Doja Cat Reacts to New Criticism Regarding Oscars Performance
Doja Cat has opened up about her performance at last Sunday’s Oscars. The artist performed a medley of themes from the James Bond franchise alongside Raye and Lisa. Her rendition of “Diamonds are Forever” stunned some fans but confused others.
The “Paint the Town Red” hitmaker took to Instagram on Monday, acknowledging the criticism her performance got. The internet was divided; some felt she sounded flat and were confused by the choice of having her sing the 1971 Bond theme. One user commented, “Doja Cat sounds like a dead cat.”
Another user wrote that Doja “embarrassed” them, adding on: “Even Megan’s #Oscars performance was better.”
Doja Cat covers “Diamonds Are Forever” during the #Oscars Bond Tribute.
— ۟ (@DojaArchives) March 3, 2025
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In a long post thanking the Academy, she responded to the critique writing, “I know a lot of people didn’t like it but a lot of people did and I feel good that I pushed myself.”
She continued, “The song is a classic and I put a lot of work into it but the nerves got to me and a b**** hit some flats.”
In the tribute, she channeled the original singer, Shirley Bassey, and mimicked the British icon’s mannerisms. One user came to her defense, stating that the dislike for the performance indicates a generational disconnect to the song.
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“Diamonds are Forever” which is also the title of the seventh James Bond film, was Bassey’s second time recording a theme song for the franchise. Its suggestive lyrics and jazz influence paired with her strong vocal range makes it notoriously difficult to cover.
Bassey, now 88 years old, holds the record for the most Bond theme songs recorded by a single artist, and was appointed Dame status by Queen Elizabeth II in 1999 for her achievements in the arts.
Doja Cat, who normally receives positive reviews from previous performances of her songs, and on the tour she completed last year for her album Scarlet, wasn’t the only singer feeling pre-Oscars performance nervousness.
In a separate post, Raye, who sang Adele’s “Skyfall” from the 2012 film, wrote that she also experienced anxiety leading up to the performance. She wrote, “was sooo nervous to sing this song because no one can sing Adele like Adele, but I tried my very best.”
Since then, Doja has teased what appears to be upcoming music following 2024’s Scarlet 2 Claude album, and has a new song out with Raye and Lisa titled “Born Again” off of Lisa’s debut album, Alter Ego.
Watch the full Oscars James Bond tribute below.
