Wait, did that actually happen? If you scrolled through social media after the 2025 Oscars, you probably saw a string of frantic "Wait, is that LisaRaye?" posts followed immediately by "No, it’s LISA and Raye."
The confusion was real. It turns out, when you put Doja Cat, LISA (from Blackpink), and the UK powerhouse Raye on the same stage for a James Bond tribute, the internet’s search algorithms—and some less-than-attuned viewers—implode. People were expecting a red carpet face-off or perhaps some legacy drama with actress LisaRaye McCoy, but what they actually got was a polarizing musical medley that has become the most talked-about moment of the 97th Academy Awards.
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Honestly, the whole thing felt like a fever dream. Here is the breakdown of what actually went down, why the vocals became a massive talking point, and why the "LisaRaye" confusion even started.
The James Bond Medley: What Really Happened
The 2025 Oscars decided to take a hard left turn. Instead of the usual Best Original Song performances, the Academy pivoted to a "Celebration of Cinema" centered around the 007 franchise. Why? Allegedly because the Bond producers, Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli, were receiving the Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Award.
The lineup was stacked:
- LISA (Lalisa Manobal) kicked things off with "Live and Let Die."
- Doja Cat followed up with "Diamonds Are Forever."
- Raye brought it home with Adele’s "Skyfall."
The trio had just released their collaboration "Born Again" (produced by Raye and featuring Doja and LISA) a few weeks prior. Fans expected them to perform their hit, but the Academy kept it strictly cinematic.
Doja Cat’s "Diamonds" and the Vocal Controversy
Let’s be real: singing Shirley Bassey is a suicide mission for 99% of vocalists. Bassey’s voice is a brass instrument; Doja Cat is a stylistic rapper-singer who thrives on texture and "vibes." When Doja took the stage in that custom, sheer Swarovski dress—which literally looked like she was dripping in liquid diamonds—the visuals were a 10/10.
But the vocals? They were... divisive.
Social media didn't hold back. Critics called it "flat" and "karaoke-ish." Doja, in her typical "I don't care but I actually do" fashion, took to Instagram the next day. She admitted, "A bitch hit some flats," citing nerves and the sheer terror of singing such a classic. It was a rare moment of vulnerability for an artist who usually trolls her audience. She wasn't making excuses; she was just owning the fact that she pushed herself out of her comfort zone and it wasn't perfect.
The LisaRaye McCoy Confusion
So, where does LisaRaye McCoy fit into all this? She doesn't, technically.
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But search "Doja Cat Lisa Raye Oscars" and you’ll find thousands of people who thought the veteran Players Club actress was making a surprise appearance. The confusion stemmed from the spelling of LISA (the K-pop idol) and Raye (the British singer) appearing together on the bill. For a second, a whole generation of Gen X and Millennial viewers thought the "Diamond" actress was about to hop on stage with the "Paint the Town Red" rapper.
There was no beef. There was no secret cameo. It was just a classic case of a "comma" doing a lot of heavy lifting in a headline.
Why the Performance Was Actually Genius (and Why It Wasn't)
The Academy is struggling. They want younger viewers, but they also want to honor the "Prestige" of film. Bringing in the "Born Again" trio was a blatant play for the Gen Z and K-pop demographics.
The Pros:
- LISA’s History: She became the first K-pop soloist to perform at the Oscars. Her stage presence was undeniable, especially given her upcoming debut in The White Lotus Season 3.
- Raye’s Power: Raye actually held her own on "Skyfall," which is saying something because Adele is basically untouchable.
- Fashion: Between Doja’s Balmain leopard look on the red carpet and her diamond stage ensemble, she won the night for the fashion girlies.
The Cons:
- The Point: Many critics felt it was "superfluous." Why do a Bond tribute in 2025 when no Bond movie was in the running?
- The Omissions: By cutting the actual Best Original Song performances to make room for this medley, the Academy annoyed the actual nominees (like the Emilia Pérez team).
Actionable Takeaway: What This Means for Pop Stars at the Oscars
If you’re an artist watching this, the lesson is clear: risk is the only currency left. Doja Cat could have played it safe and done a mid-tempo rap verse. Instead, she tried to be a Bond Girl. She failed a little on the notes, but she won the news cycle.
If you’re a fan or a brand builder, keep these points in mind:
- Own the Flaws: Doja’s "I hit some flats" response actually saved her reputation. Authenticity beats perfection every time in 2026.
- Cross-Platform Synergy works: The "Born Again" collab paved the way for this stage. Expect more "mini-supergroups" to dominate award show bookings.
- Visuals over Vocals: In the age of TikTok and Google Discover, the "look" (like Doja’s Swarovski dress) often outlasts the audio.
The Doja Cat and Lisa/Raye performance wasn't the "Best" thing to happen at the Oscars, but it was definitely the most "2025" thing to happen. It was chaotic, slightly messy, and visually stunning. Basically, it was exactly what we should expect from a Doja Cat era.
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For those still looking for LisaRaye McCoy—she’s doing just fine, likely laughing at the fact that she trended for an award show she wasn't even at.