Queen Latifah is set to honor the late Quincy Jones with a special performance at the 97th Academy Awards on March 2, 2025. The announcement was made by executive producer Raj Kapoor during a press conference on February 26. Kapoor described the tribute as “one of the most exciting things we’ve worked on this year.” He added, “We’ve planned and curated this beautiful moment that we hope will uplift the room, celebrating the spirit of Quincy and all of his greatness.”
Queen Latifah Celebrating a Musical Legend
Quincy Jones, who passed away at 91 in November 2024, had a career spanning over seven decades. He was a multifaceted talent—composer, record producer, arranger, and conductor. Jones collaborated with a wide range of artists, including Frank Sinatra, Aretha Franklin, and Michael Jackson. He produced Jackson’s groundbreaking albums “Off the Wall,” “Thriller,” and “Bad.”
Beyond music, Jones made significant contributions to film and television. He composed scores for films like “The Color Purple” and produced the popular TV series “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.” His work earned him numerous accolades, including 28 Grammy Awards and an Academy Honorary Award in June 2024.
A Fitting Tribute
Queen Latifah, an accomplished actress and musician, shared a personal connection with Jones. She performed on two tracks from his 1995 album “Q’s Jook Joint.” Her participation in the Oscars tribute underscores their enduring friendship and mutual respect. Kapoor expressed enthusiasm about her involvement, stating, “We are happy to say that Queen Latifah is part of that performance.”
The 2025 Oscars, hosted by Conan O’Brien, promise a memorable evening. In addition to Latifah’s tribute, the ceremony will feature performances by Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo from the film “Wicked.” However, live performances of Best Original Song nominees have been omitted this year, a decision that has sparked some controversy.