LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Peter Gabriel's minute in the Oscars spotlight will lack one important element: Peter Gabriel.
The Academy Award-nominated singer won't perform at the Feb. 22 ceremony to protest an apparently revamped presentation of best original song contenders. Gabriel says in a video on his Web site that he objects to the songs being shortened to 65 seconds apiece and made part of a medley.
Gabriel is nominated alongside Thomas Newman for "Down To Earth" from "WALL-E."
The British musician says he'll still attend the Oscars, but is hoping a gospel choir will stand in for him onstage.
Organizers have warned that this year's ceremony will be full of new twists, including the way categories are presented.
Two thumbs up for Peter