A Magical Opening: Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande Dazzle at the 2025 Oscars

The 97th Annual Academy Awards kicked off with a mesmerizing performance by the talented duo Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, who delivered an epic medley of songs from the timeless Wizard of Oz universe. The audience was transported to a magical world as the two stars seamlessly blended their voices and stage presence, leaving the crowd in awe. The performance marked a celebration of classic and modern storytelling, bridging generations through music. Grande, stunning in a sparkling red gown, began the set with a powerful rendition of Somewhere Over the Rainbow, emerging dramatically from a cloud of smoke under a starry night sky backdrop. Her voice soared, paying homage to the iconic song while adding her signature flair. As the crowd erupted in applause, Erivo took her turn, stepping onto the stage in a breathtaking voluminous white gown. She delivered a soulful performance of The Wiz, a song from the 1978 film of the same name, originally made famous by Diana Ross. The energy shifted as the two performers joined forces for a electrifying duet of Defying Gravity from Wicked, bringing the audience to their feet with a thunderous standing ovation.

The moment was not just a celebration of their talent but also a heartfelt nod to their shared connection through the Wicked franchise. Earlier that year, both Erivo and Grande starred in the 2024 film adaptation of Wicked: Part One, directed by Jon M. Chu. Erivo played Elphaba Thropp, the misunderstood green-skinned heroine, while Grande portrayed Glinda, her blonde and bubbly counterpart. Their on-screen friendship and rivalry captivated audiences, and their chemistry on the Oscars stage was undeniable. The camera also panned to their co-star Ethan Slater, who was visibly moved in the audience, his eyes brimming with tears as he clapped proudly for their performance.

A Star-Studded Performance: Ariana Grande’s Showstopping Opening

Ariana Grande stole the spotlight as she opened the medley with her powerful interpretation of Somewhere Over the Rainbow. Clad in a dazzling red gown that shimmered under the bright lights, Grande emerged from a cloud of smoke, her voice echoing the timeless classic with a modern twist. The audience was immediately captivated by her presence, and her vocals resonated with both nostalgia and fresh energy. The song, made iconic by Judy Garland in the original Wizard of Oz film, felt reborn through Grande’s interpretation, blending her signature pop style with the emotional depth of the original. As she performed, the backdrop transformed into a night sky filled with twinkling stars, creating an enchanting atmosphere that set the tone for the rest of the performance.

Grande’s connection to the Wicked franchise runs deep. She had always dreamed of playing the role of Glinda, having been inspired by the original Broadway production of Wicked when she was just 10 years old. In a featurette released by Universal Pictures, Grande shared how seeing the Broadway cast perform left an indelible mark on her. “I felt an immediate bond,” she said, reflecting on how the story and its themes resonated with her even as a child. Her portrayal of Glinda in the 2024 film brought a new dimension to the character, blending vulnerability with her signature charm. On the Oscars stage, Grande’s performance of Somewhere Over the Rainbow was a testament to her vocal prowess and her deep connection to the Wizard of Oz legacy.

Cynthia Erivo’s Soulful Tributes

Cynthia Erivo’s contribution to the medley was nothing short of breathtaking. Dressed in a stunning white gown, she brought her powerful voice to The Wiz, a song from the 1978 film adaptation of The Wicked Witch of the West. Her performance was a testament to her vocal range and emotional delivery, as she captured the essence of the song while making it her own. The crowd was captivated by her presence, and her voice reverberated through the auditorium, leaving a lasting impression.

Erivo’s journey with Wicked began long before the film adaptation. She has often spoken about how the character of Elphaba resonates with her own experiences of feeling like an outsider. In an interview with The View in November, Erivo shared, “I always felt like I was different… I walk into the room, and especially in this particular field of work, I’m different. And I don’t know how to be anything other than that.” This sense of identity and belonging is central to Elphaba’s story, and Erivo’s personal connection to the character made her portrayal even more compelling. Her performance on the Oscars stage was a celebration not just of her talent but also of her ability to embody complex, multifaceted characters.

The Wicked Legacy: A Story of Friendship and Self-Discovery

The 2024 film Wicked: Part One marked a milestone in the legacy of the Wizard of Oz franchise. Directed by Jon M. Chu, the movie is an adaptation of the Broadway musical Wicked, which itself is based on Gregory Maguire’s 1995 novel Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West. The story reimagines the classic tale from the perspective of Elphaba, the misunderstood heroine with green skin, and Glinda, her blonde and popular rival-turned-friend. The film explores themes of friendship, prejudice, and self-discovery, set against the backdrop of Oz’s magical world.

Erivo and Grande’s performances were widely praised, with Erivo’s portrayal of Elphaba earning her an Oscar nomination for Best Actress and Grande’s performance as Glinda securing her a nomination for Best Supporting Actress. The film itself was nominated for 10 Academy Awards, including Best Picture, a testament to its impact and artistry. Wicked: Part One follows Elphaba and Glinda as they navigate their complicated relationship, from their early days at Shiz University to their eventual encounters with the Wizard of Oz. The film’s climax leaves audiences on a cliffhanger, as Elphaba and Glinda’s paths diverge after meeting the enigmatic Wizard, setting the stage for Wicked: Part Two.

The medley at the Oscars was not just a performance but a celebration of the enduring legacy of The Wizard of Oz and its modern reinterpretations. Erivo and Grande’s chemistry on stage mirrored the bond between their characters in the film, reminding viewers of the power of friendship and the importance of embracing one’s true self.

A Night to Remember: The Oscars and Beyond

The 2025 Oscars were a night of triumph for Wicked: Part One, with the film’s nominations and the standout performance by Erivo and Grande cementing its place in cinematic history. The audience’s emotional reaction to the medley, particularly Ethan Slater’s visibly moved response, highlighted the profound impact of the film and its music.

As the ceremony progressed, Erivo and Grande’s nominations were a reminder of their hard work and dedication to their craft. For both actresses, their roles in Wicked were deeply personal and transformative. Erivo, who has always felt like an outsider in the industry, found solace in Elphaba’s story of self-acceptance. Grande, too, saw Glinda as a character who evolves from superficiality to depth, reflecting her own growth as an artist.

The standing ovation for their performance was more than just a tribute to their talent; it was a celebration of the stories that continue to inspire us. As the Oscars came to a close, the memories of Erivo and Grande’s magical medley lingered, a testament to the power of music, storytelling, and the timeless allure of the Wizard of Oz universe.