The 2025 Academy Awards ceremony is shaping up to be an extraordinary showcase of musical talent with an impressive roster of performers announced for the March 2 broadcast. The 97th Oscars, hosted by Conan O’Brien, will feature performances by six major musical artists spanning multiple genres and generations.
This diverse lineup includes hip-hop icon Queen Latifah, chart-topping artist Doja Cat, global K-pop star LISA from Blackpink, and British sensation RAYE. The ceremony will also spotlight stars from the hit musical adaptation Wicked, with Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande set to bring their theatrical talents to the Oscar stage.
6 performers bringing star power to the ceremony
The Academy has secured an impressive array of talent for the upcoming ceremony. Doja Cat, known for her genre-blending style and dynamic performances, will take the Oscar stage at a pivotal moment in her career as she prepares to release her highly anticipated new album.
Queen Latifah brings decades of entertainment experience to the ceremony, fresh from receiving one of the nation’s highest artistic honors. Her multifaceted career spanning music, film, and television makes her a natural fit for cinema’s biggest night.
Completing the lineup of individual performers are LISA, the global phenomenon from K-pop supergroup Blackpink, and RAYE, the British artist who has recently emerged as a powerful voice in contemporary music. Their inclusion signals the Academy’s recognition of global musical influences and younger audiences.
The Los Angeles Master Chorale will add another dimension to the evening with their acclaimed vocal ensemble work. Academy officials have indicated that additional performers may be announced as the ceremony approaches, further building anticipation for the broadcast.
Musical moments expected to highlight the broadcast
The stars of Wicked, Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, are anticipated to perform selections from the film adaptation of the beloved Broadway musical. Their participation connects directly to one of the year’s most significant cinematic musical achievements.
The ceremony, scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. Eastern Time on ABC and streaming on Hulu, continues the Academy’s tradition of showcasing musical performances alongside the presentation of awards. These performances often become standout moments of the broadcast, generating significant social media attention.
The inclusion of artists representing multiple musical genres reflects the Academy’s ongoing efforts to expand its audience and cultural relevance. By featuring performers with strong followings across different demographics, the ceremony aims to draw viewers beyond traditional Oscar audiences.
Doja Cat brings album momentum to Oscar stage
Doja Cat’s Oscar performance comes at a strategic moment as she prepares for the release of her new album titled Vie. The artist recently teased the project on social media, generating significant anticipation among her substantial fan base.
The album is expected to continue her artistic evolution, blending elements of pop and R&B in ways she previewed during an intimate fan experience at an Airbnb event last October. This appearance follows the success of her previous album Scarlet, which produced hit singles including “Paint The Town Red” and “Agora Hills.”
A deluxe edition of Scarlet released in April 2024 extended the album’s commercial success, further establishing her as one of music’s most versatile and commercially viable artists. The Oscar performance potentially offers a high-profile platform to preview new material or celebrate her recent work.
Queen Latifah arrives with prestigious national recognition
Queen Latifah enters the Oscar ceremony with the distinction of having recently received the National Medal of Arts, the highest honor given to artists by the federal government. Former president Joe Biden presented the award during a ceremony at the White House, recognizing her extraordinary contributions to American culture.
The honor acknowledges her groundbreaking career that has seamlessly moved between music, film, and television while consistently breaking barriers for women in entertainment. Fellow hip-hop pioneer Missy Elliott received the same honor, highlighting the cultural significance of their artistic contributions.
The National Medal of Arts celebrates individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the excellence, growth, support, and availability of the arts in America. Other recipients in the class included filmmakers Spike Lee and Steven Spielberg, placing Latifah among the most influential creative forces in contemporary American culture.
Ceremony continues evolution of Oscar broadcasts
The 2025 ceremony, with its robust musical lineup and Conan O’Brien as host, represents the Academy’s ongoing efforts to balance tradition with contemporary entertainment values. The selection of performers reflects awareness of current cultural trends while maintaining the ceremony’s historic prestige.
O’Brien, known for his intelligent humor and entertainment industry knowledge, brings both credibility and potential for genuine moments of levity to the proceedings. His selection as host follows a period of experimentation with the Oscar format and presentation style.
The broadcast will serve as both a celebration of the year’s cinematic achievements and a showcase for musical talent that transcends the film industry. This dual purpose has increasingly become central to the Academy’s approach to maintaining cultural relevance in a fragmented entertainment landscape.
As the ceremony approaches, further announcements regarding presenters and additional performers will likely maintain public interest in the broadcast. For the announced musical artists, the Oscar stage represents a unique opportunity to perform for an audience that spans generations and crosses international boundaries.
The 97th Academy Awards ceremony promises to deliver memorable cultural moments when the broadcast begins at 7 p.m. Eastern Time on March 2, 2025. With its blend of established stars and contemporary musical forces, the show appears positioned to celebrate achievement while embracing the evolving landscape of entertainment.
