HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 02: Ariana Grande performs onstage during the 97th Annual Oscars at Dolby Theatre on March 02, 2025 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
FINALLY she passes over the Glinda color scheme. I love this -- frankly, it's the best thing she's worn, and she came alive in that deep red. MORE COLOR, ARIANA. Or, more Not Pink colors.
HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 02: (EDITORIAL ONLY, NO BOOK COVERS) Ariana Grande seen backstage at the 97th Annual Oscars at Dolby Theatre on March 02, 2025 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by John Shearer/97th Oscars/The Academy via Getty Images)
I thought you'd enjoy the back. That part is the back/heel of a shoe!
Los Angeles, CA. March 2, 2025: Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande at the 97th Academy Awards (Oscars) at the Dolby Theatre on March 2, 2025 in Los Angeles, CA. (Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
Oh wait, here! You can see it in this shot. I find that to be such a witty little detail.
Cynthia Erivo in Vivienne Westwood
HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 02: (EDITORIAL ONLY, NO BOOK COVERS) Cynthia Erivo seen backstage at the 97th Annual Oscars at Dolby Theatre on March 02, 2025 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by John Shearer/97th Oscars/The Academy via Getty Images)
This looked super on-stage. It's SO dramatic. Messy, in that Westwood way, but effective when she was gliding around stage singing her guts out.
with Ariana and Lena Waithe
Ariana Grande, Lena Waithe, Cynthia Erivo at the 97th Oscars held at the Dolby Theatre on March 2, 2025 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Rich Polk/Penske Media via Getty Images)
And then Cynthia put on something slightly calmer than her red carpet outfit to settle in for the show itself.
Margaret Qualley
HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 02: Margaret Qualley perfoms onstage during the 97th Annual Oscars at Dolby Theatre on March 02, 2025 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
Truly unclear why Margaret Qualley did interpretive dance to open up the Bond segment, but I guess kudos to her for her flexibility? I still find her kind of dead-eyed.
Lisa
HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 02: Lisa performs onstage during the 97th Annual Oscars at Dolby Theatre on March 02, 2025 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
She did fine with her part of the Bond medley, but the dress was maybe more fun than the actual performance.
Doja Cat in Swarovski
HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 02: Doja Cat performs onstage during the 97th Annual Oscars at Dolby Theatre on March 02, 2025 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
"Diamonds Are Forever" got away from her at the end, unfortunately.
Raye
Raye at the 97th Oscars held at the Dolby Theatre on March 2, 2025 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Rich Polk/Penske Media via Getty Images)
I wonder if she chose this to try and camouflage the mic cord? It ALMOST worked.
Oprah
HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 02: (L-R) Whoopi Goldberg and Oprah Winfrey speak onstage during the 97th Annual Oscars at Dolby Theatre on March 02, 2025 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
Oprah looks great in her suit-style gown. I enjoyed both of these.
Daryl Hannah
HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 02: Daryl Hannah poses in the press room during the 97th Annual Oscars at Dolby Theatre on March 02, 2025 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic)
When Conan announced the star of the Kill Bill movies, I was expecting Uma Thurman?!? I can't figure out how Daryl got onto the bill here, not that I'm complaining. She looks fine, but also like maybe SHE did not expect to be on the bill here.
Queen Latifah
Queen Latifah at the 97th Oscars held at the Dolby Theatre on March 2, 2025 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Rich Polk/Penske Media via Getty Images)
The Quincy Jones tribute came too late into the night, I think -- people were tired -- but Latifah did her damndest to get them out of their seats anyway. Colman and Cynthia were dancing! I love that La went HUUUUGE with this.
Mick Jagger
Mick Jagger at the 97th Oscars held at the Dolby Theatre on March 2, 2025 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Rich Polk/Penske Media via Getty Images)
