Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, the stars of Wicked, delivered an unforgettable performance at the Oscars, paying tribute to the iconic cinematic adaptations of The Wizard of Oz with a dynamic and spirited opening number. Their performance highlighted key moments from the beloved Oz films and culminated in a stunning rendition of Defying Gravity from their nominated film, Wicked.
The tribute began with a breathtaking montage showcasing classic Los Angeles moments on the big screen, which subtly referenced the recent devastating fires in the city. As the images faded, Ariana Grande made her entrance, dazzling in a glittering red dress that called back to Dorothy’s famous ruby slippers. She sang the timeless classic Over the Rainbow from The Wizard of Oz, evoking nostalgia for the beloved film. Following her performance, Cynthia Erivo took to the stage, passionately belting Home from The Wiz, adding a powerful layer to the tribute.
Grande then reappeared, bringing the crowd to their feet as she performed Defying Gravity—one of the most iconic songs from Wicked. Erivo, known for her powerful vocal delivery, concluded the performance with an emphatic war cry that sent the audience into a frenzy, prompting a standing ovation. The cameras caught their co-star, Michelle Yeoh, visibly moved with tears in her eyes, sharing in the emotion of the moment.
While Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo have shared the spotlight during the promotional tour for Wicked and harmonized beautifully on-screen, this marked one of their rare live performances together. Fans had the chance to see them duet at the 2024 Met Gala, where they performed When You Believe from the Oscar-winning animated film The Prince of Egypt (1998). The ballad, famously sung by Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston, was written by Wicked‘s composer Stephen Schwartz, adding a layer of musical depth to their collaboration.
Wicked, the prequel to The Wizard of Oz that focuses on the character of the Wicked Witch of the West, Elphaba, has garnered 10 Oscar nominations, including one for Erivo in the Best Actress category and one for Grande in Best Supporting Actress. Although the film may not be the frontrunner for Best Picture, it holds the distinction of being the highest-grossing nominee at the 2024 Oscars, ranking fifth globally at the box office—just ahead of the Dune: Part Two sequel. Its inclusion in the Oscar ceremony served as a draw for viewers who may not have seen other films like The Brutalist, which has had a slow theatrical release.
Directed by Jon M. Chu, Wicked has become a cultural phenomenon. The film’s success can be attributed not only to its massive box office performance but also to the extensive merchandise it spawned and its viral moments that captured the public’s imagination. One such viral moment occurred when a reporter shared that audiences were “holding space” for the lyrics of Defying Gravity, a powerful sentiment that resonated with fans of the musical and the film alike.
The appearance of Grande and Erivo at the Oscars also hints at exciting things to come. Wicked only adapts the first act of the Broadway musical, leaving much of the story still to be told. The much-anticipated sequel, Wicked: For Good, is set for release in November 2025, and fans are eagerly awaiting the continuation of this spellbinding tale. With the success of the first film and the buzz surrounding the upcoming sequel, Grande and Erivo may very well return to the Oscars stage next year to continue sharing their musical magic with the world.
