrants entering Ellis Island splashed across the stage's backdrop while Bono belted "Hallelujah, " creating an Oscar moment of epic proportions as only he can.
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Björk - "I've Seen It All" 2001
Most people remember Bjork's 2001 Oscar appearance for her infamous "swan dress, " but the quirky Icelandic vocalist also performed at the ceremony. After a mushy introduction from superfan Winona Ryder, Bjork graced the stage with a riveting performance of "I've Seen It All, " the "Best Original Song"-nominated tune from "Dancer in the Dark." Bjork plays a single mother grappling with the loss of her eyesight in the film, and the song - performed here without duet partner Thom Yorke - shifts between swelling orchestral arrangements and minimalist drum patterns. Her outfit may have cemented her place in Oscar lore, but Bjork's performance was just as memorable, and refreshingly unconventional.
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Bon Jovi - "Blaze of Glory" 1991
From his magnificently teased hair to his tight vest and pants, Jon Bon Jovi and his band of Jersey rockers made the '91 Oscars something to remember. Bon Jovi performed "Blaze of Glory, " the high-octane ballad written for "Young Guns II" that ultimately lost "Best Original Song" to the Stephen Sondheim-penned, Madonna-performed song "Sooner or Later" (from "Dick Tracy"). The performance was electric, as Bon Jovi poured his heart soul into the epic lyrics: "I don't know where I'm going/ Only God knows where I've been/ I'm a devil on the run." Blazing, indeed.
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Madonna - "Sooner Or Later" 1991
At the '91 Oscars, Billy Crystal introduced Madonna's performance of the "Dick Tracy" song "Sooner or Later" as "the NC-17 portion of our really big show." Turns out the number wasn't nearly as risqué as some of Madonna's other award-show routines, but as usual, she commanded everyone's attention with a sultry, full-stage romp. Donning a Marilyn Monroe-inspired gown, fur boa, gleaming baubles and bleached-blonde curls, Madonna gave a performance that took us back to the glamorous days of old Hollywood.
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Michael...
