Billie Eilish’s emotional performance of “What Was I Made For?” at the 2024 Oscars left the audience speechless. The song, from the hit movie “Barbie,” won the award for Best Original Song, and Eilish’s powerful vocals alongside Finneas’s piano and orchestral accompaniment truly resonated with the crowd.
Heartfelt Performance Moves the Stars
Billie Eilish’s rendition of the song, written by her brother Finneas, was particularly poignant as it plays during a key scene in the movie where Barbie, played by Margot Robbie, meets her creator Ruth Handler. The raw emotion in Eilish’s voice and the beautiful music had the entire Dolby Theatre captivated, with celebrities like Barbie cast members America Ferrera and Kate McKinnon, director Greta Gerwig, and singer Ariana Grande visibly moved to tears.
Overcoming Creative Block to Create a Hit
This win is especially meaningful for Eilish, who previously opened up about being in a difficult creative space when she was approached to contribute to the “Barbie” soundtrack. “I just didn’t understand what the point was and why you would keep going,” she shared with The Hollywood Reporter. However, after seeing some footage from the film, Eilish found a connection with Barbie’s journey. “I felt so seen,” she said at the Palm Springs Film Awards.
Double Success for “Barbie” at the Oscars
“Barbie” was a major contender at the 2024 Oscars, receiving nominations for Best Picture, Best Supporting Actor and Actress, Adapted Screenplay, Costume Design, and Production Design. Additionally, Ryan Gosling and Mark Ronson’s “I’m Just Ken” was also nominated for Best Original Song. The film’s soundtrack success continued with “What Was I Made For?” winning Song of the Year at the Grammys last month, along with “Barbie” taking home awards for Best Compilation Soundtrack for Visual Media and Best Song Written for Visual Media.