Oscars 2025: Queer Performers Coming To The Stage

Something Wicked is coming to the 97th Oscars. Stars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, who are nominated for Best Actress and Best Supporting Actress, respectively, will open the ceremony with an undisclosed duet on Sunday. 

Grande and Erivo were part of a large slate of performers announced Monday, though they’re the only two who are also nominees. Queen Latifah, who was nominated for Best Supporting Actress in 2002 for her work in Chicago, is also set to perform. Meanwhile, bisexual rapper Doja Cat, Blackpink alum Lisa, and Grammy nominee Raye will take the stage together for a “showstopping celebration of cinema,” according to the Academy’s Twitter account. The trio recently collaborated on the single “Born Again,” which will appear on Lisa’s upcoming debut album Alter Ego.

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This year’s slate of performers switches up the typical Oscars routine. In previous tradition, the award show performances featured each Best Original Song nominee. Last year, Billie Eilish gave a stunning performance of “What Was I Made For?” and later took home the trophy. The Academy announced the switch-up back in January. Instead, the show plans to “spotlight the songwriters through personal reflections and behind-the-scenes insights from the creative teams behind the music,” according to Variety. This year’s Best Original Song nominees include the duet “Never Too Late” by Elton John and Brandi Carlile from the documentary Never Too Late and two separate songs from Emilia Pérez. 

Embattled Emilia Pérez star (and Best Actress nominee) Karla Sofia Gascón, who has sat out most of awards season, will attend the ceremony, though thankfully not as a performer.

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Hosted by Conan O’Brien, the Academy Awards will air this Sunday at 7 pm on ABC and will stream live on Hulu.