| HANSON | American pop rock band comprising three brothers, best known for the 1997 hit MMMBop |
| HAIM | American pop rock band comprising sisters Este, Danielle, and Alana |
| SCREENPLAY | Coen Brothers' "Best Original" Oscar-winning output for "Fargo" |
| TRUEGRIT | Coen brothers Best Picture nominee |
| OATES | Legendary American pop rock duo, Hall & ----- (5) |
| CHUMBAWAMBA | Anarchist British pop-rock band with the 1997 hit "Tubthumping" |
| THECARDIGANS | Top Swedish rock band with the 1997 hit Lovefool: 2 wds. |
| KISS | American rock band comprising Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, Peter Criss and Ace Frehley (4) |
| DOVES | English rock band comprising brothers Jez and Andy Williams and Jimi Goodwin |
| SALMAHAYEK | 1997 Best Actress nominee and 2023 Oscars presenter; her 15-year-old daughter wore the very same dress at this year's event that she wore for the 1997 ceremony |
| THIRDEYEBLIND | Band with the 1997 hit "Semi-Charmed Life" ... or a phonetic hint to this puzzle's theme |
| FIONAAPPLE | Fruity female pop singer with the 1997 hit Criminal: 2 wds. |
| SHANIATWAIN | Singer of the 1997 hit "You're Still the One" |
| CREAM | Rock band comprising Jack Bruce, Eric Clapton, and Ginger Baker (5) |
| RUSH | Canadian rock band comprising Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson and Neil Peart |
| FARRISS | Surname name of the three brothers that played in the Australian band INXS. (7) |
| AQUA | Band with the 1997 hit "Barbie Girl" |
| NOLTE | Nick nominated for an Oscar for the 1997 film "Affliction" |
| WINANS | BeBe, singer noted for the 1997 song I Wanna Be The Only One featuring Eternal (6) |
| TRISHA | Country star with the 1997 hit How Do I Live, ___ Yearwood |
