Adele 'overcome' with Oscar performance nerves

Adele was reportedly scared to death initially about performing at the Academy Awards.

The 24-year-old British singer has kept a low-profile in recent months, following the birth of her son last year.

She returned to the spotlight last month to attend the Golden Globe Awards, where she won the best song prize for her James Bond track Skyfall.

Adele will be making her live comeback at the Oscars this month and it is rumoured that she was at first crippled by stage fright.

"Adele is desperate to overcome her nerves about singing live again after a year," a source told Star magazine.

The Grammy-winning crooner sought the help of fellow English music icon Elton John to soothe her anxiety.

After hanging out together in Los Angeles, Adele left feeling refreshed by her friend's pep talks.

"Elton has been like a godfather to her, helping her acclimate to being a superstar and new parent," the insider shared.

"She came away feeling very confident and proud of what she could do. She feels more self-assured and really wants to blow the audience away."

Skyfall is the first James Bond theme tune to be recognised by the Oscars since Sheena Easton's For Your Eyes Only in 1981.

The 85th Academy Awards will be held at the Dolby Theatre at the Hollywood & Highland Center and hosted by Seth MacFarlane on February 24.