What song did Adele perform at the 85th Academy Awards?

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The song Adele performed at the 85th Academy Awards was “Skyfall.” She sang the James Bond theme during the ceremony held on 24 February 2013, where it was nominated for and won Best Original Song.

“Skyfall” was written by Adele and producer Paul Epworth for the 2012 film of the same name. Its orchestral sound, dramatic opening and references to Bond’s dangerous world made it a natural fit for an awards-show performance. The song was one of the ceremony’s featured musical moments, appearing alongside other performances connected with the year’s nominated films.

The 85th Academy Awards took place at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood and were hosted by Seth MacFarlane. Adele’s performance came several months after the song’s release and helped underline its status as more than a successful single: it was also a major film theme and awards contender.

The other options belong to different stages of Adele’s career. “Someone Like You” and “Rolling in the Deep” came from 21, while “Hello” was released in 2015, well after the ceremony.

Source: Wikipedia · fact-checked Aug. 2026

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