While singing “Lady in Red” by Chris de Burgh, the camera cut to Eilish in the audience, who initially appeared to be confused by the performance. However, some viewers think Eilish looked uncomfortable for another reason.
MTV News tweeted: “Billie Eilish reacts to Maya Rudolph and Kristen Wiig’s impromptu musical medley” with the clip of Eilish’s grimace during the performance.
Some viewers assumed Eilish was reacting to Rudolph and Wiig’s singing, as Jessica Lynch said: “Billie Eilish’s confused reaction to Maya Rudolph and Kristen Wiig is my life mood.”
Some Twitter users have even called Eilish “rude” and “disrespectful” and claimed that she is too young to know the songs featured in the medley.
However, other viewers believe Eilish was reacting to seeing herself on the screens and perhaps wondering why they were filming her. Dave Cohen said Eilish was “likely reacting to seeing herself on the giant screens that are on either side of the stage showing the camera feeds.”
Anna Kirsch agreed and said: “I think it was more, why are they showing me? Not hating on the two ladies… "
The clip seems to show Eilish smiling at Rudolph and Wiig’s performance, before glancing at the screens and grimacing at the sight of herself. Rather than smirking at the presenters, it’s more likely that Eilish was confused about why the camera was focusing on her.
Twitter user @bigbadbil_ even edited the clip to demonstrate how Eilish seemed to be enjoying the performance and only reacted after noticing herself on the screen.
This isn’t the first time Eilish has appeared uncomfortable receiving attention. During the Grammys, where the singer won five awards, including the Big Four of Best New Artist, Best Album, Best Record and Best Song, Eilish appeared to be mouthing “please don’t be me” just before she won the award for Best Album.
During her acceptance speech, Eilish said that Ariana Grande’s Thank U, Next album should have won instead.
Whatever the cause of Eilish’s reaction at the Oscars, Twitter users have turned her expression into a meme and came up with potential scenarios that would inspire the same shocked smile.
Emma Korynta said: “Me remembering tomorrow is Monday”
Natalie Sportelli said: “Me when someone says something mean about Timothée Chalamet”
Zachary Jacobson suggested it could be a reaction to somebody asking “Would you like pineapple on that?”
Nick Parco said: “Me reading all the Jojo Rabbit hate on my timeline”
Uproxx said: “when someone tells you Parasite isn’t going to win best picture”
Samuel Roods said: “When you realize how many more months of primaries there are.”
Lina Washington said: “Billie Eilish’s face on that cutaway said ‘mom, can you come get me? I’m scared.’”
