“It was terrifying but also so incredible at the same time,” RAYE said about performing the 2012 hit at the 2025 Academy Awards

RAYE was understandably nervous about singing one of Adele’s songs at the Academy Awards.

During the James Bond tribute at the 2025 Oscars on Sunday, March 2, RAYE, 27, performed a cover of Adele’s “Skyfall” from the 2012 James Bond movie — a.k.a. the first Bond theme song to win at the awards in 2013.

Speaking with Entertainment Tonight after her powerful performance, the “Oscar Winning Tears” singer called the experience “exhilarating.”

“Also, no one can sing Adele like Adele, and it’s scary,” she said, praising the 16-time Grammy winner.

“It was terrifying but also so incredible at the same time,” RAYE added. “I’m just so grateful for the opportunity.”

Raye and Adele

RAYE; Adele.Rich Polk/Penske Media via Getty; Denise Truscello/Getty

 

Raye also praised BLACKPINK’s Lisa as well as Doja Cat, whom she collaborated with on the song “Born Again.” Lisa, 27, and Doja Cat, 29, also sang “Live and Let Die” and “Diamonds are Forever,” respectively, for the Bond tribute.

“We have such a beautiful chemistry together,” RAYE gushed of the artists. “I just love those girls, they’re so kind and hardworking and inspiring.”

One day after the Oscars, RAYE posted on social media about her performance. “was so nervous to sing this song because no one can sing Adele like Adele, but I tried my very best 🥺,” she wrote on X. “so grateful to The Academy for having me 🫀.”

Raye at the 97th Oscars held at the Dolby Theatre

RAYE in 2025.Rich Polk/Penske Media via Getty

“Skyfall” was not only a winning song at the 2013 Academy Awards, where she was visibly emotional upon hearing it won.

It also won Adele, 36, the best song written for visual media award at the 2013 Grammys along with the best original song award at the Golden Globes.

“Honestly I came for a night out — with my friend Ayda — we’re new mums. I was not expecting this. Thank you so much,” Adele said upon accepting the Golden Globe in 2013, nodding to her son Angelo.

Singer Adele performs onstage during the Oscars

Adele in 2013.Kevin Winter/Getty

 

“Very strange to be here, thank you so much for letting me be a part of your world for a night,” she added. “I’s amazing – and we’ve been pissing ourselves laughing!”

“I’d like to thank the Hollywood Foreign Press, I never thought I’d say that. And this is for my boyfriend who convinced me to do it … and my lovely son. Thank you so much,” Adele concluded.