There is a great tradition of artists performing renditions of their nominated songs at the Academy Awards, and it's one that will continue at this year's ceremony. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts And Sciences has announced that in between bits from Ellen DeGeneres and statues being handed out, Pharrell Williams is set to perform his song "Happy" from Despicable Me 2 at this year's Oscars.
The track is one of four competing in this year's Best Original Song category, the others being "Ordinary Love" from Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom, "Let It Go" from Frozen and "The Moon Song" from Her. Originally the title song from the film Alone Yet Not Alone was up for the prize as well, but it was ultimately disqualified due to unfair lobbying practices on the part of the songwriter. Right now Pharrell is the only artist currently scheduled to perform at this year's show, but don't be surprised if we hear about more coming on-board in the next couple weeks. In the meantime, you can listen to all of the nominated songs below:
Last year was a big one for Pharell Williams even without his work for Despicable Me 2. He worked with both Daft Punk and Robin Thicke to produce two of the biggest music hits of 2013, "Get Lucky" and "Blurred Lines," and he even began a collaboration with Hans Zimmer working on the score for director Marc Webb's upcoming The Amazing Spider-Man 2.
The Academy Awards are scheduled to air on March 2nd and will be held at the Dolby Theatre at Hollywood & Highland Center in Los Angeles, California and will be televised live in more than 225 countries and territories around the world.
