Some performances are career-defining—and others are soul-shakingly terrifying. RAYE found herself smack in the middle of both when she took on Adele’s powerhouse Bond theme “Skyfall” at the 2025 Oscars as part of an all-star 007 tribute performance featuring BLACKPINK’s Lisa and Doja Cat.
RAYE’s thoughts after stepping off the stage? “Absolutely nerve-wracking.” Because, let’s be real, covering Adele in front of Hollywood royalty is like trying to out-moonwalk Michael Jackson.
A Bond Tribute Fit for the Oscars
The 97th Academy Awards decided to honor six decades of cinematic espionage with a James Bond tribute featuring three of music’s biggest stars:
Doja Cat tackled Shirley Bassey’s Diamonds Are Forever
Lisa delivered Paul McCartney’s Live And Let Die
RAYE braved Skyfall—and lived to tell the tale.
RAYE admitted she was shaking in her stilettos before taking the stage.
“It was terrifying but also so incredible at the same time. No one can sing Adele like Adele.”
She even confessed to keeping her eyes shut through most of the song—only to open them at the end and see Ariana Grande giving her a standing ovation.
“It doesn’t matter what anybody else thinks because Ariana loved it, and I’m happy with that.”
Social Media Buzz & Fan Reactions
The internet, as expected, had thoughts. The Bond tribute got mixed reviews, with some praising the unexpected collaborations, while others weren’t sure the performances lived up to the legendary original tracks.
Even Doja Cat admitted to hitting a few flat notes, and let’s just say Bond fans online weren’t as forgiving.
Meanwhile, RAYE took to Instagram the next day, posting a clip of her performance with a humble, heartfelt caption:
“Was sooo nervous to sing this song because no one can sing Adele like Adele, but I tried my very best. I am just so grateful to the Oscars Academy for this invitation to sing on this stage.”
The Bigger Bond News? Amazon Just Took Over the Franchise
While the tribute had people talking, the real shocker for Bond fans came just days before the Oscars:
Amazon MGM Studios now owns the James Bond franchise.
The Broccoli family’s 60-year reign over 007 is over.
Longtime fans aren’t taking it well. One user summed up the internet’s general vibe:
“It’s clearly the end of the franchise for long-time Bond fans.”
Will the next Bond film be a Prime Video exclusive starring an AI-generated Sean Connery? Only time will tell.