The 97th Annual Oscars: A James Bond Tribute with Mixed Reception
The 97th Annual Oscars ceremony, held on March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California, featured a highly anticipated musical tribute to the James Bond franchise. The performance, which was meant to celebrate the iconic cinematic universe of the world’s favorite spy, brought together an impressive lineup of artists, including rapper Doja Cat, singer Raye, and Lisa of the K-pop group Blackpink. The medley of Bond themes was introduced by actress Halle Berry, who praised the franchise and its producers, Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson. While the performance was hyped as a highlight of the show, it unfortunately received mixed reactions from viewers, with many criticizing the vocalists for their perceived lack of harmony and polish.
A Star-Studded Medley of Bond Classics
The tribute featured three iconic James Bond themes, each performed by a different artist. Doja Cat took on Diamonds Are Forever, the classic 1971 track made famous by Shirley Bassey for the Sean Connery-starring Bond film of the same name. Her performance, however, was quickly met with criticism, as many viewers felt her vocals were off-key and lacked the gravitas of the original. Following Doja Cat, Lisa of Blackpink performed Live and Let Die, the 1973 hit by Wings, while Raye closed the medley with Skyfall, Adele’s Oscar-winning ballad from the 2012 Daniel Craig film. Despite the star power of the performers, the overall execution of the tribute left much to be desired in the eyes—and ears—of the audience.
Adding to the spectacle, actress Margaret Qualley delivered a surprise dance performance to the iconic 007 theme song. Dressed in a stunning red satin gown, Qualley twirled gracefully on stage alongside dozens of men in sharp black suits, bringing a touch of old-school Hollywood glamour to the tribute. While her segment was well-received, the vocal performances that followed were not as fortunate.
Backlash Over Doja Cat’s Performance
The enabling and Raye’s and Lisa’s performances were overshadowed by the immediate backlash against Doja Cat’s vocals. Social media was flooded with criticism, with many viewers expressing disappointment and even confusion over her rendition of Diamonds Are Forever. “Doja Cat does not have the vocal range to do that song justice,” one critic wrote, while another user pleaded, “Oh Doja… let’s get some singing lessons.” Some fans even questioned why bigger names like Adele or Billie Eilish weren’t invited to perform their respective Bond themes instead. The negative reactions were swift and unforgiving, with many declaring the tribute “awful” and “weird.”
Despite the criticism, it’s worth noting that the performance had been highly anticipated leading up to the Oscars. Academy president Janet Yang praised the tribute on the red carpet, calling it “one of the highlights of the show” and expressing gratitude for the opportunity to celebrate the franchise. However, the execution ultimately fell short of expectations for many viewers.
A Fashion Moment to Remember
While the performance itself may not have landed as intended, Doja Cat’s fashion choices for the evening were undeniably impressive. For her arrival on the red carpet, the Say So rapper stunned in a custom-made leopard print mermaid gown designed by Olivier Rousteing, inspired by a near-identical Pierre Balmain piece from 1953. According to Vogue, the gown required an astonishing 7,100 hours of manual labor and a team of 46 artisans to create, showcasing Doja’s commitment to making a statement on Hollywood’s biggest night.
Later, during the performance, Doja Cat wore a sheer beige gown draped with rows of crystals, completing her look with elegance and sophistication. While her vocal performance may have missed the mark, her fashion choices were undeniably on point, earning her praise from fans and critics alike.
A Cultural Icon’s Legacy Endures
The James Bond franchise has long been a cornerstone of pop culture, with its themes and soundtracks playing a significant role in shaping the cinematic experience. From Shirley Bassey’s powerful vocals in Diamonds Are Forever to Adele’s haunting rendition of Skyfall, the music of James Bond has transcended generations and genres. While the Oscars tribute aimed to honor this legacy, it unfortunately failed to resonate with audiences in the way the original performances have.
The backlash against Doja Cat and her fellow performers serves as a reminder of how deeply ingrained these songs are in our cultural consciousness. For many fans, the James Bond themes are untouchable, and any tribute must meet exceedingly high standards to be considered worthy. While the intention behind the performance was commendable, the execution ultimately fell short, leaving viewers yearning for the timeless magic of the originals.
What Went Wrong?
The negative reaction to the performance begs the question: what went wrong? While Doja Cat, Raye, and Lisa are all talented artists in their own right, their interpretations of the Bond themes lacked the emotional depth and vocal precision that made the originals unforgettable. For instance, Shirley Bassey’s Diamonds Are Forever is known for its dramatic flair and soaring vocals, both of which were absent in Doja Cat’s rendition. Similarly, Skyfall is a song that relies heavily on emotional intensity, which Raye struggled to convey during her performance.
The decision to split the medley among three performers may have also contributed to the disjointed feel of the tribute. While each artist had a moment to shine, the lack of cohesion and chemistry between them made the performance feel more like a series of solos than a unified tribute. Additionally, the absence of a live orchestra or a more grandiose arrangement may have detracted from the overall impact of the medley.
A Missed Opportunity for Greatness
While the Oscars’ James Bond tribute had the potential to be a show-stopping moment, it ultimately felt like a missed opportunity. The performers, while talented, were not given the material or the support needed to truly honor the legacy of the franchise’s iconic themes. Doja Cat, in particular, seemed to struggle with the demands of Diamonds Are Forever, a song that requires a level of vocal power and control that may be beyond her current abilities.
That said, it’s worth acknowledging the effort and creativity that went into the performance. The inclusion of Margaret Qualley’s dance number was a beautiful nod to the elegance and sophistication of the James Bond films, and the visuals were undeniably stunning. However, the vocal performances were the make-or-break element of the tribute, and they unfortunately fell short of expectations.
In the end, the 97th Annual Oscars’ James Bond tribute will likely be remembered for its ambition rather than its execution. While it had the potential to be a standout moment in the ceremony, it ultimately served as a reminder of the challenges of covering iconic songs and the importance of delivering performances that meet the high standards set by the originals. For now, the legacy of the James Bond themes remains intact, but the Oscars tribute will likely be forgotten in the annals of time.
