Lisa Makes Oscar History for K-pop—But Faces Backlash Over Red Carpet Look and Live Vocals

History was made at the 97th Academy Awards, held at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, as Lisa of BlackPink became the first K-pop artist to ever perform on the Oscar stage. Yet, instead of unanimous applause, Lisa found herself at the center of a social media storm—her red carpet fashion and live vocals sparking intense debate among fans and critics alike.

Lisa is a rare beauty wearing a suit at this year’s Oscars – Photo: AFP

Breaking Barriers—But Not Dress Codes

While the Oscars red carpet is famed for its parade of glamorous gowns and dazzling Hollywood style, Lisa took a bold detour. Opting for a menswear-inspired ensemble, she paired a crisp white shirt with a long, tailored black tuxedo jacket—an eye-catching, gender-fluid statement that set her apart from the crowd.

Lisa is a rare beauty wearing a suit at this year’s Oscars – Photo: AFP

But social media wasn’t entirely impressed. Many felt the look failed to flatter Lisa’s petite frame, with some calling the half-up, voluminous hairstyle “messy” and “unpolished.” Comments ranged from, “Great on top, but the bottom half is disappointing,” to “The styling makes Lisa fade into the background.” The critiques echoed a growing chorus of fashion complaints, following her recent cyberpunk-inspired, body-hugging outfit at her “Alter Ego” album launch, which was also deemed “too much” by conservative fans.

A Dazzling Performance—Or Not?

Lisa stands out among the dancers – Photo: ABC

Lisa’s Oscar moment came as she joined Doja Cat and Raye in a tribute to iconic James Bond themes, performing “Live and Let Die,” “Diamonds Are Forever,” and “Skyfall.” Entering from above in dramatic fashion, Lisa delivered the opening vocals before handing the spotlight to Doja Cat and Raye, all set against a cinematic backdrop of dancers and tuxedoed men.

Lisa stands out among the dancers – Photo: ABC

For her performance, Lisa changed into a striking black evening gown with a dramatic red train—earning her a flood of “slay” comments for her stage presence and dynamic choreography. Her rope-work and dance skills drew praise, with many noting she held her own next to powerhouse performers Doja Cat and Raye.

However, the applause wasn’t universal. In the world of the Oscars, live vocals are non-negotiable—and Lisa’s singing quickly became the night’s hot topic. Critics said her voice lacked the strength and uniqueness needed for such a grand stage, with some high notes coming off shaky and breathless. “She’s improved since her last stages, but still hasn’t had a breakthrough,” one fan noted. Others were less forgiving: “Lisa’s voice just isn’t memorable—she tries every genre, but nothing sticks.”

Defenders and Doubters

Despite the criticism, many fans leapt to Lisa’s defense, arguing that the Oscars performance was more about spectacle and tribute than vocal athleticism. Still, Lisa’s live singing has been under scrutiny for months, with accusations of overusing backtracks and even being dubbed the “lip-sync queen” by international tabloids.

Is It Talent or Connections?

Adding fuel to the fire, rumors swirled about how Lisa landed her Oscar gig. Speculation grew over her rumored relationship with Frédéric Arnault, heir to the LVMH luxury empire—especially after LVMH was spotted on the Oscars’ sponsor list and as a key investor in “The White Lotus” Season 3, Lisa’s acting debut. Some accused her of benefiting from powerful connections rather than pure merit.

The Verdict: A Night of Firsts—and Fierce Debate

Lisa’s Oscar debut was undoubtedly a milestone for K-pop, but it also exposed the razor-thin line between acclaim and criticism on the world’s biggest stages. Whether you see her as a trailblazer or a work in progress, one thing is certain: Lisa’s every move, every note, and every outfit will keep the world talking.

Lisa broke new ground for K-pop at the Oscars, but her historic moment became a lightning rod for debate over fashion, vocals, and the power of connections in the global entertainment industry. In Hollywood, as in K-pop, the spotlight is both a dream—and a test.