Unfazed: Tems Reacts After Receiving Backlash For Extravagant Outfit

Temilade Openiyi, a talented Nigerian singer better known by her stage as Tems, has responded following significant criticism of her Oscars 2023 attire. However, the harsh vibes she received at the recently held Oscars have not affected the Grammy-winning performer.

The 95th Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, also known as the Oscars, which took place in the wee hours of Monday, March 13, 2023, saw the award-winning singer, composer, and performer, who was also a nominee, in attendance; and what a sight and presence she made.

Tems, nominated in the best original song category for the “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” song “Lift Me Up” arrived chicly in an opulent bridal-inspired gown that stood out. She received a lot of criticism because of her outfit, which some acknowledged was among the top-rated costumes of the day, but others termed it “Selfish” because it might have blocked other people’s views who were seated behind the singer.

After the event, the unfaced Tems took to social media and shared more images of herself looking stunning. On the Twitter app, she added a reactionary caption to the post. She posted with the caption, “Oops!”.

Tems “Lift Me Up” with Ludwig Göransson, Rihanna, and Ryan Coogler, who all contributed to the song, lost its Oscars nomination in the ‘Best Original Song category to “Naatu Naatu” by the Indian lyricist Chandrabose and composer M.M. Keeravani for the Bollywood blockbuster “RRR.” Also, “Naatu Naatu” triumphed over the nominees “Applause” from Tell It Like a Woman (Diane Warren), “Hold My Hand” from Top Gun: Maverick (Lady Gaga, Bloodpop), and “This Is A Life” from Everything Everywhere All at Once (Ryan Lott, David Byrne, Mitski).

Tems remains the first and only Nigerian artist to receive an Oscar nomination, even though she did not win.