(Reuters) — A number of soaring musical performances lit up the stage at the 86th annual Academy Awards, including performances by U2, Pharrell Williams and Bette Midler.
A number of the songs were nominated for best original song, including U2’s “Ordinary Love,”Pharrell Williams’ “Happy,” Idina Menzel’s “Let it Go,” and Karen O’s “The Moon Song.”
The winner of best original song was “Let it Go,” from the animated film, “Frozen.” Singer Idina Menzel delivered a powerful performance of it, prompting a standing ovation from the audience.
U2 also brightened the stage with their performance of their song “Ordinary Love,” which was used in the film “Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom.”
Bette Midler also lent gravitas to the Oscars’ yearly salute to deceased members of the film industry, singing her iconic song “Wind Beneath My Wings.”
And finally, lightening the mood a bit – and prompting several front row audience members to dance along – Pharrell Williams performed the hit song “Happy” from the animated film “Despicable Me 2.”
