The 2025 Oscars has announced a slew of performers ahead of next week’s ceremony – find out more below.
- READ MORE: Oscars 2025 nominations – see the full list
It was previously that this year’s ceremony will not include live performances for the Best Original Song category, where previously artists nominated in the category would perform throughout the night in the lead-up to the award being presented. Instead, the show is spotlighting “personal reflections” from the songwriters.
Now, the Academy has announced a number of performers for the ceremony, including Wicked co-stars Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo. It is unclear if the pair will be performing a number from Wicked, though Erivo had previously denied rumours of performing at the ceremony, at the time saying the idea felt like “wishful thinking”.
A spellbinding moment awaits. Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande take the #Oscars stage for a performance you won’t forget.
Watch the Oscars LIVE Sunday, March 2, at 7e/4p on ABC and Hulu, with Conan O’Brien hosting. Expect the unexpected—only at the Oscars. pic.twitter.com/WOgGcafdsV
— The Academy (@TheAcademy) February 24, 2025
Additionally, BLACKPINK‘s Lisa, Doja Cat and RAYE have been announced to perform, though it has been confirmed that they will not be performing their recent collaboration ‘Born Again’, which features on Lisa’s upcoming solo debut album.
However, the Academy has confirmed that they will be performing something “legendary”.
Not “Born Again!” But still legendary. Stay tuned. 😉
— The Academy (@TheAcademy) February 24, 2025
Finally, Queen Latifah has also been confirmed to perform, though details surrounding her appearance have yet to be revealed.
The Queen has arrived. Queen Latifah is set to take the Oscars stage for a moment you won’t want to miss!
Watch the Oscars LIVE Sunday, March 2, at 7e/4p on ABC and Hulu, with Conan O’Brien hosting. Expect the unexpected—only at the #Oscars. pic.twitter.com/yTMxVWZRH9
— The Academy (@TheAcademy) February 24, 2025
While the majority of the Oscar nominations were revealed earlier this year, the shortlist for Best Original Song and Best Original Score were unveiled in December. Among the artists who made the shortlist for Best Original Song are Elton John, Pharrell Williams, Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, Kneecap and more.
Several major blockbusters have had their scored listed in the shortlist for Best Original Score, including Gladiator 2, Challengers, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, Alien: Romulus and the Erivo-starring Wicked.
Wicked is nominated for Best Picture, while Erivo is up for Best Actress. Ariana Grande is similar up for Best Supporting Actress – check out the full list of nominations here.
In a four-star review of Wicked, Nick Levine wrote for NME: “Wicked flags a little in the middle, but not enough to dampen a dramatic climax in which Elphaba and Glinda travel to Oz to meet the fabled Wonderful Wizard (Jeff Goldblum). He and Yeoh sell their brief musical numbers on twinkly charisma, but Erivo and Grande are both vocally extraordinary. Crucially, they also have crackling chemistry punctuated by Erivo’s bursts of intensity and Grande’s slick comic timing. By the end, you won’t quite be levitating off your seat but you’ll definitely be enchanted enough to stream the soundtrack on the way home. Funny, colourful and full of empathy for outsiders, this film really is the Shiz.”
