Lift Me Up (Rihanna song)
{{Use mdy dates|date=October 2022}}
{{Infobox song
| name = Lift Me Up
| cover = Rihanna - Lift Me Up.png
| caption = Original single cover. Two alternative digital single covers for "Lift Me Up" were also released.{{cite web|url=https://rihanna.store/collections/lift-me-up|title=Lift Me Up – Rihanna|publisher=Rihanna Store|accessdate=November 3, 2022|archive-date=November 2, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221102205307/https://rihanna.store/collections/lift-me-up|url-status=live}}
| alt =
| border = yes
| type = single
| artist = Rihanna
| album = Black Panther: Wakanda Forever – Music From and Inspired By
| released = {{Start date|2022|10|28}}
| recorded =
| written =
| studio =
| genre = R&B
| length = 3:16
| label = * Westbury Road
| composer = * Ludwig Göransson
| lyricist = * Coogler
| producer = Ludwig Göransson
| prev_title = Believe It
| prev_year = 2020
| next_title =
| next_year = 2022
| misc = {{External music video|{{YouTube|Mx_OexsUI2M|"Lift Me Up"}}}}
}}
"Lift Me Up" is a song recorded by Barbadian singer Rihanna. It was released on October 28, 2022, by Westbury Road, Roc Nation, Def Jam, and Hollywood Records, as the lead single from the soundtrack album of the 2022 superhero film Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.{{cite magazine |last1=Rinder |first1=Grant |title=The Rihanna Drought Is Finally Ending This Friday With a New Song |url=https://www.gq.com/story/rihanna-new-song-black-panther-wakanda-forever |access-date=October 28, 2022 |magazine=GQ |date=October 26, 2022 |archive-date=November 2, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221102041350/https://www.gq.com/story/rihanna-new-song-black-panther-wakanda-forever |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |last=Samuels |first=Keithan |date=November 8, 2022 |title=Rihanna's 'Lift Me Up' Debuts at No. 1 on Multiple Billboard Charts |work=Rated R&B |url=https://ratedrnb.com/2022/11/rihanna-lift-me-up-debuts-at-no-1-on-billboard-rnb-charts/ |access-date=November 8, 2022 |quote="Lift Me Up" has garnered more than 40 million streams on Spotify since it was released Oct. 28 via Rihanna's Westbury Road Entertainment imprint, in partnership with Roc Nation, Def Jam Recordings and Hollywood Records. |archive-date=November 8, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221108203145/https://ratedrnb.com/2022/11/rihanna-lift-me-up-debuts-at-no-1-on-billboard-rnb-charts/ |url-status=live }} The song marks Rihanna's first solo music output since her 2016 studio album, Anti.{{Cite web |last=Tuccillo |first=Andrea |date=28 October 2022 |title=Rihanna releases 'Lift Me Up' from 'Black Panther: Wakanda Forever' soundtrack |url=https://www.goodmorningamerica.com/culture/story/marvel-teasing-rihanna-song-black-panther-wakanda-forever-92121334 |access-date=29 October 2022 |website=ABC News |archive-date=November 2, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221102071435/https://www.goodmorningamerica.com/culture/story/marvel-teasing-rihanna-song-black-panther-wakanda-forever-92121334 |url-status=live }} An R&B ballad, "Lift Me Up" was written by Rihanna, Nigerian singer Tems, Ryan Coogler, and produced by Ludwig Göransson.
Music critics were divided on the song; some praised Rihanna's vocals, but others labeled the song's lyrics and the production generic. It received various film awards nominations, including Best Original Song at the 95th Academy Awards and Best Original Song at the 80th Golden Globe Awards. The song has also won various awards, including Best Original Song in a Feature Film at the 13th Hollywood Music in Media Awards and Best Song at the 2023 African-American Film Critics Association.
"Lift Me Up" reached number one in Belgium, Hungary, Switzerland, and South Africa, number two on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, top five in Australia, the United Kingdom, France and the top ten in various other countries. It was certified diamond by the Syndicat National de l'Édition Phonographique (SNEP), platinum by Music Canada and the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), and gold by the British Phonographic Industry (BPI). American cinematographer Autumn Durald Arkapaw directed the music video, which sees Rihanna on an empty beach interspersed with short scenes from the film. Rihanna performed "Lift Me Up" for the first time at the 95th Academy Awards.
Background
In 2017, Rihanna took an extended hiatus from music after the release of her eighth studio album Anti (2016) and several collaborations, including "Wild Thoughts" with DJ Khaled, "Lemon" with N.E.R.D., "Loyalty" with Kendrick Lamar, and her latest collaboration, "Believe It", with PartyNextDoor.{{Cite web |last=Strauss |first=Matthew |date=26 October 2022 |title=Rihanna Announces Black Panther Single "Lift Me Up," First New Song in 6 Years |url=https://pitchfork.com/news/rihanna-announces-lift-me-up-first-new-song-in-6-years/ |access-date=29 October 2022 |website=Pitchfork |language=en-US |archive-date=October 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221026170228/https://pitchfork.com/news/rihanna-announces-lift-me-up-first-new-song-in-6-years/ |url-status=live }} Following the birth of the singer's first child on May 13, 2022, Rihanna said she was working on new record material.{{Cite magazine |last=Bowenbank |first=Starr |date=15 February 2022 |title=Pregnant Rihanna Promises Fans Are 'Still Going to Get Music From Me' |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/rihanna-pregnant-new-music-still-coming-1235031789/ |access-date=29 October 2022 |magazine=Billboard |language=en-US |archive-date=October 28, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221028080110/https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/rihanna-pregnant-new-music-still-coming-1235031789/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=McIntyre |first=Hugh |date=15 February 2022 |title=Pregnant Rihanna Confirms New Music Is Finally Coming & It Won't Be A Lullaby |url=https://www.bustle.com/entertainment/rihanna-new-music-album-pregnancy-fenty-baby-quotes |access-date=29 October 2022 |website=Bustle |language=en |archive-date=October 28, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221028080108/https://www.bustle.com/entertainment/rihanna-new-music-album-pregnancy-fenty-baby-quotes |url-status=live }}
On October 18, 2022, it was confirmed that the singer has recorded two songs for the soundtrack of the Marvel Studios film Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, the sequel to Black Panther (2018).{{Cite web |last=Richards |first=Will |date=19 October 2022 |title=Rihanna has reportedly recorded two new songs for 'Black Panther: Wakanda Forever' |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/rihanna-has-reportedly-recorded-two-new-songs-for-black-panther-wakanda-forever-3331830 |access-date=29 October 2022 |website=NME |language=en-GB |archive-date=October 31, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221031164720/https://www.nme.com/news/music/rihanna-has-reportedly-recorded-two-new-songs-for-black-panther-wakanda-forever-3331830 |url-status=live }} In addition to "Lift Me Up", Rihanna recorded the track "Born Again".{{Cite web |last=M. Centeno |first=Tomy |date=28 October 2022 |title=Rihanna Debuts New Song 'Lift Me Up' As A Tribute To The Late Chadwick Boseman |url=https://www.iheart.com/content/2022-10-27-rihanna-debuts-new-song-lift-me-up-as-a-tribute-to-chadwick-boseman/ |access-date=29 October 2022 |website=iHeartRadio |language=en}} On October 26, Rihanna announced her first solo single release since "Love on the Brain" (2016), with "Lift Me Up", which would be appearing on Black Panther: Wakanda Forever – Music From and Inspired By, the soundtrack album to the eponymous 2022 film.{{Cite web |last=Brito |first=Christopher |date=26 October 2022 |title=Rihanna teases "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever" single, first new song in years |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/seattle/news/rihanna-song-lift-me-up-black-panther-wakanda-forever/ |access-date=29 October 2022 |website=CBS News |language=en-US |archive-date=October 28, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221028153414/https://www.cbsnews.com/seattle/news/rihanna-song-lift-me-up-black-panther-wakanda-forever/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Robinson |first=Ellie |date=26 October 2022 |title=Marvel teases Rihanna release for 'Black Panther: Wakanda Forever' this Friday |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/marvel-teases-rihanna-release-for-black-panther-wakanda-forever-this-friday-3336273 |access-date=29 October 2022 |website=NME |language=en-GB |archive-date=October 28, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221028095237/https://www.nme.com/news/music/marvel-teases-rihanna-release-for-black-panther-wakanda-forever-this-friday-3336273 |url-status=live }}
Composition
According to Clash, "Lift Me Up" is an "emotive" R&B ballad that "speaks from the heart".{{cite web|url=https://www.clashmusic.com/news/rihannas-lift-me-up-is-a-moving-salute-to-chadwick-boseman/|title= Rihanna's 'Lift Me Up' Is A Moving Salute To Chadwick Boseman|publisher=Clash|last=Murray|first=Robin|date=October 28, 2022|accessdate=October 28, 2022|quote=A moving salute to the life and legacy of Chadwick Boseman, it serves as a reminder of just how emphatic a vocalist Rihanna truly is – an exquisite vocal turn, it's an emotive R&B ballad that speaks from the heart.}} Produced by Swedish composer Ludwig Göransson, who composed the movie's score,{{Cite web |last=Price |first=Joe |date=28 October 2022 |title=Rihanna Returns With Video for "Lift Me Up" Single From 'Black Panther: Wakanda Forever' |url=https://www.complex.com/music/rihanna-lift-me-up |access-date=29 October 2022 |website=Complex |language=en |archive-date=November 2, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221102135107/https://www.complex.com/music/rihanna-lift-me-up |url-status=live }} the song acts as a tribute to the late Chadwick Boseman, who played T'Challa, the titular protagonist in Black Panther; Boseman died on August 28, 2020.{{Cite news |last=Steven |first=McIntosh |date=28 October 2022 |title=Rihanna releases Lift Me Up from Black Panther: Wakanda Forever |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-63424722 |access-date=29 October 2020 |archive-date=October 29, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221029023645/https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-63424722 |url-status=live }} The song was written by Rihanna, Göransson, Ryan Coogler and Tems.{{Cite web |last=McPherson |first=Christopher |date=27 October 2022 |title=Ryan Coogler Praises Rihanna's New Song "Lift Me Up" for 'Black Panther: Wakanda Forever' |url=https://collider.com/rihanna-new-song-lift-me-up-black-panther-wakanda-forever-ryan-coogler-comments/ |access-date=29 October 2022 |website=Collider |language=en-US |archive-date=November 2, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221102041149/https://collider.com/rihanna-new-song-lift-me-up-black-panther-wakanda-forever-ryan-coogler-comments/ |url-status=live }} The latter spoke about the meaning and creative process of the song:{{Cite web |last=Monroe |first=Jazz |date=28 October 2022 |title=Rihanna Returns With First New Song in 6 Years, "Lift Me Up" |url=https://pitchfork.com/news/rihanna-returns-with-first-new-song-in-6-years-black-panther-lift-me-up-listen/ |access-date=29 October 2022 |website=Pitchfork |language=en-US |archive-date=November 2, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221102140910/https://pitchfork.com/news/rihanna-returns-with-first-new-song-in-6-years-black-panther-lift-me-up-listen/ |url-status=live }}{{blockquote|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. Rihanna has been an inspiration to me so hearing her convey this song is a great honor.|Tems}}
The song is performed in the key of A major with a tempo of 89 beats per minute in common time. It follows a chord progression of A–Bm–E, and Rihanna's vocals span from G{{sharp}}3 to E5 in the song.{{cite web |last1=Fenty |first1=Robyn |last2=Coogler |first2=Ryan |last3=Openiyi |first3=Temilade |last4=Göransson |first4=Ludwig |title=Lift Me Up |url=https://www.musicnotes.com/sheetmusic/mtd.asp?ppn=MN0265019 |website=Musicnotes.com |access-date=31 October 2022 |language=en |date=28 October 2022 |archive-date=October 31, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221031234945/https://www.musicnotes.com/sheetmusic/mtd.asp?ppn=MN0265019 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |title=Key & BPM for Lift Me Up - From Black Panther: Wakanda Forever by Rihanna |url=https://tunebat.com/Info/Lift-Me-Up-From-Black-Panther-Wakanda-Forever-Music-From-and-Inspired-By-Rihanna/35ovElsgyAtQwYPYnZJECg |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231207225611/https://tunebat.com/Info/Lift-Me-Up-From-Black-Panther-Wakanda-Forever-Music-From-and-Inspired-By-Rihanna/35ovElsgyAtQwYPYnZJECg |url-status=dead |archive-date=December 7, 2023 |website=Tunebat |access-date=31 October 2022 }}
Critical reception
Spencer Kornhaber of The Atlantic described the song as "gorgeous" and stated that it "is built around her vocals and reasserts her ownership of her now-ubiquitous sound."{{cite news|url=https://www.theatlantic.com/culture/archive/2022/10/rihanna-lift-me-up-black-panther-wakanda-forever/671916/|title=Rihanna Is Back in the Pop Game—On Her Own Terms|work=The Atlantic|last=Kornhaber|first=Spencer|date=October 28, 2022|accessdate=October 31, 2022|archive-date=October 31, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221031001836/https://www.theatlantic.com/culture/archive/2022/10/rihanna-lift-me-up-black-panther-wakanda-forever/671916/|url-status=live}} Harper's Bazaar{{'s}} Bianca Betancourt thought Rihanna might earn her first nomination of Best Original Song at the Academy Awards for "Lift Me Up".{{cite magazine|url=https://www.harpersbazaar.com/culture/art-books-music/a41802005/rihanna-lift-me-up-possible-oscar-nomination/|title=Rihanna Could Earn Her First Oscar Nomination with 'Lift Me Up'|magazine=Harper's Bazaar|last=Betancourt|first=Bianca|date=October 28, 2022|accessdate=October 29, 2022|archive-date=October 28, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221028164640/https://www.harpersbazaar.com/culture/art-books-music/a41802005/rihanna-lift-me-up-possible-oscar-nomination/|url-status=live}}
Dylan Green of Pitchfork described the singer's voice as "matured, with a burnished, mahogany sheen" capable of keeping "the ballad afloat, selling every crescendo and note of anguish", however also described it as a "generic entry for the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever soundtrack".{{Cite web|last=Green|first=Dylan|date=28 October 2022|title=Rihanna: "Lift Me Up"|url=https://pitchfork.com/reviews/tracks/rihanna-lift-me-up/|access-date=29 October 2022|website=Pitchfork|language=en-US|archive-date=October 28, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221028172710/https://pitchfork.com/reviews/tracks/rihanna-lift-me-up/|url-status=live}} The Guardian{{'s}} Shaad D'Souza was not particularly impressed with the song's lyrical content, writing that it is "light and frankly anonymous, a far cry from Anti{{'s}} bright, world-weary, highly emotional lyrics" believing that it is not Rihanna's true comeback record. However, the journalist appreciated the production and sounds, describing them as "a soft, swaying ballad built around a lovely arpeggiating harp and serene strings", although "there is little of the heft and power of Tems songs such as 'Free Mind' or 'Damages'."{{Cite web|last=D'Souza|first=Shaad|date=28 October 2022|title=Rihanna: Lift Me Up review – good girl gone drab?|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2022/oct/28/rihanna-lift-me-up-review-good-girl-gone-drab|access-date=29 October 2022|website=The Guardian|language=en|archive-date=October 29, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221029085600/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2022/oct/28/rihanna-lift-me-up-review-good-girl-gone-drab|url-status=live}} Ed Potton of The Times rated the track 2 stars out of five, and wrote that even though it is "flawlessly sung over subtle strings by Rihanna", it is "forgettable" and "bland", adding that it "sounds like the result of a committee meeting — well meant, inoffensive, entirely devoid of individuality."{{cite web|url=https://www.thetimes.com/culture/music/article/rihanna-lift-me-up-review-music-return-single-wakanda-forever-fqngzhl9g|title=Rihanna: Lift Me Up review — her long-awaited return is a bit dull|work=The Times|last=Potton|first=Ed|date=October 28, 2022|access-date=October 30, 2022|archive-url=https://archive.today/20221029222309/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/rihanna-lift-me-up-review-music-return-single-wakanda-forever-fqngzhl9g|archive-date=October 29, 2022|url-status=live}}
Accolades
Commercial performance
In the United States, "Lift Me Up" debuted with nearly eight million streams, and 10,000 digital downloads on October 28, 2022, recording another 6.9 million streams and 6,000 digital downloads over the next two days, according to Luminate Data.{{Cite magazine |last1=Jason |first1=Lipshutz |last2=Unterberger |first2=Andrew |date=November 2, 2022 |title=Trending Up: Rihanna and Meghan Trainor Make Two Very Different Pop Comebacks |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/chart-beat/rihanna-lift-me-up-meghan-trainor-made-you-look-trending-up-1235165182/ |access-date=November 8, 2022 |magazine=Billboard |language=en-US |archive-date=November 2, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221102194827/https://www.billboard.com/music/chart-beat/rihanna-lift-me-up-meghan-trainor-made-you-look-trending-up-1235165182/ |url-status=live }} The single ended up debuting at number two on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart (blocked by "Anti-Hero" by Taylor Swift), it garnered a 48.1 million radio audience, 26.2 million streams, and 23,000 digital downloads in its opening first week, and marked Rihanna's first top-10 entry since "Wild Thoughts" in 2017. "Lift Me Up" is Rihanna's 32nd top 10, as well as her highest debut, tied with the 2010 Eminem collaboration "Love the Way You Lie" which also entered the chart at number two.{{Cite magazine |last=Trust |first=Gary |date=November 8, 2022 |title=Taylor Swift's 'Anti-Hero' Tops Hot 100 for 2nd Week, Rihanna's 'Lift Me Up' Launches at No. 2 |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/chart-beat/taylor-swift-anti-hero-rihanna-lift-me-up-hot-100-nov-12-2022-1235167660/ |access-date=November 8, 2022 |magazine=Billboard |language=en-US |archive-date=November 12, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221112204949/https://www.billboard.com/music/chart-beat/taylor-swift-anti-hero-rihanna-lift-me-up-hot-100-nov-12-2022-1235167660/ |url-status=live }} "Lift Me Up" further debuted at number three on the Digital Songs Sales chart—Rihanna's 36th top-ten song on the chart. Simultaneously, the song started at number six on the Radio Songs chart, becoming only the fourth top-ten debut since the chart's establishment in 1998. The single topped the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs and Hot R&B Songs charts, marking Rihanna's eighth and sixth number-one songs on the charts, respectively.
In the United Kingdom, "Lift Me Up" debuted at number three on the Official Singles Chart, marking that week's highest entry on the chart. Simultaneously, it became Rihanna's first top-5 single in five years and her highest-placing solo single in the UK in a decade, following "Diamonds" (2012).{{cite web |last=Smith |first=Carl |date=November 4, 2022 |title=Rihanna lands her highest charting solo single on the Official Chart in 10 years with Lift Me Up from Black Panther: Wakanda Forever |url=https://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/rihanna-lands-her-highest-charting-solo-single-on-the-official-chart-in-10-years-with-lift-me-up-from-black-panther-wakanda-forever__37745/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221105095815/https://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/rihanna-lands-her-highest-charting-solo-single-on-the-official-chart-in-10-years-with-lift-me-up-from-black-panther-wakanda-forever__37745/ |archive-date=November 5, 2022 |accessdate=November 5, 2022 |publisher=Official Charts}} Furthermore, it became Rihanna's 31st top-10 and 50th top-40 song in the UK.{{cite web|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/artist/12203/rihanna/|title=Rihanna {{!}} full Official Chart History|publisher=Official Charts|accessdate=November 5, 2022|archive-date=December 16, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191216215020/https://www.officialcharts.com/artist/12203/rihanna/|url-status=live}} The song debuted at number three on the Irish Singles Chart as well.{{Cite web |title=Official Irish Singles Chart Top 50 {{!}} Official Charts Company |url=https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/irish-singles-chart/ |access-date=2022-11-06 |website=www.officialcharts.com |language=en |archive-date=August 5, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220805183448/https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/irish-singles-chart/ |url-status=live }} In Australia, "Lift Me Up" debuted at number five on the ARIA Singles Chart.{{Cite web |date=November 7, 2022 |title=ARIA Top 50 Singles Chart |url=https://www.aria.com.au/charts/singles-chart/../charts/singles-chart |access-date=2022-11-06 |website=Australian Recording Industry Association |language=en}}
Promotion
= Music video =
The song's music video was released on October 28, 2022, via Rihanna's official YouTube channel.{{Cite web |last=Gonzales |first=Erica |date=28 October 2022 |title=Rihanna Serenades Us on the Beach in Her 'Lift Me Up' Music Video |url=https://www.elle.com/culture/music/a41805742/rihanna-lift-me-up-video/ |access-date=29 October 2022 |website=Elle |language=en-us |archive-date=October 28, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221028212046/https://www.elle.com/culture/music/a41805742/rihanna-lift-me-up-video/ |url-status=live }} The video is directed by Autumn Durald Arkapaw, the cinematographer of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, and it depicts Rihanna on an empty beach interspersed with short scenes from the film.{{Cite magazine |last=Aniftos |first=Rania |date=28 October 2022 |title=Rihanna Is Ethereal in Seaside 'Lift Me Up' Video |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/rihanna-lift-me-up-video-1235162983/ |access-date=29 October 2022 |magazine=Billboard |language=en-US |archive-date=November 2, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221102035639/https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/rihanna-lift-me-up-video-1235162983/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Zhan |first=Jennifer |date=2022-10-28 |title=Rihanna Remembers She Does Music and Drops 'Lift Me Up' |url=https://www.vulture.com/2022/10/rihanna-new-song-lift-me-up.html |access-date=2022-10-29 |website=Vulture |language=en-us |archive-date=October 28, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221028092959/https://www.vulture.com/2022/10/rihanna-new-song-lift-me-up.html |url-status=live }}
= Live performance =
Rihanna performed "Lift Me Up" for the first time during the 95th Academy Awards on March 12, 2023. The performance featured a full band, string section, and backup vocalists, while Rihanna was standing on a central platform that elevated in the middle of the rendition. Lyndsey Havens of Billboard called the performance "soaring" and wrote, "'Lift Me Up' came to life as Rih sang with palpable passion to honor the late Chadwick Boseman."{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/awards/rihanna-lift-me-up-black-panther-oscars-1235284330/|title=Rihanna Live Debuts 'Lift Me Up' from 'Black Panther: Wakanda Forever' at the 2023 Oscars|magazine=Billboard|last=Havens|first=Lyndsey|date=March 12, 2023|accessdate=March 13, 2023}} According to Julia MacCary of Variety, many people watching the performance in the audience or at home "were struck by the power and emotiveness of her live vocals."{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2023/awards/awards/rihanna-oscars-performance-lift-me-up-1235544137/|title=Watch Rihanna Stun the Oscars With Rousing First 'Lift Me Up' Performance|work=Variety|last=MacCary|first=Julia|date=March 12, 2023|accessdate=March 13, 2023}} The New York Times' Nicole Sperling declared the performance alongside Lady Gaga's the "Best Pop Superstar Performance" of the night. She stated, "The soaring ballad benefited from the deft stage design, and Rihanna's vocals brought down the house."{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/03/13/movies/oscars-best-worst.html|title=Best and Worst Moments From the 2023 Oscars|work=The New York Times|last=Goodman|first=Stephanie|date=March 13, 2023|accessdate=March 14, 2023}}
Credits and personnel
Credits adopted from Tidal.{{Cite web |title=Rihanna — Left Me Up |url=https://tidal.com/album/256542067 |access-date=October 31, 2022 |website=Tadil |date=October 28, 2022 |archive-date=February 23, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230223204754/https://tidal.com/browse/album/256542067 |url-status=live }}
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- Robyn Fenty – vocal, lyricist, composer
- Temilade Openiyi – lyricist, composer, background vocalist
- Ryan Coogler – lyricist, composer
- Ludwig Göransson – producer, lyricist, composer, piano
- Mono Blanco – additional vocal
- Kuk Harrell – vocal producer
- Chris Gehringer – mastering engineer
- Manny Marroquin – mixer
- Marco Carriòn – recording engineer
- Marcos Tovar – recording engineer
- Osarumen "LMBSKN" Osamuyi – recording engineer
- Oamen "SirBastien" – recording engineer
- Irabor – recording engineer
- Frank Rodriguez – recording engineer
- Trey Pearce – assisting, recording engineer
- Robert N. Johnson – assisting, recording engineer
- Patrick Gardner – assisting, recording engineer
- Hayden Duncan – assisting, recording engineer
- Lou Carrao – assisting, recording engineer
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Charts
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=Weekly charts=
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=Year-end charts=
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Certifications
{{Certification Table Top|caption=Certifications for "Lift Me Up"}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Belgium|artist=Rihanna|title=Lift Me Up|award=Gold|type=single|relyear=2022|certyear=2023|access-date=March 2, 2023}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Canada|artist=Rihanna|title=Lift Me Up|award=Platinum|number=2|type=single|relyear=2022|certyear=2023|access-date=October 4, 2023}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Denmark|artist=Rihanna|title=Lift Me Up (From Black Panther: Wakanda Forever)|award=Gold|id=13388|type=single|relyear=2022|certyear=2023|access-date=December 27, 2023}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=France|artist=Rihanna|title=Lift Me Up|award=Diamond|type=single|relyear=2022|certyear=2024|access-date=May 30, 2024}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Italy|artist=Rihanna|title=Lift Me Up|relyear=2022|certyear=2023|award=Gold|type=single|id=10740|access-date=April 3, 2023}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=New Zealand|title=Lift Me Up|artist=Rihanna|type=single|award=Platinum|relyear=2022|certyear=2023|source=radioscope|access-date=2024-12-17}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Poland|artist=Rihanna|title=Lift Me Up|award=Platinum|type=single|relyear=2022|certyear=2023|access-date=September 6, 2023}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Portugal|artist=Rihanna|title=Lift Me Up|award=Gold|type=single|relyear=2022|certyear=2023|id=file_2023-02-25-03-25-49.pdf|access-date=March 24, 2023}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=Spain|artist=Rihanna|title=Lift Me Up|award=Gold|type=single|relyear=2022|certyear=2024|access-date=January 10, 2024}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=United Kingdom|artist=Rihanna|title=Lift Me Up|award=Gold|id=3855-1629-1|relyear=2022|certyear=2024|type=single|access-date=April 12, 2024}}
{{Certification Table Entry|title=Lift Me Up|artist=Rihanna|type=single|region=United States|award=Platinum|certyear=2023|relyear=2022|access-date=March 14, 2023}}
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Release history
References
{{Reflist|30em}}
{{Rihanna songs}}
{{Navboxes
|title = Awards for "Lift Me Up"
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{{Black Reel Award for Outstanding Original Song}}
{{Hollywood Music in Media Award for Best Original Song in a Feature Film}}
{{NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Music Video}}
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{{Marvel Cinematic Universe|selected=Music}}
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Category:Black Panther (film series)
Category:Number-one singles in Switzerland
Category:Songs written by Rihanna
Category:Songs written by Ludwig Göransson
Category:Songs written by Tems (singer)
Category:Marvel Cinematic Universe songs
Category:Contemporary R&B ballads
Category:Def Jam Recordings singles