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For years, a legendary moment in Oscars history remained unheard. Now, composer Marc Shaiman is finally shedding light on a song he penned for Robin Williams to perform at the 2005 Academy Awards – a song that ABC ultimately deemed too scandalous to air.

Shaiman, a celebrated composer and lyricist just shy of achieving the coveted EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, Tony), recently shared the story behind this forgotten gem. The song, a witty and irreverent tribute to Williams’ comedic genius, was initially embraced by the Academy. However, during rehearsals, ABC executives reportedly expressed concerns about its potentially offensive nature.

“It was a really funny song,” Shaiman recalled in a recent interview. “It was very much in Robin’s style. It was self-deprecating, it was silly, it was observational… everything Robin was.” The song reportedly included jokes about Williams’ then-recent divorce and touched upon his notorious improvisational skills. While the humor was intended to be affectionate and celebratory, ABC felt it crossed a line.

The decision to scrap the song was a difficult one for everyone involved. Williams, known for his willingness to push boundaries, was reportedly disappointed, but ultimately understood the network’s concerns. Shaiman, despite the setback, remains proud of the work and the opportunity to collaborate with the iconic comedian.

“Robin was so excited to do it,” Shaiman said. “He really wanted to do it. It was just one of those things where you have to respect the network’s wishes.”

The song itself has been shrouded in mystery for nearly two decades. While snippets and descriptions have circulated among industry insiders, a full recording has never been publicly released. Shaiman has hinted that he may eventually share the song, allowing audiences to finally experience the comedic brilliance that was deemed too risqué for primetime television.

This revelation has sparked renewed interest in the 2005 Oscars and the legacy of Robin Williams. It serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between entertainment and censorship, and the often-unseen decisions that shape the moments we remember from awards shows. The story also highlights the enduring impact of Williams’ comedic talent and the bittersweet memory of what could have been.

The incident raises questions about the role of networks in shaping artistic expression and the potential for censorship to stifle creativity. While ABC’s decision was made with the intention of protecting the broadcast’s image, it ultimately deprived audiences of a potentially unforgettable performance by one of the greatest comedians of all time.