Ryan Gosling and Slash Rock the Oscars with ‘I’m Just Ken’ Performance

Ryan Gosling and Slash joined forces at the 96th Academy Awards to deliver a spirited performance of the song “I’m Just Ken” from the movie Barbie, which had garnered a nomination for Best Original Song at the prestigious event.

Producer Mark Ronson, one of the masterminds behind the night’s ensemble performance, co-wrote the song with Andrew Wyatt, with contributions from legendary guitarists Slash and Van Halen.

During the Oscars performance, Gosling, dressed in an all-pink suit, took the lead vocals alongside Ronson, setting the stage for an electrifying rendition of the beloved track.

Approximately two minutes into the performance, rock icon Slash made a grand entrance, shredding through colossal riffs and adding his signature flair to the song, culminating in a momentous climax. Meanwhile, Van Halen provided rhythmic guitar accompaniment and made a visual appearance towards the end of the performance.

The duo’s performance sent shockwaves through the audience and elicited a thunderous standing ovation from the star-studded crowd in attendance.

“Slash is my hero,” Ronson expressed his admiration for the guitarist, reflective of his Seventh-grade days. “I had pictures of Slash all over my walls. So when we were getting near this song being done, I was like, ‘It never hurts to ask.’ It seems like such a long shot.”

According to Ronson, reaching out to Slash was a moment of awe and surprise when the guitarist not only praised the song but also eagerly agreed to contribute, delivering stellar guitar work that added a unique dimension to the track.

Additionally, Ronson’s collaboration with Van Halen for the project proved to be a success, with the latter adding his distinct sound to key moments in the song, including a standout solo that showcased his technical prowess.

The presence of fellow ‘Ken’s’ from the film, including actors Simu Liu and Kingley Ben-Adir, added an extra layer of star power to the performance, accentuated by the vibrant Barbie-themed set and choreography.