The Oscars Lose A Performer

Peter Gabriel is nominated for best song along with Thomas Newman for their song from the animated hit, "Wall-E." However, the British singer will not be performing the song as his way of protesting the new presentation of best song nominees.

The New York Times reports that Gabriel's performance of "Down to Earth" would be cut down to 65 seconds and would be part of a medley of performances from the best-song contenders. Gabriel hopes that the gospel choir featured in the song will sing in his place.

This isn't the only revamped aspect of this year's Academy Awards, according to the Associated Press. The categories will be presented in a new way as well.Reuters reports that Gabriel withdrew from his performance with a letter to the Academy explaining that the 60 to 65 second limit does not give him enough time to do the song justice. "Even though song writers are small players in the film making process, they are just as committed and work just as hard as the rest of the team," Gabriel said in the letter.

The other two nominees for best song include "Jai Ho" and "O Saya," both from best picture nominee "Slumdog Millionaire."

Gabriel isn't bothered by the fact that he won't be performing next Sunday night; in fact, he still plans on attending the event. "So I'm an old fart, and it's not going to do me any harm to make a little protest. But the ceremony will be fun and I'm looking forward to it," Gabriel said, according to Rolling Stone magazine.