'Boyfriend paid the way?': BLACKPINK Lisa's Oscar gig slammed by fans over Fr¨¦d¨¦ric Arnault's LVMH Academy?sponsorship
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced that BLACKPINK's Lisa, alongside Doja Cat and Raye, will perform their collaborative track "Born Again". The song also featured in the third season of "The White Lotus", in which Lisa made her acting debut as well.
Lalisa "Lisa" Manobal of the global sensation BLACKPINK is set to grace the stage at the 97th Academy Awards on Sunday, March 2 ¡ª a moment eagerly anticipated by her fans. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced that Lisa, alongside Doja Cat and Raye, will perform their collaborative track Born Again.
The song also featured in the third season of The White Lotus, in which Lisa made her acting debut as well. Born Again was written and produced by British singer-songwriter Raye.
Why is Lisa performing at the Oscars?
Despite the buzz surrounding Lisa's upcoming performance, the announcement has stirred some controversy. Notably, none of the artists nominated for Best Original Song this year have been invited to perform, raising eyebrows about why a television theme song ¡ª with no direct link to any nominated films ¡ª is taking center stage at the Oscars.
Three global superstars. One epic #Oscars moment. Doja Cat, LISA of Blackpink, and RAYE take the stage for a showstopping celebration of cinema.
¡ª The Academy (@TheAcademy) February 24, 2025
Watch the Oscars LIVE Sunday, March 2, at 7e/4p on ABC and Hulu, with Conan O¡¯Brien hosting. Expect the unexpected¡ªonly at the Oscars. pic.twitter.com/Tv8PoHWjL8
Adding to the speculation, many believe Lisa's appearance may be connected to her boyfriend, Fr¨¦d¨¦ric Arnault, the CEO of LVMH Watches. Arnault oversees luxury brands such as Zenith, Hublot, and TAG Heuer, while Lisa has long-standing partnerships with LVMH brands like Celine, Bvlgari, and Louis Vuitton. Some fans suspect LVMH's sponsorship of the Oscars may have played a role in securing her spot on the prestigious stage.
Fan reactions
Reactions have been mixed as while Lisa's fans are thrilled about her Oscars debut, others have questioned the relevance of her performance at an event meant to honour cinematic achievements. Speculation about LVMH's influence has only added fuel to the ongoing debate.
Doja is performing at the Oscar¡¯s for absolutely no reason other than Lisa¡¯s boyfriend using his daddy¡¯s money to pay off the academy and have LISA every damn where in the US. Anyway, we will be tuning in for the Queen of Zulu nation ?
¡ª IVD THE NEXT SUPERSTAR (@littleooouzie) February 24, 2025
Devil works hard but Fr¨¦d¨¦ric Arnault works harder.. https://t.co/qe9OdF2xIR
¡ª . (@evilakgae) February 24, 2025
no hate for Lisa but having a rich boyfriend really does pay off ?
¡ª chrsh (@_chrshcmps) February 26, 2025
joke aside but the song is good ngl but i hope she performs well and not lip sync like she always does ?? https://t.co/Z3rrYJ2ft1
Every major project she has worked on is somehow connected to LVMH and her Zionist boyfriend. Like still her fans have the audacity to call her "real star, talented, successful, impactful"??
¡ª ? ? (@musicology100) February 25, 2025
Say no to nepotism, fredrick arnault @LVMH https://t.co/lIRBQVaBOt
who I feel bad for is raye really. She wrote a song like Oscar winning tears. both commercially and critically acclaimed.
¡ª m.? (@jimingoldrush) February 25, 2025
THAT couldn't bring her to the Oscars. Lisa's boyfriend could though ? https://t.co/ZAMsYbJsSz
Lisa has a powerful boyfriend that¡¯s why (Arnault family) pic.twitter.com/NnyuGi1WbH
¡ª li_lim (@lixctp) February 25, 2025
Not just Lisa
Lisa isn't the only performer facing scrutiny. Queen Latifah, a former Oscar nominee, is also set to perform despite having no direct connection to this year's nominated works. Additionally, Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande ¡ª both nominated for acting roles in Wicked ¡ª will perform songs from the film, though not the ones that received Oscar nominations.
The event will be broadcast live, with streaming available on Disney+ Hotstar, covering both the red carpet and the main ceremony.
For more news and updates from the world of OTT, and celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment.
Karen Noronha is a versatile journalist with a passion for sports and K-pop. With over 7 years of experience at publications like IBTimes UK, DNA, and OTTPlay/DesiMartini, she seamlessly transitions between covering global athletic events and the dynamic world of K-pop.
Read More