Gabriel Won't Perform At Oscars In Protest

The Associated Press

Peter Gabriel is nominated for Best Song at this year's Academy Awards.

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS | Tbo.com
Published: February 13, 2009

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Peter Gabriel's minute in the Oscars spotlight will lack one important element: Peter Gabriel.

The Academy Award-nominated singer won't perform at the Feb. 22 ceremony to protest an apparently revamped presentation of best original song contenders. Gabriel says in a video on his Web site that he objects to the songs being shortened to 65 seconds apiece and made part of a medley.

Gabriel is nominated alongside Thomas Newman for "Down To Earth" from "WALL-E."
The British musician says he'll still attend the Oscars, but is hoping a gospel choir will stand in for him onstage.

Organizers have warned that this year's ceremony will be full of new twists, including the way categories are presented.