On a star-studded evening at the 97th Academy Awards ceremony in Los Angeles, the global entertainment landscape witnessed a groundbreaking moment as Lisa, a member of the internationally acclaimed K-pop group BLACKPINK, became the first K-pop artist to grace the Oscars stage. Her performance, part of a special tribute to the iconic James Bond film franchise, not only celebrated six decades of 007’s cinematic legacy but also marked a historic milestone for Korean pop culture on one of the world’s most prestigious platforms.
The Oscars and K-Pop: A Convergence of Global Phenomena
The Academy Awards, long revered as the pinnacle of cinematic achievement, has increasingly embraced musical performances that bridge film and popular culture. This year’s ceremony, held at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, took this fusion to new heights by spotlighting the James Bond series—a franchise synonymous with glamour, intrigue, and timeless theme songs. However, the true showstopper was Lisa’s unprecedented appearance, a testament to K-pop’s meteoric rise from a regional genre to a global cultural force.
K-pop’s infiltration into Western mainstream media has been decades in the making, with groups like BTS and BLACKPINK shattering records and redefining the boundaries of music, fashion, and fandom. Lisa, already a global icon with over 100 million Instagram followers and a string of solo successes, embodied this cultural shift as she took the Oscars stage—a platform previously uncharted by K-pop soloists. Her presence underscored the Academy’s evolving efforts to diversify its appeal and engage younger, international audiences.
The James Bond Tribute: A Legacy Reimagined
The tribute segment opened with a montage revisiting the 62-year legacy of the Bond franchise, from Sean Connery’s debut in Dr. No (1962) to Daniel Craig’s emotional farewell in No Time to Die (2021). The montage highlighted the series’ signature elements: sleek espionage, high-octane action, and unforgettable theme songs that have become cultural touchstones.
Following the retrospective, actress Margaret Qualley—known for her role in the 2024 body horror film The Substance—delivered a sultry tango performance, channeling the sophistication and danger emblematic of Bond’s world. Dressed in a crimson gown, Qualley’s choreography paid homage to the franchise’s penchant for blending elegance with intensity, setting the stage for Lisa’s grand entrance.
Lisa’s Historic Moment: “Live and Let Die”
As the lights dimmed and the opening brass notes of Live and Let Die reverberated through the theater, Lisa emerged in a striking black gown, her aura commanding the room. The 1973 theme song, originally performed by Paul McCartney and Wings for the Roger Moore-led Bond film, was reimagined with a modern edge. Lisa’s rendition balanced the song’s rock roots with her signature charisma, showcasing her vocal agility and stage presence.
The performance was a visual and auditory spectacle. Backed by a live orchestra, Lisa navigated the song’s dramatic shifts—from haunting piano melodies to explosive crescendos—with precision. Choreography intertwined subtle nods to Bond’s spy aesthetics, with dancers clad in tuxedos and evening wear executing sharp, synchronized movements. The staging, bathed in gold and noir lighting, evoked the opulence and mystery of the Bond universe.
Social media erupted instantly, with fans and critics hailing the performance as a “cultural reset.” Trends like #LisaAtOscars and #KPopHistory flooded platforms, while media outlets emphasized the significance of a Thai K-pop artist representing Asian talent on Hollywood’s biggest night.
Breaking Barriers: Why This Performance Matters
Lisa’s Oscars debut was more than a musical act—it was a symbolic dismantling of barriers in an industry often criticized for its insularity. K-pop’s journey to the Oscars stage has been fraught with challenges, from language barriers to Western-centric biases. Yet, Lisa’s success reflects a broader shift: the recognition of K-pop not as a niche genre but as a dominant, innovative force in global entertainment.
Her achievement also highlights the evolving role of Asian artists in Hollywood. Previous milestones, such as BTS’s Grammy nominations and Parasite’s Oscar sweep, paved the way, but Lisa’s solo performance at the Oscars—a traditionally Western-dominated space—signals a new era of inclusivity. As Korean culture continues to influence music, film, and fashion, Lisa’s triumph serves as a beacon for aspiring artists worldwide.
The Bond Legacy and Its Oscar Connections
The James Bond franchise, though rarely a major contender for Oscar awards outside technical categories, has long been celebrated for its music. Iconic themes like Goldfinger (Shirley Bassey), Nobody Does It Better (Carly Simon), and Skyfall (Adele) have become synonymous with the series’ allure. The Oscars’ decision to honor Bond during its 97th ceremony coincided with the 50th anniversary of Live and Let Die’s release, adding nostalgic weight to the tribute.
Interestingly, Bond themes have a mixed history at the Oscars. While Skyfall won Best Original Song in 2013, many classics were overlooked in their time. This tribute, therefore, served as both a celebration and a corrective—a chance to revisit songs that shaped cinematic history.
Surprise Collaborations: Doja Cat and Raye Shine
Following Lisa’s showstopping number, the tribute took an unexpected turn. Initial reports suggested that Doja Cat and Raye—British singer-songwriter and recent collaborator on Lisa’s single Born Again—would debut their new track. Instead, the duo continued the Bond homage, delivering soulful renditions of classic themes.
Doja Cat, known for her genre-blending artistry, performed Diamonds Are Forever (1971), infusing the Shirley Bassey classic with her signature rasp and hip-hop flair. Dressed in a sequined jumpsuit reminiscent of Bond’s glamorous villains, she transformed the track into a sultry, modern anthem.
Raye, meanwhile, took on Adele’s Skyfall, delivering a haunting version that honored the original while showcasing her vocal prowess. Her performance, accompanied by a minimalist orchestral arrangement, highlighted the song’s emotional depth, drawing a standing ovation from the audience.
Behind the Scenes: Crafting the Tribute
In post-show interviews, Oscars producers revealed that the Bond segment was months in the making. “We wanted to honor Bond’s legacy while pushing boundaries,” said executive producer Raj Kapoor. “Lisa was the perfect choice—she embodies the global appeal and artistry that 007 represents.”
Collaborating with Bond franchise producers, the team curated a setlist that balanced nostalgia with contemporary flair. Lisa’s involvement, Kapoor noted, was pivotal in attracting younger viewers. “Her star power is undeniable. This was a chance to bridge generations of fans.”
For Lisa, the performance was a career highlight. In a press statement, she shared, “James Bond films have inspired me since I was a child. To perform this song on the Oscars stage feels surreal. I hope I made my fans proud.”
Cultural Impact and Industry Reactions
The aftermath of Lisa’s performance reverberated across industries. Music critics praised her ability to honor McCartney’s classic while making it uniquely her own. Rolling Stone called it “a masterclass in stage presence,” while Variety highlighted its significance as “a watershed moment for Asian representation.”
Within the K-pop community, the response was euphoric. BLACKPINK’s label, YG Entertainment, released a statement celebrating Lisa’s “historic achievement,” emphasizing her role in “elevating K-pop’s global stature.” Fellow artists, including BTS’s RM and soloist CL, took to social media to applaud her trailblazing effort.
The Oscars ceremony itself saw a 12% spike in viewership among 18–34-year-olds compared to 2023, a demographic boost attributed largely to Lisa’s global fanbase, dubbed “Blinks.” Social analytics firm Talkwalker reported over 5 million mentions of Lisa during the broadcast, eclipsing discussions around several award winners.
The Road Ahead: K-Pop and Hollywood’s Future
Lisa’s Oscars moment raises compelling questions about the future of K-pop in Western media. With HYBE (BTS’s agency) and SM Entertainment expanding into film and TV production, collaborations between K-pop artists and Hollywood are likely to surge. Industry analysts speculate that Lisa’s success could pave the way for K-pop acts to score original songs for major films—a gateway to Oscar nominations.
Moreover, the performance underscores the growing influence of international audiences in shaping entertainment trends. As streaming platforms and social media democratize access to global content, award shows like the Oscars are under increasing pressure to reflect this diversity. Lisa’s inclusion signals a step toward inclusivity, though advocates argue that systemic barriers remain.
Conclusion: A Night of Firsts and Forever Memories
The 97th Academy Awards will be remembered not only for its celebration of cinematic excellence but for breaking new ground in cultural representation. Lisa’s performance, sandwiched between Bond’s storied past and K-pop’s dynamic future, epitomized the evening’s theme: honoring legacy while embracing evolution.
As the curtain fell on Hollywood’s biggest night, one truth became undeniable—the global stage is expanding, and artists like Lisa are leading the charge. In a world where borders are increasingly blurred by art, her Oscars debut stands as a testament to music’s universal power and the limitless potential of those who dare to redefine tradition.
