What's Bette Doing at the Oscars?

First, there was Jennifer Lawrence. Then, there was Anne Hathaway. And now, there's... The Divine Miss M? On Wednesday, it was announced that Bette Midler will perform at the Osca rs , albeit not as a presenter; Midler's role at the ceremony is still unclear, but Academy Award producers Craig Zadan and Neil Meron said that a performance by the legendary singer will "make our Oscar telecast an especially moving evening."

Translation: In Memoriam. Sure, Midler could be performing at the Academy Awards for a myriad of reasons, but the word "moving" makes us think that she'll be adding her vocal prowess to the night's most somber occasion. Last year, the Oscars enlisted Barbra Streisand to sing "The Way We Were" in tribute to EGOT-winning composer Marvin Hamlisch; after the warm reception to that artist's appearance at the ceremony, it would only make sense that the Academy would choose to enlist another superstar to lead the saddest segment of the night.

Regardless of the reason for Midler's performance on the show, though, it'll undoubtedly be memorable; it's hard to believe, but this year's appearance will mark the first time that Midler has ever performed at the Oscars, despite the singer's own two Oscar nods, as well as her handfuls of Grammys and Golden Globes. Whether she performs during In Memoriam, re-enacts The Rose, or leads the audience in a rousing rendition of "Wind Beneath My Wings" (we can only hope), Midler will certainly bring much-needed energy to this year's show.