Raye shares emotional statement after cruel comments about Adele cover at Oscars

Raye has spoken out about her surprise James Bond-themed performance at the Oscars, after cruel comments on her Adele cover.

During Sunday night’s ceremony, there was a dedication to all things 007, following the news that Amazon would be taking over the franchise from longtime producers Michael G Wilson and Barbara Broccoli.

Following an introduction from Halle Berry, The Substance star Margaretperformed an impressive dance routine, before Blackpink’s Lisa belted out a rendition of Wings’ Live and Let Die.

Doja Cat followed this up by putting her own spin on Diamonds are Forever, made famous by Dame Shirley Bassey, with Raye covered Adele’s Skyfall.

Despite the latter’s stunning efforts, many were left questioning why the Hello star – who won the best original song gong at the 2013 ceremony – didn’t make the journey for the special moment.

Unimpressed viewers also slammed the entire segment, taking aim at the singers themselves and questioning why the Oscar-winner did not take part herself.

Taking to Instagram after her big moment on stage, Raye shared a video of her rendition, explaining that she ‘tried her very best’.

‘Was sooo nervous to sing this song because no one can sing Adele like Adele, but I tried my very best,’ she posted.

‘I am just so grateful to the Oscars Academy for this invitation to sing on this stage [sic].’

In a separate chat with Entertainment Tonight following the ceremony, she also took a moment to thank Ariana Grande for being so supportive from the crowd.

‘My eyes were closed, and when my eyes were open, she was there at the front and she stood up and clapped,’ she told the outlet.

‘It doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks, Ariana loved it and I’m happy with that!’

Raye’s comments come after fans made their feelings known on Twitter, slating the organizers and questioning why they appeared not to extend an invite to Adele.

Twitter user fumed: ‘Thierry T – Could we not afford Adele or?! #Oscars.’

GaryTheLians penned: ‘…. Why not just have Adele sing Skyfall #Oscars.’

‘If they were really serious about this James Bond moment they would’ve got Adele’s ass from her house down the street to perform Skyfall! #Oscars,’ Aliya Langley posted.

Din Jarrin agreed: ‘They couldn’t get Adele to sing her own song? #Oscars.’

As Emily added: ‘You’re telling me they couldn’t get Adele to come sing her own song #Oscars.’

Adele’s version of Skyfall was used on the soundtrack for the 2012 film of the same name, starring Daniel Craig as the super spy beside Javier Bardem, Ralph Fiennes, Naomie Harris and Dame Judi Dench.

Daniel stepped back from the 007 role in 2021, following the release of No Time To Die, with intense speculation over who could step into his shoes.

A string of famous faces have been linked, including Aaron Taylor-Johnson, James Norton, Taron Egerton and Damson Idris.

Speaking to Metro about the changes to the leading man, John Boyega insisted that he wanted to see more films with Daniel at the helm.

‘I still think Daniel should have done at least two more,’ he told us. 

‘I’m not mad at an older Bond. [If] you go so young. I’m like, “Isn’t that a rebrand of the whole franchise?” I wonder how they would creatively do that.’

When asked if he wanted the opportunity for himself, he added:‘You can only really answer that question when the opportunity actually lands in your lap and could work.

‘I can’t even fathom if that would ever be an option. Bonds over the years are just very specific. I love the Bond movies. I don’t know what creative lane Barbara and the guys are taking…. No one really knows.’

Metro has contacted the Oscars for a comment.

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