If Elton John receives an Oscar nod, he may not perform on the telecast

Elton John‘s song “Never Too Late,” written by Elton, his friend Brandi Carlile, Bernie Taupin and producer Andrew Watt, made the short list for best original song at the Academy Awards. But if it’s nominated Thursday morning, don’t count on seeing Elton perform it on the telecast.

The Motion Picture Academy announced Wednesday that this year’s telecast will “move away from live performances” in the best original song category and will instead “be focused on the songwriters.” The Academy adds, “We will celebrate their artistry through personal reflections from the teams who bring these songs to life. All of this, and more, will uncover the stories and inspiration behind this year’s nominees.”

In the best original song category, the songwriters, not the performers, receive the Oscars. But since Elton and his pals wrote the song, he will likely get to speak about it during the telecast, should he be nominated.

“Never Too Late” is from Elton’s Disney+ documentary of the same name. It did not make the short list for the Oscar’s best documentary category. If “Never Too Late” goes on to win an Oscar, it’ll be Elton’s third. He previously won in 1995 for “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” from The Lion King and in 2000 for “I’m Gonna Love Me Again” from his biopic Rocketman. 

Earlier this year, Elton officially became an EGOT winner when he scored his first Emmy Award, for his Farewell from Dodger Stadium special.

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