On Sunday, Ryan Gosling went full Ken at the 2024 Oscars with a wild and ridiculous live performance of 'I'm Just Ken' from the 'Barbie' original soundtrack, with song co-writer Mark Ronson, guitarist Slash from Guns 'N Roses, and several other performers at the 2024 Academy Awards.
'I'm Just Ken' was one of two songs from 'Barbie' nominated for best original song. Billie Eilish's "What Was I Made For?" was the other.
Ryan Gosling Performs 'I'm Just Ken'
Simu Liu, Gosling's co-star in 'Barbie,' invited the Oscar crowd to turn on their phone lights and join in on Gosling's show before the performance started.
Sitting behind Margot Robbie in the audience, Gosling began singing 'I'm Just Ken' under a purple light display while wrapped in a sparkling pink suit and gloves, making Robbie laugh. He then headed to the stage with a few backup dancers and Ronson on guitar.
Slash also made an appearance on stage and played guitar during the song. Gosling's fellow Ken actors Liu, Scott Evans, Ncuti Gatwa, and Kingsley Ben-Adir joined him on stage. During one moment, Gosling came backstage to sing along with America Ferrera, Robbie, and Greta Gerwig, his 'Barbie' co-stars, while holding the microphone up to them.
Emma Stone, his co-star in 'La La Land,' also sang along with Gosling. In the weeks preceding the Oscars, it was unclear whether Gosling would perform 'I'm Just Ken' live on stage.
At the 2017 Oscars, he declined to sing the song 'City of Stars' from 'La La Land,' where his co-star John Legend performed the single instead.
Ronson Insists Performing With Gosling
Variety's Marc Malkin asked Ronson the question on the 2024 Grammys red carpet when Gosling had not yet confirmed that he would attend the Oscars. Ronson said it would be his dream to perform the song live with Gosling.
When asked if he would consider substituting another singer if Gosling said he would not perform 'I'm Just Ken' live during the Oscars, Ronson immediately dismissed the idea. The producer said that if Gosling does not do it, then they are not doing it.
Before 'I'm Just Ken' was formally nominated for an Oscar, Gosling hesitated to perform live at the ceremony.
Gosling told W Magazine last month that he had not been invited and had not considered it until now. He joked, "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 attended the 2024 Oscars as a nominee in the best supporting category for his role in 'Barbie.' Overall, Greta Gerwig's blockbuster comedy received eight Academy Award nominations, including best picture.
