Mark Ronson has revealed that Barbie power ballad, I’m Just Ken, will only be performed at the Oscars if star Ryan Gosling agrees to sing it in front of his acting peers.
The Barbie soundtrack producer and co-writer said he had no confirmation about whether a live performance was on the cards at next month’s Academy Awards but admitted it would be a “dream” come true.
Speaking to Variety, he shared: “That would be great. Did he confirm to you? I want to know... it’s my dream. It’s my dream.”
However, the Grammy Award winning producer insisted that only Gosling can sing the track, and should he decide against performing it, then another performer won’t be subbed in.
The 48-year-old said: “No. I think if Ryan doesn’t do it then we’re not doing it.”
Barbie has earned two Oscar nominations for best original song - I’m Just Ken and Billie Eilish’s What Was I Made For.
Eilish’s track won song of the year at Sunday’s Grammys as well as best song written for visual media, beating other Barbie tracks including Dua Lipa’s Dance the Night.
Last month, Gosling hinted that he had been thinking about performing the track in an interview with W Magazine.
Speaking alongside his Barbie co-star Margot Robbie, he said: “Well, I haven’t been invited. And I wasn’t thinking about it until now, and now it’s all I’m going to think about.
“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?”
Aside from music, Gosling is up for best supporting actor at the award show for his portrayal of Ken.
Co-star America Ferrera is nominated for best supporting actress. The film is also up for best picture, best adapted screenplay, best costume design and best production design.
Following the nominations, Gosling spoke about his disappointment after director Greta Gerwig and co-star Margot Robbie were snubbed in their individual categories.
“There is no Ken without Barbie, and there is no Barbie movie without Greta Gerwig and Margot Robbie, the two people most responsible for this history-making, globally celebrated film,” he said at the time.
“No recognition would be possible for anyone on the film without their talent, grit and genius.”
The 96th Academy Awards will take place on Sunday March 10.
