'Zero vocal ability': BLACKPINK Lisa's James Bond-themed performance at 2025 Oscars draws flak from netizens
BLACKPINK's Lisa performed a James Bond-themed medley, including Live and Let Die, at the 2025 Oscars, but her vocals drew criticism from viewers, with some stating she lip-synced and lacked vocal ability.
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BLACKPINK's Lisa made history at the 97th Academy Awards, becoming the first K-pop star to perform at the Oscars. Her performance, which included a tribute to James Bond alongside Doja Cat and Raye, earned a standing ovation from the audience, including celebrities like Selena Gomez and Cynthia Erivo.
However, Lisa's iconic performance has been marred by controversy. Allegations of favoritism have been circulating, and a new controversy has emerged, with many viewers claiming that her mic was not on during the performance.
Lisa performs Live and Let Die at the 2025 Oscars
At the 2025 Oscars, Lisa serenaded the audience members with a performance of Live and Let Die from the 1973 film spy thriller starring Roger Moore and Jane Seymour. She was followed by Doja Cat, who sang Diamonds Are Forever from the 1971 film of the same name. Raye performed Adele¡®s Skyfall, the theme from the 2012 film.
LISA performing at the oscars pic.twitter.com/JxnTKBp9Jk
¡ª 2000s (@PopCulture2000s) March 3, 2025
Lisa's Oscar performance draws mixed reactions
Following the performance, viewers were puzzled whether BLACKPINK's Lisa genuinely sang during her Oscars performance or if she was lip-syncing. This speculation arises from past accusations of Lisa lip-syncing during live performances, which were fueled by videos purportedly showcasing her struggling with live vocals.
"She doesn't sing live," one user wrote, while another commented, "Her voice is not for this type of presentation; it sounds like pre-recorded." "Is the mic on?" a third questioned. "She can¡¯t sing live; it's a backing track," a fourth said.
Some viewers expressed disappointment with the Academy's decision to feature BLACKPINK's Lisa in the Oscars performance, suggesting that the opportunity should have gone to one of the nominees or winners instead.
"The Oscars could have taken Adele and Sam Smith to pay tribute since they were Oscar winners with their songs, but they took Lisa, who has zero vocal ability. Raye is the only talented one of that trio," one user wrote.
The Oscars could have taken Adele and Sam Smith to pay tribute since they were Oscar winners with their songs, but they took Lisa, who has zero vocal ability. Raye is the only talented one of that trio.
¡ª Devonne (@Dev0nne10) March 3, 2025
#Oscars pic.twitter.com/NUMwXi5Si3
Another tweeted, "Don't attack because I have nothing against Lisa, but why is she there and singing a James Bond song? #Oscars #Oscars2025 #Oscar"
Don't attack because I have nothing against Lisa but why is she there and singing as James Bond song. #Oscars #Oscars2025 #Oscar pic.twitter.com/1fmcdycKEX
¡ª WHAT FOUL (@PumPumxBye) March 3, 2025
However, some fans also came in her defense, writing she is really meant for big stages like the Oscars, given how she commands the stage effortlessly.
lisa is really meant for hollywood western stages tho. like her performance is on fire!
¡ª Red???? (@redqueenlm) March 3, 2025
LISA OSCARS PERFORMER #LISAatTheOscars2025 #OSCARS
pic.twitter.com/vIzRtDYxOj
"Oscar¡¯s is like the final destination for an artist to perform at, and Lisa did that, so what is she going to do next?" another wrote while heaping praises on the BLACKPINK star.
oscar¡¯s is like the final destination for an artist to perform at and lisa did that so what is she going to do next? ? pic.twitter.com/e2NKbR6O3G
¡ª blackpink on repeat. (@bponrepeat_1) March 3, 2025
Meanwhile, Lisa's debut solo studio album, Alter Ego, dropped on February 28, 2025, through Lloud and RCA Records. This album marks a significant milestone for Lisa, being her first solo release after parting ways with YG Entertainment and Interscope Records in 2023. Her debut album features 15 tracks, with guest appearances from notable artists like Doja Cat, Raye, Rosal¨ªa, Future, Megan Thee Stallion, and Tyla. The album explores five different inner personas¡ªRoxi, Sunni, Kiki, Speedi, and Vixi¡ªeach with its own unique character traits.
She also made her acting debut with Mike White's ongoing series The White Lotus Season 3.
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