On February 16, 2026, the Oscars delivered a showstopping tribute to the legacy of James Bond, but the night’s musical centerpiece quickly became a lightning rod for debate among fans and industry insiders alike. As the Dolby Theatre glimmered with anticipation, a star-studded lineup—Doja Cat, Lisa from Blackpink, Margaret, and Raye—took the stage to honor the world’s most famous spy. Yet, it was Raye’s performance of Adele’s iconic “Skyfall” that set social media abuzz, not just for her vocals, but for who wasn’t there: Adele herself.
Raye, fresh off a whirlwind year of accolades and activism, stepped into daunting shoes. “Was sooo nervous to sing this song because no one can sing Adele like Adele, but I tried my very best,” she shared with fans after the ceremony, as reported by Metro. Her humility resonated, but the Twitterverse was less forgiving. Comments ranged from, “Could we not afford Adele or?!” to pointed critiques like, “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!” The sentiment was clear: many wanted the original artist, especially since Adele’s “Skyfall” had clinched the Best Original Song Oscar back in 2013.
Still, Raye found solace in the support she received from her peers. Speaking to Entertainment Tonight, she recounted a touching moment: “My eyes were closed, and when my eyes were open, she [Ariana Grande] was there at the front and she stood up and clapped. It doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks, Ariana loved it and I’m happy with that!”
The Bond-themed segment came at a time of transition for the franchise itself. With Amazon taking over from longtime producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli, speculation swirled about the future of 007. Daniel Craig, who stepped down from the role in 2021 after “No Time To Die,” left some big shoes to fill. Names like Aaron Taylor-Johnson, James Norton, Taron Egerton, and Damson Idris have all been floated as possible successors. In an interview with Metro, actor John Boyega weighed in, “I still think Daniel should have done at least two more. 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.”
But the Oscars weren’t just about glitz and speculation. The ceremony also recognized cinematic excellence, with “Anora” taking home Best Picture and multiple top honors, Adrien Brody winning Best Leading Actor for “The Brutalist,” and Zoe Saldaña earning Supporting Actress for “Emilia Pérez,” among others. The full list of winners underscored a year of bold storytelling and memorable performances.
While the night’s drama played out on stage and online, another seismic moment in the music industry was quietly unfolding. On the same day, Youth Music, in partnership with the Musicians’ Union and Music Guardians, unveiled a sobering report titled “Just the Way It Is?” The findings were stark: more than 70% of young creatives surveyed felt unsafe in music industry workplaces, and a staggering 90% reported being unable to speak out about unfair practices or pay. Even more troubling, three-quarters of respondents had considered abandoning their ambitions due to these toxic environments.
The report’s one beacon of hope? Artists like Raye, whose outspokenness has inspired 85% of those surveyed. Raye has never shied away from calling out the industry’s failings. She has previously described being forced to accept meager royalty splits and labeled some business practices as “evil.” The report also featured testimony from Victoria Canal, who detailed harrowing experiences of harassment, disability discrimination, and grooming during her early career. Carol Reid, Programme Director at Youth Music, didn’t mince words: “Exploitation and inequality are commonplace for young people trying to break into music. We must move from quiet acceptance toward shared responsibility.” The call to action was clear—transparent contracts, fair pay, and safer workplaces are urgently needed if the industry hopes to retain its brightest talents.
Against this backdrop of challenge and change, Raye’s own career has become a symbol of resilience and reinvention. After rising to fame as a guest vocalist on Jonas Blue’s “By Your Side” in 2016, her solo ambitions were initially stymied by a record label that allegedly refused to release her debut album. Undeterred, she took control of her narrative, self-releasing “My 21st Century Blues” in 2023 to critical and commercial acclaim. Her momentum only grew—at the 2024 Brit Awards, she shattered records with six wins and later garnered three Grammy nominations.
Now, Raye is gearing up for the release of her hotly anticipated second album, “This Music May Contain Hope,” set to drop on March 27, 2026. Producer Mike Sabath, who co-wrote and produced the lead single “Where Is My Husband!,” recently shared insights with Music Week about the album’s genesis. The creative process began in 2025 at a cozy Airbnb in Big Bear Lake, California. “I brought two speakers, keyboards and a vocal mic, and moved the dining table. It was the beginning of the process. We ended up getting some serious songs, including …Husband! That’s how we create the real ones: in the quiet moments,” Sabath recalled.
Those quiet moments soon translated into viral energy. “Where Is My Husband!” sparked a social media phenomenon, with fans attempting to replicate Raye’s challenging vocal runs in the “diamond ring” challenge. “It was so cute, so special. It was crazy to see so many people trying it!” Sabath said. The excitement even caught the attention of fellow producers—Mark Ronson, who had previously worked with Raye, messaged Sabath simply, “Nice.”
Sabath’s approach to music is deeply philosophical: “I believe that what makes something great is its proximity to God – that’s one way to put it – or its proximity to nature or truth. My aim is greatness. And greatness to me in this moment means pure.”
Fans eager to see Raye live won’t have to wait long. She’s set to play two sold-out shows at Glasgow’s OVO Hydro on February 20 and 21 as part of her “This Music May Contain Hope” tour. The concerts promise a family affair, with her sisters Absolutely and AMMA as support acts. The setlist is expected to blend new tracks with fan favorites like “WHERE IS MY HUSBAND!,” “Suzanne,” and “Escapism.” For those lucky enough to snag tickets, it’s a chance to witness an artist at the height of her creative powers.
Raye’s journey—from industry outsider to award-winning, agenda-setting headliner—mirrors the very challenges and hopes that define today’s music world. As calls for reform grow louder and artists like Raye continue to break boundaries, one thing is clear: the next act in this story is just beginning.