Doja Cat Sparks Controversy with ‘Diamonds Are Forever’ Performance at the 2025 Oscars

At the 2025 Academy Awards, Doja Cat took center stage with a bold rendition of “Diamonds Are Forever,” originally performed by Shirley Bassey, as part of a special James Bond tribute. While the performance was intended as a celebration of the iconic spy franchise, it quickly became a polarizing topic among fans and critics.

In a heartfelt Instagram post, the 29-year-old rapper admitted she had been incredibly nervous about the performance but remained proud of her efforts:

“I never get to sing like that, and what I did was brave and scary as f** for me. I know a lot of people didn’t like it, but a lot of people did, and I feel good that I pushed myself.”*

Her words highlighted the internal struggle many artists face when stepping outside their comfort zones, making this performance more than just a song—it was a personal milestone.

A Performance That Divided the Internet

As soon as Doja Cat left the stage, social media exploded with reactions. Some fans praised her versatility, applauding her for daring to tackle a classic Bond theme, while others harshly criticized her vocal performance, claiming that her voice sounded flat at times.

One Twitter user defended her performance, writing:
“Doja Cat is fearless! Not everyone has the courage to take on a Bond song, and she did it in her own unique way.”

Meanwhile, a more critical post read:
“Let’s be honest—Doja should stick to rapping. This performance didn’t do justice to the original at all.”

Despite the backlash, Doja Cat remained unapologetic, emphasizing that she had worked hard and given it her all.

“The song is a classic, and I put a lot of effort into it, but the nerves got to me, and I hit some flat notes. I can’t wait to do something like that again. What a blessing that was. I feel amazing about the whole thing. Bye.”

Her response showcased her resilience—a sign that she’s unafraid of criticism and sees this performance as a stepping stone for future challenges.

A Star-Studded James Bond Tribute

The 2025 Oscars’ James Bond tribute was one of the night’s biggest highlights, featuring an all-star lineup of artists who delivered modern renditions of the franchise’s most beloved theme songs:

• Lisa (BLACKPINK) set the stage ablaze with a powerful cover of “Live and Let Die,” originally sung by Paul McCartney.
• Raye, the British singer-songwriter, took on the challenge of performing Adele’s “Skyfall,” one of the most iconic Bond themes of recent years.
• The segment kicked off with a stunning dance performance by actress Margaret Qualley, who paid homage to the legendary Bond girls in a breathtaking red satin gown.

The tribute was introduced by Halle Berry, who played Jinx in “Die Another Day,” and she spoke about the legacy of the Bond franchise:

“I had the great pleasure of working with Barbara and Michael on ‘Die Another Day.’ And let me tell you, they weren’t just Bond producers—they were the heart and soul of the franchise for decades. Every generation has its own Bond, and the world keeps evolving, but that signature mix of danger, style, and intrigue? Well, that’s timeless.”

This heartfelt introduction set the stage for a memorable but controversial tribute, which continued to spark heated debates long after the show ended.

Doja Cat’s Bold Move: A Risk or a Triumph?

Was Doja Cat’s performance a groundbreaking success or a risky misstep?

On one hand, she pushed her artistic boundaries, proving that she’s more than just a rapper—she’s a performer willing to take on new challenges. On the other hand, tackling a Shirley Bassey classic was always going to be a high-stakes gamble, and some believe she fell short of expectations.

While Doja Cat is known for her genre-bending style, blending hip-hop, pop, and R&B, this performance required a different level of vocal precision. Bond themes are legendary, often performed by powerhouse vocalists like Tina Turner, Adele, and Billie Eilish, making them extremely difficult to reinterpret successfully.

Some critics argue that Doja’s voice didn’t carry the weight of the original, while others admire her bravery and artistic evolution. Regardless of where opinions fall, it’s clear that Doja Cat took a huge step forward in her career, proving that she’s not afraid to take risks and evolve as an artist.

The Power of Live Performances: Doja’s Learning Experience

Live performances, especially at prestigious events like the Oscars, come with immense pressure. Even the most seasoned artists have had off nights, and Doja Cat acknowledged that nerves got the best of her.

It’s worth noting that many legendary musicians have faced similar scrutiny in the past. Beyoncé, for example, was criticized for lipsyncing at Barack Obama’s inauguration, while Adele stopped mid-performance at the Grammys due to technical issues. These incidents didn’t define their careers but instead became learning experiences.

For Doja Cat, this performance was a chance to grow, and based on her Instagram post, she’s ready for the next challenge. Whether that means tackling more live singing or exploring different musical directions, it’s clear she won’t let criticism hold her back.

What’s Next for Doja Cat?

Following this controversial Oscar moment, fans are eager to see what Doja Cat has planned next. With her ability to reinvent herself, it wouldn’t be surprising if she took this experience as motivation to improve her live vocals and deliver an even more spectacular performance in the future.

Her latest album, Scarlet, has already showcased her willingness to experiment with new sounds and styles, proving that she’s far from a one-dimensional artist. Whether she continues down the path of rap-dominant music or leans more into singing-focused projects, one thing is certain—Doja Cat will continue to surprise us.

Final Thoughts: A Performance to Remember

Whether you loved it or hated it, Doja Cat’s performance at the 2025 Oscars made waves. It was a bold move, a risk, and a testament to her fearless approach to music.

While some criticized her vocals, others admired her courage to step out of her comfort zone and take on a legendary song. If anything, this moment proves that Doja Cat is constantly evolving, and she’s not afraid to face challenges head-on.