Los Angeles, March 4: Rapper Doja Cat, alongside her “Born Again” collaborators Lisa and Raye, performed a tribute to the James Bond franchise at the 97th Academy Awards. Their medley, which included renditions of classic Bond songs, sparked mixed reactions from viewers online.
Addressing the criticism, Doja Cat took to Instagram to share her thoughts. “I danced with Sarah Paulson last night, also Flow is my favorite movie of all time ’cause it’s a story about friendship,” she wrote. “Thanks to the Academy Awards and Vanity Fair for having me. I never get to sing like that, and what I did was brave and scary…”
She continued, acknowledging the negative feedback but also emphasizing her pride in taking the risk. “I know a lot of people didn’t like it but a lot of people did, and I feel good that I pushed myself,” Doja Cat said. “The song is a classic, and I put a lot of work into it, but the nerves got to me, and a bitch hit some flats. I can’t wait to do something like that again. What a blessing that was. I feel amazing about the whole thing. Bye.”
The tribute, which began with a dance sequence by Margaret Qualley in a satin red dress paying homage to Bond girls of the past, featured Lisa singing Paul McCartney and Wings’ “Live and Let Die,” Doja Cat performing “Diamonds Are Forever” (originally by Shirley Bassey), and Raye closing out with Adele’s “Skyfall.”
Raye, in a separate Instagram post, shared her nerves about singing Adele’s song: “I was sooo nervous to sing this song because no one can sing Adele like Adele, but I tried my very best.”
Lisa, who is currently making her acting debut in The White Lotus Season 3, expressed her joy in reuniting with her “Born Again” sisters at the Oscars.
The 2025 Oscars took place at the Dolby Theatre on Sunday night, with the tribute sparking considerable discussion on social media.