Oscars 2022: New Jersey native to lead as musical director for Hollywood’s biggest night

Apart from the ten nominees with direct ties to the Delaware Valley, this 12 months’s musical director can be bringing hometown fashion to Hollywood’s greatest night time.

Burlington County Native Adam Blackstone was chosen because the 2022 Oscars Musical Director.

Blackstone grew up in Willingboro, New Jersey, and he is confirmed to be a drive within the music business.

Recent off his position as musical director for the Tremendous Bowl halftime present, 2022 is shaping as much as be his 12 months.

On Oscar Sunday, the College of the Arts alum desires to signify his hometown nicely.

“Shoutout to Philadelphia, shoutout to Trenton, New Jersey,” stated Blackstone. “Thanks to all of my hometown people who haven’t solely supported me however all of us who’re right here for the Academy Awards.”

When Blackstone discovered he was this 12 months’s musical director, he handpicked hometown expertise to affix him.

“I’ve a number of individuals in my orchestra this 12 months from the east coast. From the Philly space and Willingboro, New Jersey,” Blackstone stated.

Blackstone steps into this prestigious position on the Oscars, one 12 months after one other native musical star: West Philadelphia’s Questlove.

“Shoutout to Questlove. Certainly one of my unimaginable pals and mentors,” Blackstone stated. “After I moved to Philly, The Roots took me below their wing and adopted me. With Questlove being the musical director final 12 months and myself this 12 months, we’ve got a terrific lineage.”

Blackstone can be performing on the Oscars.

“I’ve an all-star band for section two, which is myself, Robert Glasper, Sheila E., and Travis Barker,” he stated. “We bought some surprises becoming a member of us as nicely. Musically, this can be a present like none different.”

His lineup contains Beyonce, Reba McEntire, Billie Eilish, and the solid of ‘Encanto,’ performing dwell for the primary time.

His recommendation to all of the younger Adam Blackstones on the market watching from the Delaware Valley is: be humble.

“Every gig is the audition to the subsequent gig. After I was on stage in Philadelphia, after I was at church in New Jersey, I did not know who was watching me,” stated Blackstone. “Every of these gigs ready me for the place I’m in the present day.”

He provides that considered one of his lead orchestrators, and the conductor, Derrick Hodge, can be from Willingboro and a graduate of Temple College.