Doja Cat is reflecting on her 2025 Oscars performance.
The “Paint the Town Red” singer spoke about her experience performing during the James Bond tribute in a candid Instagram post on Monday, March 3 after receiving criticism online. Doja, 29, sang “Diamonds Are Forever” (originally performed by Shirley Bassey).
“i danced with sarah paulson last night also Flow is my favorite movie of all time cuz it’s a story about friendship,” she wrote, mentioning the movie that won Best Animated Feature at the Academy Awards.
“Thanks to the Academy Awards and Vanity Fair for having me. 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.”
“The song is a classic and I put a lot of work into it but the nerves got to me and a bitch hit some flats,” she continued. “I can’t wait to do something like that again. What a blessing that was. I feel amazing about the whole thing. Bye. 🙏💓”
Fans online were critical of Doja’s performance. “I don’t know who convinced Doja Cat to sing a SHIRLEY BASSEY song, but they need to be fired!” one wrote. “doja cat sounded flat 😭 #Oscars,” another said.
However, others praised her. “NOT THE VOCALS JUMPING OUT OH DOJA CAT THE VERSATILITY YOU HAVE😭😭😭,” one person said. Another wrote, “Y’all might attack me for this but, Doja Cat ate her “Diamonds Are Forever” Oscars performance up.. it gave theatre kid realness! 🎭.”
Doja was literally dripping in diamonds for the performance, wearing an ensemble custom-designed for her by her longtime creative director, Brett Alan Nelson. The outfit featured over one million Swarovski crystals that created the illusion of floating around her body.
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Throughout the night for the red carpet before the awards show and then for the Vanity Fair after party, she rocked two different strapless gold gowns with one featuring a dazzling animal print.
Doja added in the comments, “Also ALL the girls chewed down last night God BLESS them all. Absolutely gorgeous performances from everyone 🥲.”
Margaret Qualley kicked off the James Bond tribute in a red gown with a dance routine surrounded by dancers in the same signature tux the spy is known for. Joining Doja during the tribute was RAYE, singing Adele’s “Skyfall” from the 2012 film of the same name. Meanwhile, BLACKPINK’s Lisa sang Wings’ “Live and Let Die.”
RAYE, 27, also admitted to being nervous about the Oscars performance. “No one can sing Adele like Adele, and it’s scary,” she told Entertainment Tonight after taking the stage
“It was terrifying but also so incredible at the same time,” she continued. “I’m just so grateful for the opportunity.”
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