Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo Defy All Expectations With Oscars Performance
It’s safe to say Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo opened the Oscars with a performance that will be on our favorites list—for good.
Bowen Yang teased on the red carpet that the medley would not only pay homage to the record-breaking film but the wonderful world of Oz itself.
After a constellation spelling out, “I [heart] LA,” as a tribute to the devastating LA wildfires, Grande stepped out in a red sequined ball gown, a change from her Glinda pink ensembles. Paired with ruby red heels, she performed an exquisite rendition of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” the famous track from The Wizard of Oz.
Following the solo, Erivo stepped into the spotlight in a white ballgown embellished with flowers to perform “Home” from The Wiz. The song is about home, self-discovery, and an emphasis on family when Dorothy realizes that while her journey to Oz was stellar, she longs to return home.
After their separate performances, the two nominees brought it home with an invigorating performance of “Defying Gravity.” Starting the performance in the middle of the “Unlimited” section, the ladies belted through the song’s bridge and brought it home with Elphaba’s new, iconic ending riff, complimented by Glinda’s silent, “I hope you’re happy” cries.
Immediately, the crowd erupted in cheers, getting on their feet to give the actresses the flowers they deserved. The camera panned to other castmates, including Ethan Slater and Michelle Yeoh, sitting next to Jon Chu, who wiped tears from her eyes.
Fans took to social media to share their love for the performance.
Ariana Grande's ode to The Wizard of Oz with "Somewhere Over the Rainbow." Cynthia Erivo's ode to The Wiz with "Home" and ending it with "Defying Gravity" from Wicked. Ohhhhhh I'm crying. #Oscars pic.twitter.com/ZC2iPR2qgl— briana. (@briasoboojie) March 3, 2025
ICONS. #OSCARS pic.twitter.com/lsF3EogGJh— wicked comfort (@wickedcomfort) March 3, 2025
Wicked is nominated for the following 10 categories:
- Best Picture
- Best Actress
- Best Supporting Actress
- Best Visual Effects
- Best Sound
- Best Editing
- Best Production Design
- Best Original Score
- Best Makeup and Hair Styling
- Best Costume
While the film has been seemingly snubbed at larger award ceremonies, fans still hope the cast will take home at least one trophy tonight. Not to mention, there’s always next year as Wicked: For Good hits theaters later this year, and there have been rumblings of a potential teaser soon.
Check out the full Oscars opening performance below.
Writer | Tweet me @brittanyskylerr
