Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande opened the 2025 Oscars with a mesmerizing performance, captivating audiences as they paid homage to the beloved songs from The Wizard of Oz and their upcoming film adaptation of Wicked. The duo's stunning medley marked the beginning of the night, infusing the prestigious event with their unique vocal talents and emotional resonance.
The performance kicked off with Ariana Grande captivating the audience with her rendition of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow." Dressed in a glittering ruby-red gown—a nod to Dorothy’s iconic shoes—Grande stepped onto the stage under dramatic lighting and clouds of smoke. Her powerful voice soared, earning uproarious applause and setting high expectations for the rest of the evening.
Following Grande’s enchanting performance, Cynthia Erivo graced the stage dressed in a voluminous white gown adorned with flowers. She performed "Home" from The Wiz, the 1978 reimagining of the classic tale. Erivo's heartfelt rendition struck chords with many, highlighting her vocal prowess and emotional depth.
Finally, the dynamic duo reunited on stage to sing Wicked's anthem, "Defying Gravity." This moment brought the house down, as they delivered the song's iconic riffs with unapologetic flair. The crowd erupted with standing ovations, and many were visibly emotional, underscoring the magic of the performance. At one point, the camera panned to fellow Wicked star Ethan Slater, who was seen clapping enthusiastically with tears of pride glistening in his eyes.
Grande and Erivo's connection extends beyond their stage personas; both actresses recently expressed their pride and support for one another’s nominations. Grande, nominated for Best Supporting Actress, conveyed her admiration for Erivo, saying, "I am so proud of my Elphie, my sister, my dear @cynthiaerivo. Your brilliance is never ending and you deserve every flower (tulip) in every garden. I love you unconditionally, always." Meanwhile, Erivo expressed her joy for Grande's recognition, stating, "To my sister, @arianagrande, what a joy it is to be here with you watching as you ascend and amaze... Congratulations first-time nominee, I'm so so proud of you! There is no one in the world I would have wanted to do this with more than you."
The performances seem to reflect the deep affection and respect both actresses share for one another. Each has spoken openly about the significance of their roles; Grande noted, "I had the incredible privilege of seeing the original Broadway cast of 'Wicked' when I was 10, and I just felt an immediate bond." Erivo, portraying Elphaba, shared how the character resonates with her personally: "I felt like I recognized something in the character. That feeling of being on the outside, being a bit different, not fitting in...there was something about it I felt was familiar...I always felt like I was different."
The Wicked adaptation itself carried significant weight at this year’s Oscars, with 10 nominations including Best Picture. While it didn’t compete for Best Original Song—since the songs were established from the stage musical—in many ways the film's musicality was celebrated during the evening's events. Despite not winning any awards, the emotional impact of Grande and Erivo's performance eclipsed the need for accolades, reminding everyone of the power of live performance.
Speculation around Grande and Erivo's musical involvement at the Oscars had been brewing since early February. While initially tight-lipped, Grande eventually remarked on the excitement of performing together again, hinting at the fun they might have: "I don’t know either, I’m at a loss. But it would be really fun!"
The night not only showcased their expansive vocal talents but also underscored the emotional and cultural relevance of Wicked within contemporary entertainment. Assessing their chemistry, Grande mentioned, “To just feel like we somehow speak the same language... the love and trust we have for each other is... deep.” These sentiments resonate well with fans who appreciate the duo's delightful personas both on and off stage.
Despite chirps on social media teasing about the nature of their relationship—often drawing connections between their characters and romantic interpretation—both stars have firmly stated their friendship's platonic nature. Grande laughed about the fan speculation, insisting on the genuine camaraderie they share and attributing their powerful performance to mutual support and creativity.
With many eager fans and critics anticipating the full release of the Wicked film later this year, it’s clear this Oscars performance has reignited excitement for what is to come. The talented duo, already adored for their portrayal of Glinda and Elphaba, may very well grace the Oscars red carpet again come 2026. For now, audiences will cherish the enchanting magic they created on the Dolby Theatre stage.
The 2025 Oscars proved to be not just an awards show but also a celebration of timeless musicals and the artists who breathe life and emotion through song. Grande and Erivo’s explosive opening left everyone hoping for more magical collaborations to come.