PHOTOS: GETTY
The phenomenal Dame Shirley Bassey earned a standing ovation at the Academy Awards when she lead a tribute to 50th birthday of the James Bond franchise. Dame Bassey brought down the house with her performance of "Goldfinger," the iconic 1964 Bond theme song that launched her international career.
The 76-year-old Welsh diva has "defined what has defined what has now become a genre, Bond music," notes the Los Angeles Times in a love letter to last night's performance. Bassey also recorded the self-titled theme songs for Diamonds Are Forever and Moonraker.
More photos and watch the magic AFTER THE JUMP ...
The super-talented British singer/songwriter Adele, who swept the Grammys last year with her heartbreak album "21," continued the Bond tribute at the Academy Award ceremony with her rendition of the Bond theme "Skyfall." That later won an Oscar for Best Original Song.
The Los Angeles Times' Todd Martens says Bassey and Adele rescued the musical component of the ceremony.
If British spy James Bond can't be called upon to save the mishandling of pop music by the 2013 Oscars, producers did at least book the next best thing: Shirley Bassey. The vocalist, now in her 70s, has defined what has now become a genre, Bond music. ...
Bassey's Bond songs had all of the above, and her best known, "Goldfinger," as evidenced Sunday night, is at once over-the-top as well as a study in restraint. Its slowly menacing pace is also able to make a cinematic symphony seem fit for a nightclub. ... Lyrically, "Goldfinger," as are most Bond songs, can at times be silly, but you wouldn't know there was any funny business happening with Bassey at the helm of the tune. She clasped her stomach, clutched her chest and stood stoically calm in her gold, glittery dress.
Her voice has lost a little sharpness, but it has still aged into a rather forceful presence, as Bassey spread her arms, and twisted "Goldfinger" into "goldfingahhh," it was as if she believed at this very moment that the money-obsessed villain of "Goldfinger" was a real-life threat. As the orchestra swelled, Bassey's voice remained largely level. She didn't go to the melody, the melody went to her.
Here is the performance and quick BBC interview with Dame Bassey and Catherine Zeta-Jones. DSB says that she "taught Catherine everything she knows [about] dancing." Love. It.
She was fabulous. Brought back memories of a happier time.
Ms Fonda looked great too. Ms Berry...flawless.
Posted by: Derrick from Philly | 25 February 2013 at 10:46
I love it! Dame Bassey is a goddess!
And yessir, Jane Fonda looked amazing!
Posted by: Peel | 25 February 2013 at 12:13
She is flawless and timeless. Brava Dame Shirley!
Posted by: reggieh | 25 February 2013 at 18:27
She just gave a masterclass and the young divas who are here today and don't want to be gone tomorrow better listen, and ask questions. This is class, and art. Someone wrote that this was okay, but she doesn't sound as good as she used to. I said "B*tch let me see your awards and let me hear how you sound after 60 years in the business!!!" Dame Bassey started at 16 years of age and is now 76. Who the hell else sounds as good at 16, 26, 36, 46, 56, or even 66, as they do at 76? It's called TIME. It marches on. But the class, and presentation, and vocal power that she has at this age is a gift, a wonderful gift.
Posted by: Diva1961 | 25 February 2013 at 20:12
Her performance was flawless! A true legend!
Posted by: Distant Lover | 26 February 2013 at 12:12