Tems, a Nigerian singer and songwriter, has provided an explanation for her decision to attend the 2023 Academy Awards (Oscars) on March 12 in what some critics have referred to as a “view-blocking” white gown.
Tems stated in an interview with Harper’s Bazaar that she intended to “go all out” and make a big effort to look her best for her first Oscar Awards experience.
According to the Grammy winner, putting on the Lever Couture gown was her way of expressing herself and appreciating her accomplishments.
“Two years ago, I would’ve said no to this dress,” she said. “But it’s my first Oscars — I am going to go all out. I really wanted to make the most of the day. The dress is also my way of celebrating my work and the people around me, celebrating my country, and celebrating the people that are rooting for me. This dress says ‘Yes, yes, I am here!’”
“If the biggest women in the world love my work to such an extent that they are working with me, then that must say something. My work is actually reaching places, it’s making some type of impact.”
“And that is insane! I really am just trying to keep my feet on the ground and continue running and doing things that are a hundred per cent authentic to me. Evolving, learning, growing. It’s just the beginning for me,” the ‘Higher’ hitmaker said.
At the 95th Academy Awards on Sunday, Tems’ dress generated a lot of buzz.
The co-writer of “Lift Me Up,” Rihanna’s Oscar-nominated song, dazzled on the red carpet in a stunning Lever Couture gown with a delicate tulle fabric headdress sewn into a head-to-toe asymmetrical shape.
Imagine waiting your whole life to be at the Oscars and you end up sitting behind a stratus cloud. pic.twitter.com/HQ8lSYQBUV
— Jarrett Bellini (@JarrettBellini) March 13, 2023
But, Tems addressed the controversy on Twitter on Monday. She posted four images of herself wearing the now-famous gown along with the ironic caption “Oops.”
Oops.☺️ pic.twitter.com/en3XjAamhI
— TEMS (@temsbaby) March 13, 2023
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