Ryan Gosling exudes pure Kenergy at the Oscars, sings 'I'm Just Ken'

[Enter Stage Rite]

Nominated for Best Original Song at the Academy Awards, I’m Just Ken from the Barbie film, exploded onto the stage in a flurry of pink, rhinestones, and unexpected guests thanks to a soulful yet humorous reprisal by Ryan Gosling.

 

The live-action Ken, sporting Barbie-worthy sunglasses and a sparkly pink suit, kicked things off seated next to hs co-star Margot Robbie, who could not stifle her laughter. The ballad quickly transitioned into a full-fledged dance number, complete with a troupe of backup Kens—including his fellow Barbie castmates Simu Liu and Ben Kingsley-Adair.

 

Just when you thought the spectacle at the Oscars had peaked, a legendary guitarist emerged from the wings: Slash of Guns N’ Roses. The crowd erupted as Slash launched into a scorching guitar solo, adding a rock n’ roll edge to I’m Just Ken.

 

The audience, clearly loving the playful chaos, was on its feet. Gosling, ever the showman, even passed the mic to Barbie cast members America Ferrera, Margot Robbie, director Greta Gerwig, and Gosling’s La La Land co-star Emma Stone, who all joined in the singing.

 

Despite the infectious performance, the Oscar for Best Original Song ultimately went to What Was I Made For? from the Barbie movie, co-written by Billie Eilish and Finneas.

 

 

• https://www.today.com/popculture/awards/im-just-ken-ryan-gosling-barbie-oscars-2024-rcna142090
• https://www.bostonglobe.com/2024/03/10/arts/ryan-gosling-im-just-ken-slash-oscars/
• https://www.elle.com/culture/music/a60149557/watch-ryan-gosling-barbie-im-just-ken-performance-oscars-2024/
• https://www.cnn.com/2024/03/10/entertainment/ryan-gosling-im-just-ken-oscars-2024/index.html

 

Image: Hutchinsphoto | Dreamstime.com