Photo: ABC

tems oscar dress

Singer-songwriterTemsquite literally had a stop-and-stare moment at the2023 Oscars.

The “Free Mind” singer (who’s real name is Temilade Openiyi) stepped out in a white Lever Couture gown with delicate tulle fabric weaved into a head-to-toe asymmetrical silhouette. She teamed the number with silver gemstone heels and bling on her wrists and fingers.

But, while the 27-year-old artist wowed on the carpet, her look told a different story once she made it inside the venue, especially for the audience members seated behind her.

After making an appearance on screen during the live broadcast, Tems received criticism for the dress' contoured hood, which billowed out to one side and extended upwards past the musician’s top knot bun, therefore obstructing the views of some of the guests.

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95th Annual Academy Awards - Arrivals

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The moment soon became viral on social media. While some blatantly called the moment “rude,” others, who were more considerate of the craftsmanship behind the styling, pointed out that the silhouette of the dress should’ve been adjusted or scrapped all together for the show.

One viewer onTwitterjoked that whoever is seated behind the singer is likely “heated” for the obstructed view, but so many others were quick to point out how ethereal she looked in her gown. One viewer onTwitterstated that she “stole the show,” which is a fair assessment.

Yet anotherTwitteruser offered up the suggestion that Tems is “taking up space” as a Black woman in the crowd.

Gasoline Alleystar Devon Sawa also poked fun at the situation. On Sunday, he tweeted a screenshot of the singer at the ceremony, with an arrow pointing to the row behind her. “I’m seated right here. Good news is, I’m atthe Oscars. Bad news is I can’t see a thing,” hejokingly wrote.

Tems was nominated for Best Achievement in Music Written for Motion Pictures (Original Song) alongsideRihanna, Ryan Coogler andLudwig Göranssonfor theBlack Panther: Wakanda Foreversingle “Lift Me Up.”

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Rihanna performs onstage during the 95th Annual Academy Awards at Dolby Theatre on March 12, 2023 in Hollywood, California.

Rihanna changed out of herbump-baring mesh and leather Alaïa red carpet dressand into baggy black sequin pants, abedazzled bra with jewel strandscaressing her bump and leather opera gloves.

source: people.com