From Diamonds to Dust: Doja Cat's Oscar Bond Performance Misses Mark
Mia Reynolds, 3/3/2025Doja Cat's performance of "Diamonds Are Forever" at the 2024 Academy Awards faced harsh criticism for lacking vocal depth, sparking discussions about the challenges of honoring iconic Bond songs. Despite her glamorous appearance, the tribute fell short of expectations set by legendary artists like Shirley Bassey and Adele.
The 2024 Academy Awards' tribute to James Bond struck a discordant note Sunday night, as viewers and critics alike took aim at what many deemed an underwhelming musical performance — particularly targeting Doja Cat's interpretation of the iconic "Diamonds Are Forever."
The ambitious medley, which featured Doja Cat alongside BLACKPINK's Lisa and British singer Raye, aimed to celebrate the legendary spy franchise's musical legacy. However, the performance quickly became a lightning rod for criticism, with social media erupting in real-time disappointment.
The evening began promisingly enough, with Hollywood icon Halle Berry introducing what was meant to be a show-stopping tribute to "everybody's favorite spy" and the franchise's visionary producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson. Margaret Qualley set an elegant tone with an opening dance number, twirling in a striking red satin dress alongside a corps of sharp-suited male dancers — a visual callback to the series' signature style.
But it was Doja Cat's take on Shirley Bassey's immortal "Diamonds Are Forever" that sparked immediate backlash. "Doja Cat that was actually a horrible vocal performance what the f**k were you thinking?" one viewer posted on X, echoing a cascade of similar sentiments. Another critic cut straight to the technical critique: "Doja Cat does not have the vocal range to do that song justice tbh."
The choice to cast Doja Cat — an artist known more for her rap prowess than her singing — in Bassey's formidable shoes proved particularly contentious. "Weird #JamesBond tribute...Doja Cat...you ain't Shirley Bassey...where are Adele and Billie Eilish to sing their songs??? This actually awful..." wrote one disappointed fan, highlighting the stark contrast between Doja's performance and the Bond franchise's history of powerhouse vocalists.
The irony of the situation wasn't lost on observers — the Academy had heavily promoted the segment, with Academy president Janet Yang even declaring hours before on the red carpet that it would be "one of the highlights of the show." This disconnect between expectation and delivery only seemed to amplify the criticism.
Despite the vocal performance's reception, Doja Cat's visual presentation remained undeniably glamorous. She graced the stage in a breathtaking sheer beige gown adorned with crystalline webbing — a look that followed her red carpet appearance in a custom-made leopard print mermaid gown by Olivier Rousteing, inspired by a 1953 Pierre Balmain design.
The evening served as a stark reminder of the towering legacy of Bond theme songs — a tradition that has seen some of music's most formidable voices, from Shirley Bassey to Adele, deliver career-defining performances. In attempting to honor this legacy, the Academy's ambitious tribute instead highlighted the unique challenges of reimagining these iconic musical moments for a new generation.
For Doja Cat, an artist who has consistently pushed boundaries and defied expectations, this rare misstep demonstrates the particular demands of interpreting classic material — especially within the heightened context of Hollywood's biggest night. While her willingness to take on such a challenging piece speaks to her artistic courage, the response suggests that some diamonds might be better left untouched.
