Doja Cat, Lisa and Raye Team Up for Showstopping ‘James Bond’ Performance at 2025 Oscars

A New Era at the Oscars: A Night of Music and Surprises

The 2025 Academy Awards marked a significant shift in how music is celebrated during the ceremony. For the first time in recent history, the Oscars did not feature live performances of the Best Original Song nominees. This decision, announced by the Academy earlier this year, was part of an effort to refocus attention on the songwriters and their artistry. Instead of the traditional performances, the ceremony opted for a unique musical tribute that showcased some of the biggest names in the industry. Despite the absence of live renditions of the nominated songs, the night still delivered memorable musical moments, thanks to a show-stopping medley by Doja Cat, Raye, and Blackpink’s Lisa, who came together to pay homage to the iconic James Bond theme songs.

A Bond-tastic Tribute: Doja Cat, Raye, and Lisa Take the Stage

The highlight of the evening was undoubtedly the James Bond medley performed by Doja Cat, Raye, and Lisa of Blackpink. The trio took the stage at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on March 10, 2025, delivering a electrifying performance that left the audience in awe. The medley featured three classic Bond themes: “Live and Let Die,” “Diamonds Are Forever,” and “Skyfall.” Lisa kicked things off with a sultry rendition of “Live and Let Die,” originally featured in the 1973 film of the same name. Doja Cat followed with a dazzling performance of “Diamonds Are Forever,” the theme from the 1971 Bond movie. The gleaming jewel-encrusted outfit she wore during her performance perfectly captured the essence of the iconic song. Finally, Raye concluded the medley with a powerful delivery of “Skyfall,” the 2012 Bond theme that won the Oscar for Best Original Song in 2013.

Spotlight on the Performers: Doja Cat, Raye, and Lisa

The performances by Doja Cat, Raye, and Lisa were not just a treat for the audience but also a testament to their individual talents and recent achievements. Doja Cat, known for her versatile music style and energetic stage presence, has been making waves in the music industry with hits like “Kiss Me More” and “Woman.” In 2022, she contributed the song “Vegas” to the soundtrack of Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis, which starred Austin Butler as the legendary rock icon. Although the film was nominated for eight Oscars in 2023, it did not take home any awards. Raye, a British singer-songwriter, has also been gaining recognition for her powerful vocals and emotive performances. Her rendition of “Skyfall” was a fitting tribute to the Adele-performed original, showcasing her vocal prowess. Lisa, a member of the K-pop group Blackpink, has been expanding her horizons beyond music. She recently made her acting debut in season 3 of HBO’s hit series The White Lotus, playing the role of Mook, a hotel employee. Lisa also released her debut solo album, Alter Ego, just a few days before the Oscars, further cementing her status as a multi-talented artist.

A Surprise Performance and Other Musical Highlights

The collaboration between Doja Cat, Raye, and Lisa came as a pleasant surprise to many Oscar fans, as none of the three artists had any direct connection to the films nominated at this year’s ceremony. The only hint of their performance was a cryptic message from the official Oscars X account on February 24, which read, “Not ‘Born Again!’ But still legendary. Stay tuned. 😉.” The trio had recently released a collaborative single titled “Born Again,” but they opted not to perform it during the ceremony. Instead, they chose to pay homage to the iconic James Bond themes, much to the delight of the audience. Other musical highlights of the night included performances by Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, whose appearances were less surprising, as both artists have ties to films currently in the spotlight. Erivo is set to star in the upcoming adaptation of Wicked, while Grande also has connections to the project, which is expected to generate significant buzz in the coming year.

Honoring the Songwriters: A Shift in Tradition

The decision to move away from live performances of the Best Original Song nominees was a bold move by the Academy, marking a departure from a long-standing tradition. In a letter sent to Academy members in January, CEO Bill Kramer and president Janet Yang explained the reasoning behind this change. “We are thrilled to bring back our ‘Fab 5’ moments, where individual film artists recognize nominees,” they wrote. “Also, this year the Best Original Song category presentation will move away from live performances and will be focused on the songwriters. We will celebrate their artistry through personal reflections from the teams who bring these songs to life. All of this, and more, will uncover the stories and inspiration behind this year’s nominees.” This approach aimed to highlight the often-overlooked work of songwriters, offering a deeper look into the creative process behind the music.

A Night to Remember: Celebrating Music and Cinema

Despite the absence of live performances for the Best Original Song category, the 2025 Oscars still managed to deliver a memorable celebration of music and cinema. The James Bond medley by Doja Cat, Raye, and Lisa was a standout moment, blending nostalgia with modern flair. Their collaboration not only entertained the audience but also showcased the versatility and talent of the performers. The Academy’s decision to focus on songwriters added a new layer of depth to the ceremony, reminding viewers of the integral role that music plays in shaping the cinematic experience. As the night came to a close, it was clear that the Oscars had successfully balanced tradition with innovation, delivering a ceremony that was both a tribute to the past and a celebration of the present. The 2025 Academy Awards proved that even in the absence of certain traditions, there is always room for creativity and excellence.