The excitement for the 97th Annual Academy Awards is reaching a crescendo with the announcement of a stellar lineup of musical performers. This year, the Academy has enlisted an impressive array of musical talents, including Doja Cat, Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, LISA from Blackpink, Queen Latifah, and RAYE. The objective behind this dynamic selection is to deliver “showstopping performances celebrating the filmmaking community and its legends,” showcasing a fusion of cinematic and musical artistry that is expected to captivate audiences globally.
Among the most anticipated performances are those of Broadway stars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, who are rumored to be kicking off the evening with a musical number from the critically acclaimed film adaptation of *Wicked*. The continued success of *Wicked*, recently crowned the highest-grossing musical Broadway screen adaptation to date, positions it as a fitting highlight for the Oscars. However, there remains a cloud of uncertainty regarding the specific songs they will perform, a topic that has not been confirmed by the Academy’s producers.
In a surprising maneuver, the announcement of performers comes on the heels of significant backlash following the Academy’s decision not to feature any of the five nominated songs during the ceremony. This rare choice ruffled feathers within the music branch of the Academy and among the Best Song nominees. Noteworthy artists such as Elton John, Zoe Saldana, and Selena Gomez were among those affected by this exclusion, raising questions about the Academy’s priorities in curating the event’s entertainment segment.
Despite the absence of these recognized nominees, the inclusion of high-profile names like Doja Cat and LISA of Blackpink steers the Oscars into territory typically reserved for the Grammy Awards. The current producers, including Raj Kapoor, who also held a prominent role in this year’s Grammy production, seem to be redirecting the musical format away from traditional fair and towards a more contemporary, pop-oriented selection that aligns with current entertainment trends.
The decision to veer toward a lineup reminiscent of Grammy performances represents a significant shift for the Oscars, an event traditionally characterized by its reverence for the film industry and its scores. With contemporary artists taking center stage, the Academy is signaling a willingness to evolve its image and embrace a wider cultural landscape. This is more than just an award show; it’s an opportunity to bridge the gap between Hollywood and the global music scene, potentially attracting a younger audience and revitalizing interest in a ceremony that has seen viewer numbers decline in recent years.
Timing will play a crucial role on the night of the event, scheduled to be aired live on ABC and streamed on Hulu on March 2, 2025. Red carpet glamour kicks off at 6:30 p.m. ET, setting the stage for a night filled with high stakes, and can we assume, unforgettable performances? The producers’ choices are undeniably strategic, as they lean on the powerhouse appeal of artists like Doja Cat and Queen Latifah—each with substantial fan followings eager to tune into the show.
As the various performers prepare for their acts, anticipation builds across multiple demographics. The participation of artists from different genres and backgrounds reflects the Academy’s acknowledgment of the diverse landscape of today’s music scene, which inevitably impacts film and storytelling. With Broadway hits meeting global pop phenomena, the Oscars aim to weave a richly textured narrative celebrating both cinematic art and its musical influences.
Overall, while the absence of nominated songs is indeed controversial, it opens a dialogue about novelty in the presentation of the awards ceremony. The blend of high-profile performances and unexpected choices represents a potential renaissance for the Academy Awards—a chance to redefine how film and music coexist and to refresh a longstanding tradition with the vibrant pulse of modern culture. Whether this gamble pays off remains to be seen, but the stage is undeniably set for an unforgettable night that could resonate well beyond March 2nd.
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