Joni Eareckson Tada
issued a statement in response to the surprise withdrawal of her song’s Oscar
nomination. As Christian Retailing reported Jan. 30, the Academy of Motion
Picture Arts & Sciences rescinded the Best Original Song nomination for
Enthuse Entertainment’s Alone Yet Not Alone due to what the Board of
Governors deemed an ethical breach by the nominated song’s composer, Bruce
Broughton, who is also a member of the Academy’s executive committee.

“While I can only imagine the disappointment of music writer Bruce
Broughton and lyricist Dennis Spiegel in the rescinding of their Oscar
nomination, it in no way detracts from either the song's beauty or its
message,” Tada said. “I was humbled and honored to have been asked to sing it
for the film, and was as surprised as anyone when I learned of the song's
nomination.”

“I was grateful for the
attention the nomination brought to this worthy song and the inspirational film
behind it, as well as to the ongoing work of Joni and Friends to people
affected by disabilities,” the Joni and Friends founder added. “The
decision by the Academy to rescind the nomination may well bring even further
attention, and I only hope it helps to further extend the message and impact of
the song.”

In her statement, Tada refused
to get upset about the Academy’s controversial retraction.

“Regarding the reasons for the
nomination being rescinded, it is not my place to speculate as I have no
insights into the workings of the entertainment industry,” she concluded. “I
was honored to be invited to sing the song and it will always be a treasured
experience.”