Doja Cat Acknowledges Vocals Were Off at Oscars: “A B*tch Hit Some Flats”

The 2025 Academy Awards delivered a night full of unforgettable moments, from surprise wins to show-stopping musical performances. One of the most talked-about acts of the evening was Doja Cat’s rendition of Diamonds Are Forever, a tribute to the legendary James Bond film franchise. While some praised her for taking on such a classic track, others were less than impressed with her vocal execution. Now, the singer has spoken out, addressing both the praise and criticism surrounding her performance.

Doja Cat Takes the Stage for a Bond Tribute

As part of an elaborate tribute to the James Bond franchise, Doja Cat joined fellow artists Lisa from Blackpink and British singer-songwriter Raye in performing some of the most iconic Bond theme songs. Lisa delivered a fiery rendition of Live and Let Die, while Raye captivated audiences with her soulful take on Skyfall.

Doja Cat, known for her genre-bending sound and bold artistic choices, took on Diamonds Are Forever, originally performed by Shirley Bassey for the 1971 Bond film of the same name. Given Bassey’s powerhouse vocals and the song’s timeless status, it was an ambitious choice—one that came with high expectations.

#DojaCat sings "Diamonds are Forever" at the #Oscars in tribute to #JamesBond pic.twitter.com/GWgwtGpe01

— The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) March 3, 2025

Mixed Reactions to Her Performance

The reaction to Doja Cat’s performance was divided. Some fans applauded her willingness to challenge herself with a song that required a different vocal approach than her usual rap-infused, pop-heavy style. Others, however, felt that her delivery fell short, pointing out moments where she appeared to struggle with pitch.

Social media quickly became flooded with commentary, with some viewers calling the performance “bold and unique,” while others described it as “underwhelming.” Critics noted that her nerves were evident, and some suggested that the song’s demanding vocal range may not have been the best fit for her voice.

Doja Cat Responds: “The Nerves Got to Me”

Following the wave of feedback, Doja Cat took to social media to address the reaction head-on. In a candid post, she admitted that the performance was a challenge for her, writing:

“I never get to sing like that and what I did was brave and scary as f**k for me. I know a lot of people didn’t like it, but a lot of people did, and I feel good that I pushed myself.”

She acknowledged the difficulty of tackling such a classic song, saying:

“The song is a classic, and I put a lot of work into it, but the nerves got to me, and a b**ch hit some flats.”

Despite the criticism, she remained proud of her effort and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to perform at such a prestigious event.

Praising Her Fellow Performers

In addition to addressing her own performance, Doja Cat made sure to give flowers to the other artists who took part in the Bond tribute. She praised Lisa and Raye for their stunning performances, writing:

“Also, ALL the girls chewed down last night. God bless them all. Absolutely gorgeous performances from everyone.”

Her acknowledgment of the other performers resonated with fans, as it showcased her support for her peers despite the pressure and scrutiny of the evening.

The Bigger Picture: Pushing Boundaries in Music

Doja Cat has built a reputation for continuously evolving as an artist. From viral rap hits to pop anthems, she has shown versatility in her music, and her decision to take on Diamonds Are Forever reflects her willingness to step outside her comfort zone.

While the performance may not have been flawless, her response highlights her ability to embrace challenges and learn from them. Artists often take risks, and this was one that Doja Cat was willing to attempt, even knowing the scrutiny that comes with performing at the Oscars.

A Night of Memorable Moments

The 2025 Oscars, hosted by Conan O’Brien, was filled with standout moments beyond the Bond tribute. Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo delivered a breathtaking duet, Kieran Culkin charmed the audience with his heartfelt speech, and Zoe Saldaña made waves with an emotional acceptance speech.

As for Doja Cat, while her performance may have been polarizing, it added another layer to her dynamic career. Whether loved or critiqued, it was undeniably one of the most talked-about moments of the night.

What’s Next for Doja Cat?

With her ability to spark conversation and push boundaries, Doja Cat remains one of the most intriguing figures in music today. As she continues to experiment with different styles and take creative risks, it’s clear that she isn’t afraid of a challenge.

While Diamonds Are Forever may not have been a perfect moment, it was a bold one. And for an artist like Doja Cat, that’s often what matters most.