Doja Cat Keeps It Real After "Flat" Oscar Performance

Doja Cat never backs down from a challenge, and her last risk-taking moment happened on one of the most significant stages in the world, the Oscars. On Sunday night, the "Paint the Town Red" artist collaborated with British powerhouse RAYE and K-pop icon Lisa of BLACKPINK for a James Bond-inspired skit at the Academy Awards. The trio covered the classic "Diamonds Are Forever," a song that became legendary through Shirley Bassey, giving it a dramatic, high-stakes performance at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.

Reaction on social media was swift, with opinions divided, some hailing the daring performance and others noting that she didn't quite hit all the demanding high notes. Instead of avoiding the feedback, the 29-year-old hitmaker tackled the buzz directly in a candid Instagram post.

"Thank you to the Academy Awards and Vanity Fair for inviting me. I never get to sing like that and what I did was brave and scary as f**k for me," she wrote. "I know a lot of people didn't like it but a lot of people did, and I feel good that I challenged myself."

Doja Cat put in a lot of time preparing for this Bond classic, and despite some admitted shakiness, she says she's leaving the experience with a good attitude. In the post, she wrote about how it felt to step outside her comfort zone. "The song is classic, and I worked hard for it, but the nerves got to me, and a b**ch hit some flats," she honestly said. "I'm so looking forward to doing something like that again.

And true to Doja's form, she made sure to hype her fellow performers. "ALL the girls ate down last night. God BLESS them all. Just stunning performances all around."

Aside from the high-pressure moment, Doja made time to enjoy the night in a way only she could. The rapper-singer posted a highlight of her night from the Vanity Fair after-party that was not about music or awards dancing with Emmy-winning actress Sarah Paulson. And in an adorable twist, she also shared her fondness for the Oscar-winning animated movie Flow.

Doja Cat's realness has always been part of what makes her such an exciting artist. When things don't go exactly right, she remains herself, getting real and moving on confidently. Whether she's right there with you or way off base, one thing is sure: she's not afraid to take risks, and that's what a true star does.