Entertainment Desk:

The 2025 Oscars are set to be star-studded, with several high-profile performers announced ahead of next week’s official ceremony.

This year, the Academy has shifted away from its tradition of orchestrating live performances for the Best Original Song category, which typically features nominees performing throughout the evening. Instead, the event will feature “personal reflections” from the songwriters themselves.

Among the performers set to take the stage are “Wicked” co-stars Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo. Though Erivo had previously downplayed the possibility of performing at the event, dismissing it as “wishful thinking,” it is now confirmed that she will perform alongside Grande. Whether the duo will perform a number from “Wicked” remains unclear.

Other performers include Blackpink’s Lisa, Doja Cat, and Raye, although the Academy has confirmed they will not perform their recent collaboration, “Born Again”, which appears on Lisa’s upcoming solo album. Instead, fans can expect something “legendary” from the trio.

Queen Latifah has also been confirmed to take the stage, though the details of her performance are still under wraps.

While the bulk of the Oscar nominations were announced earlier this year, the Best Original Song and Best Original Score shortlists were revealed in December. Artistes in the running for Best Original Song include Elton John, Pharrell Williams, Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, and Kneecap.

In the Best Original Score category, major films like “Gladiator 2”, “Challengers”, “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice”, “Alien: Romulus”, and “Wicked” made the shortlist. The “Wicked” film adaptation is also up for Best Picture, while Cynthia Erivo is nominated for Best Actress, and Ariana Grande is in the running for Best Supporting Actress.

With a stellar lineup of performers and some of the biggest names in the industry competing for top honours, the 2025 Oscars is shaping up to be an unforgettable night.