Star-Studded Lineup Set for 2025 Oscars — Get Ready for the Show!

Mark your calendars, movie buffs! The 97th Academy Awards are around the corner, and let’s just say this year’s musical performances promise to be anything but your standard fare. Set for March 2, this year’s Oscars will bring a star-studded cast of artists to the stage, including the powerhouse duo of Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, both of whom are currently dazzling audiences in the highly anticipated film adaptation of *Wicked*. But wait, there’s more! Rap sensation Doja Cat, British R&B jewel Raye, and Lisa from BLACKPINK will also join the stage — talk about a diverse lineup that genuinely defines music today!
In a unique twist, the ceremony won’t feature any performances from Oscar-nominated songs this year. Instead, the producers are steering the spotlight towards honoring the resilience of Los Angeles after a series of devastating wildfires, aiming to celebrate creativity and optimism from the City of Angels. So, you won’t hear music from films like *Emilia Pérez* or *The Six Triple Eight*. But, don’t panic; with iconic acts involved, the evening looks sure to please.
The excitement doesn’t stop there. The legendary Queen Latifah, who hasn’t appeared on screen since 2022, is making a big return, although it remains unclear if her performance will be tied to a recent project or a beloved classic. Meanwhile, Cynthia Erivo is nominated for Best Actress for her electrifying portrayal of Elphaba in *Wicked*, setting her on the cusp of joining the coveted EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony) club if she wins. Ariana Grande is also in the running for Best Supporting Actress, competing against heavyweights like Zoe Saldaña.
However, what makes this Oscars even more intriguing is the participation of Michael Bearden, serving as the music director, who hinted at a possibly thrilling collaboration between Grande and Erivo. “Any time you see those two together, you have to expect something special,” he teased, keeping us all on the edge of our seats.
If you want to catch the action live, tune into ABC at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT — the pre-show, featuring the glam and glitz of the red carpet, kicks off at 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT. So grab your popcorn and get ready for a night filled with performances, powerful moments, and perhaps a few surprises!
Sources: Celebrity Storm Wire and Entertainment Weekly, Variety, Billboard