Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo ‘Wicked’ Oscars Performance

The performance began with Grande, dressed in a dazzling ruby red gown reminiscent of Dorothy’s iconic slippers, emerging from a cloud of smoke against a starry night backdrop. She captivated the audience with a powerful rendition of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” from the 1939 classic “The Wizard of Oz”.

As Grande exited, Erivo took the stage in a voluminous white gown adorned with colorful floral embellishments. She delivered a passionate performance of “Home” from the 1975 musical “The Wiz,” her dress subtly transitioning to green at the bottom as a nod to her character Elphaba.

The climax of their performance came when Grande rejoined Erivo on stage for a breathtaking duet of “Defying Gravity” from their nominated film “Wicked“. The pair’s harmonies soared, with Erivo concluding the number by hitting the song’s famously challenging high notes, bringing the audience to their feet in a thunderous standing ovation.

This opening act not only showcased the stars’ exceptional vocal abilities but also celebrated the enduring impact of “The Wizard of Oz” story across different adaptations. The performance held special significance as both Grande and Erivo are nominees for their roles in “Wicked,” which has secured ten Oscar nominations, including Best Picture.

The emotional impact of the performance was evident, with the camera capturing their “Wicked” co-star Michelle Yeoh visibly moved to tears. This stunning opening set the tone for what promises to be an exciting night for the “Wicked” team at the 2025 Oscars.

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