Raye’s Barefoot Performances Steal the Spotlight at Major Events

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — As Raye takes the stage at the 2025 Grammy Awards, one detail is impossible to miss: her bare feet. The British singer, nominated for multiple awards including Best New Artist, has made performing without shoes her signature style. Whether at major award ceremonies, festivals, or live TV appearances, Raye consistently opts for a shoeless performance, and her Grammys appearance is no exception.

Raye first drew widespread attention for her barefoot performances in March 2024, when she won a record-breaking six BRIT Awards in a single ceremony. She accepted the awards and performed a medley of her hits “Ice Cream Man,” “Prada,” and “Escapism” — all without shoes. While the BRITs brought her shoeless trend into the spotlight, Raye has been performing barefoot since at least May 2023. Over time, it has become her trademark, with appearances at the Grammy Museum, Saturday Night Live, and even Coachella all featuring her signature style.

But why does Raye perform barefoot? In an October 2024 interview with Christina Aguilera, the “Genie in a Bottle” singer praised Raye’s choice, reflecting on her own struggles with high heels. “I’ve already messed up my legs and my feet so bad with all this high-heel nonsense. I messed up the cartilage in my knee. I love that about [Raye], though. I never had the courage to just do it,” Aguilera said. “Those are the best when you just feel the floor underneath.”

For Raye, the reasoning is simpler. “I feel like when I’m wearing shoes, I’m thinking about wearing shoes. Is that weird?” she explained. Her transition to barefoot performances has been gradual, with her last appearance in boots dating back to August 2023. Since then, she has fully embraced the style, though she still wears shoes on red carpets, ensuring her fashion choices remain a topic of conversation.

Raye’s unique approach to performance has not only set her apart but also sparked conversations about comfort and authenticity in the entertainment industry. As she continues to captivate audiences with her music and her bold choices, her barefoot performances remain a defining feature of her artistry.