BLACKPINK’s Lisa captivated audiences at the 97th Academy Awards with her highly anticipated performance, but it soon became embroiled in controversy. As part of a tribute to James Bond, she performed “Live and Let Die,” yet speculation arose regarding whether she was actually singing live.
Social media buzzed with debates as some critics alleged that Lisa had lip-synced during the performance. Several online posts claimed that her microphone appeared to be inactive at certain moments, fueling the controversy.
One critic shared a post stating, “This is how she sounds live. She is not a singer and had to lip-sync to avoid embarrassment. Lisa should stop pretending to be a vocalist—it’s becoming more obvious.”
Another user commented, “From watching THIS to Lisa’s ‘lip-sync for your life’ performance is CRAZY!”
Additionally, some speculated that her appearance at the event was influenced by her boyfriend, Frédéric Arnault, CEO of LVMH Watches. One user suggested, “Her billionaire boyfriend was a key sponsor of the Oscars—so that’s why she got the stage.”
However, Lisa’s fans were quick to defend her, sharing audience-recorded clips that seemingly confirmed she was singing live. Many pointed out that performances at major award shows are often pre-recorded or enhanced for broadcast, which could have contributed to the confusion over her vocals.
One supporter wrote, “Are they admitting that Lisa is such a global star that the Oscars bent their no-lip-sync policy just for her? She sounded too good, and now they can’t handle it.”
Another fan argued, “Not even a Lisa stan, but her haters are funny. Be serious—do you really think the Academy would allow lip-syncing? The jealousy is real.”
Beyond the lip-sync debate, Lisa’s Oscars appearance faced further scrutiny. Some questioned why she was invited to perform when even nominees for Best Original Song were not given the stage. Others speculated that her involvement was tied to her affiliation with LVMH, given the company’s sponsorship of the event. Lisa, who has brand partnerships with LVMH luxury labels, has not addressed these claims.
Despite the controversy, Lisa’s performance at the Oscars marked a significant milestone for K-pop’s global impact. While opinions remain divided, she received widespread praise for her stage presence, with supporters celebrating her achievement and detractors questioning her role in the prestigious event.
