Rihanna Receives Oscar-Worthy Buzz For Emotional Comeback Single "Lift Me Up"

Rihanna has made her return to music with new single "Lift Me Up," which will appear on the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever soundtrack.

Rihanna has entered the Oscar conversation. On Friday, the music icon released her long-awaited comeback single "Lift Me Up," which will appear on the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever soundtrack. Co-written by Rihanna, Tems, Ludwig Göransson and Wakanda Forever director Ryan Coogler, the song is both a tribute to Tems’ deceased loved ones and "the extraordinary life and legacy of Chadwick Boseman," who portrayed King T'Challa/Black Panther.

“After speaking with Ryan and hearing his direction for the film and the song, I wanted to write something that portrays a warm embrace from all the people that I’ve lost in my life. I tried to imagine what it would feel like if I could sing to them now and express how much I miss them,” said Tems in a statement. “Rihanna has been an inspiration to me so hearing her convey this song is a great honor.”

The song is Rihanna's first new single in six years. And since the song's release on Friday (October 28), Vanity Fair has speculated potential a Best Original Song nomination at the 95th Academy Awards next March. All nominations for the awards ceremony will be announced on Tuesday, January 24.

Along with "Lift Me Up," a second song from Bad Gal Rih will grace the Wakanda Forever soundtrack, titled "Born Again," co-written by her longtime collaborators The-Dream and James Fauntleroy.

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever arrives in theaters on November 11. Watch the video for "Lift Me Up" below.