Amid the glitz and glammer of Oscar night, fans wonder if Lisa lip-synced at the biggest night of movies. In a night of glittering achievements and stunning performances, it was Lisa’s powerful rendition of “Live and Let Die” that sparked both controversy and passionate defense from fans worldwide. The Thai superstar made history at the 97th Academy Awards as the first K-pop performer to grace the prestigious Oscars stage.

Did Lisa Lip Sync for her Oscars 2025 Performance?

Lisa’s lip-syncing allegations were brought during her legendary tribute performance. The significant tribute stage, occurring just days after Amazon’s acquisition of the Bond franchise rights, began with a captivating tango routine by “The Substance” star Margaret Qualley set to the classic Bond theme. But it was the musical showcase that followed, featuring Alter Ego crooner Lisa, Doja Cat, and British sensation Raye that truly captivated the audience.

Lisa, whose full name is Lalisa Manobal, delivered a commanding performance of “Live and Let Die,” the theme from the 1973 James Bond film. Currently expanding her career through acting in HBO’s acclaimed satirical series “The White Lotus,” Lisa demonstrated her versatility by tackling the rock-infused Bond classic originally performed by Paul McCartney and Wings.

Her performance was followed by Doja Cat’s sultry interpretation of “Diamonds Are Forever,” the Shirley Bassey classic from the 1971 Bond film, while Raye joined for segments of Lisa’s new single “Born Again” – creating a memorable musical medley that celebrated the Bond legacy while showcasing contemporary talent.

Lip-Syncing Controversy Erupts on Social Media

Within hours of the broadcast, social media platforms erupted with speculation about whether Lisa had performed live or relied on pre-recorded vocals for Oscars 2025.

“Yeah, I’m sorry to break it to y’all but Lisa was lip-syncing for her life on that stage!” claimed one viewer on X (formerly Twitter), igniting a heated debate that quickly spread across multiple platforms.

The accusation seemed particularly pointed given the historic nature of her performance as the first K-pop artist to perform at the Academy Awards – a significant milestone for Asian representation in Hollywood.

Fans Mount Passionate Defense

Lisa’s dedicated fanbase, known for their fierce loyalty, quickly mobilized to defend the singer’s reputation and vocal abilities.

“At this point, those who continue to use prejudices like ‘lipsync’ towards Lisa are simply using it to annoy and troll, because, I mean, this girl is literally singing beautifully,” wrote one supporter, highlighting what many see as a pattern of unwarranted criticism toward Asian performers in Western settings.

Another fan pointed out the irony of the accusations: “You know Lisa achieved something good when she gets lip-syncing allegations just because she was so on point. My girl cannot catch a break!”

A Milestone for Asian Representation

Beyond the controversy, Lisa’s appearance represents a significant milestone in the ongoing evolution of Asian representation in Western entertainment. As K-pop continues its global expansion, Lisa’s Oscars performance stands as a powerful symbol of the industry’s growing international influence and acceptance.

The historic performance comes at a time when Lisa’s career is experiencing remarkable diversification. Beyond her musical achievements, her role in “The White Lotus” has garnered critical acclaim, establishing her as a multifaceted talent capable of conquering both music and acting.

Whether lip-synced or live, one thing remains certain: Lisa’s Oscar performance has cemented her place in entertainment history as a boundary-breaking artist, continuing to expand the possibilities for Asian performers on the world stage.