Queen Latifah’s Oscars Tribute to Quincy Jones Left Viewers Stunned—Here’s Why!

The 2025 Oscars, held on March 2 in Los Angeles, were full of glitz, glamour, and anticipation as movie-goers tuned in to watch the ceremony’s various awards unfold. But it was a special tribute to a legendary figure in the music world that stole the show for many viewers. Queen Latifah took to the stage to honor the late Quincy Jones, and her soulful performance of “Ease on Down the Road” left a lasting impression.

Quincy Jones, the iconic music producer, passed away in November 2024 at the age of 91 from pancreatic cancer. Known for his groundbreaking contributions to both music and film, Jones had earned multiple Oscar nominations over his career for scoring films such as The Wiz and The Color Purple. He also made history in 1967 as the first Black composer to be nominated for Best Song at the Oscars for “The Eyes of Love” from Banning. Later, in 1971, he became the first Black music director for the Oscars telecast, a milestone that highlighted his immense influence in the industry.

To honor Quincy Jones’ impact on music, Queen Latifah, who had the privilege of working with him on his 1995 album Q’s Jook Joint, performed his iconic song “Ease on Down the Road” from The Wiz. Dressed in a striking silver cape and black pants, Queen Latifah commanded the stage with a performance that was as bold and energetic as the music itself, channeling the joyous spirit that Quincy Jones so often embodied in his work.

Her tribute quickly caught the attention of viewers, and social media erupted with praise for her powerhouse performance. “QUEEN LATIFAH EASE ON DOWN THE ROAD LETS GO GIRLS,” one user wrote on X (formerly Twitter). Another tweeted, “Queen Latifah forever 🫶 what a great performance to honor Quincy Jones,” while a third added, “Queen Latifah is bringing it for the Quincy Jones tribute!!!”

The audience’s excitement and admiration for Queen Latifah’s tribute to Quincy Jones were palpable, as she not only honored his legacy but brought a level of soul and energy to the stage that resonated deeply with fans. Her performance was a powerful reminder of Jones’ far-reaching influence on both music and film, and the joy she infused into her tribute embodied the spirit of Quincy’s music and lasting legacy.

In a night filled with memorable moments, Queen Latifah’s performance will surely be remembered as one of the standout tributes of the evening, paying heartfelt homage to a true legend.

Queen Latifah performs “Ease on Down the Road” at the #Oscars in honor of the late Quincy Jones pic.twitter.com/fxgBBIt8vg

— The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) March 3, 2025