Best Original Song Duel: The Muppets Vs. Rio

by UInterviewFebruary 3, 2012, 12:00 am >

Although the Best Original Song category sparked plenty of controversy during and after the Golden Globes, the 84th Annual Academy Award nominations for Best Original Song appear to have expunged the drama-stirrers. Neither Elton John nor Globe-winner Madonna is nominated, so John’s husband David Furnish won’t have the chance to slam Madonna on Facebook yet again (unless he feels the urge to do so for an unrelated reason). In fact, for the first time in Oscars history, only two nominees — “Man or Muppet” from The Muppets and “Real in Rio” from Rio — will go head-to-head for top honors, due to the Academy's mysterious and out-of-date voting rules, according to Slate.

So who will win? Our bet is on The Muppets, because unlike Rio they enjoy a sanctified place in American culture. But, as the Academy has shown, this race isn't about star power — it's about musical genius.

In order for you to formulate your own opinion, here's a breakdown of both songs, with music videos provided.

“Man or Muppet," Music and Lyrics by Brett McKenzie

Yes, the name and concept of the song is absurd. Most people can’t relate to inner turmoil caused by not knowing if they feel like a living breathing human, or a living, breathing … muppet? (Do muppets breathe?) But the song is actually a pleasure to listen to. Jason Segel sounds a lot better than many would have expected. The only time we've really seen him sing was in Forgetting Sarah Marshall, but what did not we not see of Segel in that movie? The melody of "Man or Muppet" is sweet and brings on at least a small amount of empathy for Segel's character, Gary, his brother, Walter, and their internal conflict.

“Real in Rio," Music and Lyrics by Sergio Mendes, Carlinhos Brown and Siedah Garrett

This is about what you would expect from a song about a bunch of happy-go-lucky animals living in Brazil. High-energy, catchy, with loud beating percussion and animal noises, it's about four minutes of pure, vibrant excitement. Even Will.i.am raps in it. How could this not make you happy?

—ALLISON VOLPE