The excitement around the 97th Annual Academy Awards is palpable, with a diverse lineup of prominent musical artists set to grace the stage. Among those taking part are pop sensation Doja Cat, acclaimed actress and singer Cynthia Erivo, chart-topping Ariana Grande, K-pop icon LISA from Blackpink, the versatile Queen Latifah, and rising star RAYE. The Academy has described these performances as “showstopping,” intended to celebrate both the filmmaking community and its legendary figures. This year’s event promises to bring a fresh energy that resonates with audiences, blending cinematic tributes with dynamic musical talent.
In a move that has been anticipated for weeks, the stars of the musical Wicked, Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, are rumored to have a prominent role in the show, likely featuring as part of the opening segment. Although this has not been officially confirmed by Academy producers, the crossover appeal of Wicked — currently the highest-grossing Broadway film adaptation — suggests that it would be remiss not to incorporate music from the show. However, interestingly, the film’s lack of original songs that qualify for the Best Song category means that the performance will likely serve as a showcase rather than a competitive entry.
As the Academy prepares for a spectacle, it’s also expected that their participation will be heavily showcased in promotional campaigns leading up to the event. Just as last year’s Oscars attempted to leverage the popularity of Barbie with prominent performances, this year’s promotional strategy hints at a similar approach with Grande and Erivo at the forefront. The Academy knows how to engage audiences, and harnessing the momentum of these musical stars could be pivotal in boosting viewership numbers.
However, not all aspects of the musical lineup have been received positively. The Academy’s decision to not include performances of any of the five nominated songs has sparked criticism among members of the music community and those previously nominated for the Best Song category. This announcement was unusual, particularly because it was made just a day prior to the nominations announcement. Potential performers for these nominations included renowned artists such as Elton John, Selena Gomez, and the 16-time nominee Diane Warren, whose exclusion from the Oscars is feeling increasingly controversial.
The decision not to feature the nominated songs could be seen as a shift in the direction of the show, steering it away from traditional Oscar fare and towards a format that resembles the Grammys. While some in the music community may feel marginalized by this new approach, the inclusion of contemporary talent like Doja Cat, RAYE, and Queen Latifah conveys a desire to broaden the scope of the Oscars to appeal to newer generations of viewers, who may have different musical tastes than those typically showcased at the Academy Awards.
The changes to this year’s musical lineup follow the appointment of producer Raj Kapoor, who also produced this year’s Grammy Awards. This crossover has implications for the Oscars’ musical identity, with an inclination towards innovative, genre-blending performances rather than the classic ballads that have traditionally accompanied the ceremony. While fans of the Academy Awards might yearn for the inclusion of the nominees’ songs, this year’s show appears poised to transform the awards into a festival of diverse musical expression.
As we approach the event, set to air live on ABC and stream on Hulu on March 2, 2025, expectations are mixed: will audiences embrace this new direction, or will there be pushback from traditionalists within the industry? For now, it seems that the 97th Academy Awards aims to differentiate itself through a dynamic celebration of music that reflects the vibrant landscape of contemporary culture. The true test will be whether this bold strategy succeeds in both captivating viewers and honoring the artistic achievements of the film industry in a meaningful way.