Queen Over Hart During Oscars Opener: Adam Lambert Joins Band to Start With 'We Will Rock You'

Queen and Adam Lambert took the stage to open the 2019 Oscars with “We Will Rock You” and “We Are the Champions,” setting the tone for a ceremony that lost host Kevin Hart because of years-old homophobic tweets for which he has since apologized.

Lambert, who is openly gay, led the band featured in the film “Bohemian Rhapsody” through an opening that also included “We Are the Champions,” which served as a Freddie Mercury tribute. There was a subtle message of tolerance since Hart lost the job in part because of a sense that he was not contrite enough.

Hart spoke about the issue in an appearance on “Ellen,” though he has continued to face backlash, including from CNN anchor Don Lemon, who said it was not Ellen DeGeneres’ place to forgive Hart.

Also Read: Queen and Adam Lambert Will Perform at Oscars Ceremony

At the end of the performance, that saw the audience dancing and swaying along to the two songs, a picture of Mercury was shown on screen. “Bohemian Rhapsody” is nominated for five Academy Awards, including a Best Actor nod for Rami Malek, who played Mercury in the biopic. It is also up for Best Picture.

Since there was no host, Maya Rudolph, Amy Poehler and Tina Fey took the stage to deliver a round of jokes. The three comedians hoped that readers of USA Today would think they were the hosts given how long they told jokes at the beginning of the show.

Also Read: Brian May, Roger Taylor Gave 'Bohemian Rhapsody' Cast Free Rein on Original Queen Costumes (Exclusive Video)

The 91st Academy Awards were held in Los Angeles, California.

Oscars Red Carpet: Jason Momoa, Billy Porter and Other Guys Push the Fashion Envelope (Photos)

Men weren't all about the standard-issue black tuxedos and silk lapels at the Oscars this year. Instead, we got a lot more eye-catching looks.
Billy Porter

The "Pose" star donned a velvet tuxedo gown by Christian Siriano, and is one of the most-talked-about looks of the evening so far. Will he be topped?
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Stephan James

The "If Beale Street Could Talk" star wore a red velvet tuxedo with a red bow tie and a brooch. Eye-catching!
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Spike Lee

The director, who is nominated for directing, producing and co-writing the drama "BlacKkKlansman," threw it back to "Do the Right Thing," and donned a purple ensemble with rings saying "LOVE" and "HATE."
Adam Lambert

Lambert will be performing alongside Queen during the show, but he had fans talking way ahead of showtime in his tuxedo paired with exaggerated large french cuffs (sans cuff links), no tie or bow tie, and an orchid brooch. His earrings made quite the statement as well.
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Questlove

The musician took on a more casual look this evening and opted for some color pops of red with a patterned shirt and a red necklace under his black suit.
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Richard E. Grant

A supporting actor nominee for "Can You Ever Forgive Me," Richard E. Grant sported a dark red jacket with grey lapels, grey vest and a black bow tie.
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Juicy J

Talk about a statement jacket! Juicy J donned a zebra-print jacket with black lapels on the red carpet.
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Henry Golding

"Crazy Rich Asians" star Henry Golding sported a white vest and accessorized with a pocket watch chain. Looking sharp!

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Chadwick Boseman

"Black Panther" headliner sported an elegant ensemble straight out of Wakanda.
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Jason Momoa

"Aquaman" star Jason Momoa arrived with Lisa Bonet and looking like Atlantean royalty in a suit that Karl Lagerfeld personally designed for him before his death last week.
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Tommy Hilfiger

The designer's ensemble was probably one of the loudest of the night, with different colors and flannel prints all over the place... paired with marijuana loafers.
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