The Moment Jennifer Lawrence Was Left in Tears by a Music Icon – Can You Guess Who?
OPINION: This article may contain commentary which reflects the author's opinion.
Jennifer Lawrence’s meteoric rise to Hollywood superstardom is a tale of talent, perseverance, and the occasional starstruck moment. From her breakout role in The Hunger Games to becoming the youngest actress to win an Oscar, Lawrence has cemented her place among the most respected names in the industry. But even someone as accomplished as J-Law has moments where she’s left speechless, as was the case when she met none other than Sir Paul McCartney.
A Starstruck Moment with a Beatle
Lawrence’s encounter with McCartney wasn’t your typical Hollywood moment. The former Beatle, whose career with The Beatles and Wings has made him a living legend, first crossed paths with Lawrence after watching her performance in American Hustle (2013). In a scene from the film, Lawrence’s character, Rosalyn Rosenfeld, performs an energetic lip-sync to McCartney’s classic song “Live and Let Die,” a track recorded with Wings for the 1973 James Bond film of the same name.
McCartney, clearly a fan of the performance, reached out to Lawrence to compliment her on her dance moves. Lawrence, as she later recounted in an interview with Vanity Fair, was overwhelmed by the gesture. “I don’t think I spoke back,” she admitted. “I just dropped my jaw and cried.” The excitement of receiving praise from one of her musical idols was clearly a moment she’ll never forget.
The Iconic “Live and Let Die” Scene
In American Hustle, the “Live and Let Die” scene quickly became a standout moment, showcasing Lawrence’s ability to balance humor and emotion in her portrayal of the chaotic and unpredictable Rosalyn. In the original cut, Lawrence’s character energetically lip-syncs to the track while performing a series of house chores, including vacuuming and dusting, all while her son looks on in bemusement. The longer version of this scene, which didn’t make it into the final film, eventually surfaced online, offering fans a chance to witness Lawrence’s full performance.
Had this extended scene been included in the final cut, it might have added even more depth to an already standout performance. Despite the final version of American Hustle receiving ten Oscar nominations, the added energy and comedy of the full scene could have made it a worthy contender for more accolades.
The Song Choice: “Live and Let Die” vs. Santana’s “Evil Ways”
Though American Hustle featured Live and Let Die, there was initial consideration of using Santana’s “Evil Ways” for the scene instead. While both tracks are undeniable classics, “Live and Let Die” was a better choice for a few reasons. Not only is it more widely recognized, but it also better aligned with the 1978 setting of the film, whereas “Evil Ways,” released in 1969, would have felt somewhat out of place. The choice of “Live and Let Die” helped elevate the scene’s energy, providing an iconic soundtrack to an unforgettable performance.
Jennifer Lawrence’s Eclectic Music Taste
Lawrence’s taste in music is as varied as her career. She’s spoken in interviews about how her American Hustle co-star Josh Hutcherson introduced her to dubstep music, particularly artists like Skrillex and Bassnectar, which she admitted made her “brain short-circuit in this great way.” In a 2012 interview with Spin, Lawrence also revealed that while she appreciated The Beatles, her personal favorite band was Queen, with “Another One Bites the Dust” being a standout track.
Despite her eclectic taste, it’s clear that a compliment from McCartney—one of the greatest musicians of all time—meant the world to Lawrence. At just 23 years old, after the release of American Hustle, this gesture from a musical icon likely served as confirmation of her rising star power in Hollywood.
Conclusion: A Full-Circle Moment for J-Law
For Jennifer Lawrence, getting a compliment from Sir Paul McCartney wasn’t just a career milestone—it was a moment of validation from a true legend. The meeting exemplified just how far she had come in her career, from a young actress making waves in Hollywood to being recognized by one of the biggest names in music history. For Lawrence, it was a reminder that even the brightest stars in the entertainment industry are sometimes left in awe by the legends they admire.