Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo Ready to Shine at the Oscars: “Say the Word and We’ll Be There

When two powerhouse voices collide, magic is bound to happen—and Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo are offering up just that for the Oscars stage. With Grammy-winning Grande known for her stunning vocal range and the Oscar-nominated Erivo bringing her Broadway roots and captivating stage presence, the idea of them performing together at Hollywood’s most iconic night is a dream come true for fans.

But what makes this potential collaboration even more exciting is that it’s not just a pipe dream. The duo themselves have said they’re all in. “Say the word, and we’ll be there,” Grande recently shared in a candid interview, hinting at the possibility of teaming up with Erivo for a show-stopping performance during the 2024 Academy Awards ceremony.

If you’re not already fangirling (or fanboying) at the thought of this dynamic duo taking the stage, let us break down why this collaboration is already stirring excitement across Hollywood.

A Dream Duo: Grande Meets Erivo

Ariana Grande has long established herself as one of the most influential and technically gifted vocalists of her generation. Whether belting out high notes in her pop anthems or delivering emotional renditions of ballads, Grande has continuously demonstrated her vocal prowess. Fans, however, may be most familiar with her roots in theater, from her early days on Broadway to her Wicked fandom. Who could forget her 2013 performance as the sweet, quirky Charlotte in 13: The Musical?

Meanwhile, Cynthia Erivo has been wowing audiences with her powerhouse voice and commanding stage presence for years. Erivo‘s journey from theater (where she earned an Olivier Award and Tony Award for her portrayal of Celie in The Color Purple) to film (with her Academy Award nomination for Harriet) proves she’s not just a triple threat but a force to be reckoned with in the entertainment industry. With her versatility across genres and her ability to move audiences with every note, Erivo has earned her place at the top of the musical world.

But what makes this pairing particularly intriguing is that both women have a shared love for the stage and musical storytelling. Grande’s Broadway beginnings and Erivo‘s success in both theater and film give them a unique understanding of the art form. Together, they represent the kind of collaboration that can transcend genre, bridging the worlds of pop and theater in ways that audiences have only dreamed of.

The Oscars: A Stage for Iconic Collaborations

The Oscars have long been a platform for unforgettable musical performances. From Celine Dion’s heart-stirring “My Heart Will Go On” to Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper’s emotional “Shallow,” the Academy Awards often showcase some of the most magical moments in music. Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo performing together could very well be the next iconic moment that we talk about for years to come.

Grande’s pop star charisma paired with Erivo’s Broadway power would make for a unique and thrilling combination. Their voices, both strong and distinctive, have the potential to blend seamlessly, creating a dynamic duo that would be hard to forget. Whether they tackle a medley of classic Oscar-winning songs or an original composition, there’s no doubt that the energy would be electric.

For those who remember Grande’s powerhouse rendition of “The Sound of Music” at the 2015 Oscars, it’s clear that she’s more than capable of holding her own on the Oscar stage. But a duet with Erivo? That’s the kind of performance that could break the internet, start trending on Twitter, and have fans clamoring for an album, a tour, or, heck, even a Broadway show.

The ‘Say the Word’ Moment

It’s no secret that Erivo and Grande have crossed paths before. Both have extensive theater backgrounds, and their mutual admiration for each other’s work is clear. In fact, the two performed together at the 2020 Grammys, joining forces to sing “The Sound of Silence” with pop star John Legend. The performance, which showcased their vocal chemistry, hinted at what could be a long-awaited collaboration.

So, when Grande mentioned, “Say the word, and we’ll be there,” fans couldn’t help but get their hopes up. But could this actually happen?

Well, considering how often the Oscars are willing to feature musical performances, it’s not entirely out of the realm of possibility. In fact, with Erivo already having an established presence at the Oscars (thanks to her Oscar nod for Harriet), her return alongside Grande would make sense. And considering Grande’s connection to the Academy (with her acting career just as notable as her musical one), it’s easy to see why the idea of this pairing is so exciting.

The timing is also perfect. Grande’s musical career is in full swing, with the release of her new album, Positions, and recent collaborations with other artists like The Weeknd. Erivo, meanwhile, has been steadily building her career in film and music, releasing her album Ch. 1 vs. 1 earlier this year. Between their packed schedules and ever-growing fanbases, the Academy could be the perfect place for them to reunite and give fans what they’ve been craving.

What Will They Perform?

Of course, if Grande and Erivo were to perform at the Oscars, the next question on everyone’s mind would be: what song would they sing? The possibilities are endless.

One potential option could be a medley of iconic Oscar-winning songs. Picture Erivo and Grande belting out classics like “Over the Rainbow” from The Wizard of Oz or “I Will Always Love You” from The Bodyguard. Given their vocal range, both singers would have no trouble taking on these big songs, infusing them with their own unique styles.

Alternatively, they could choose to sing an original song—a new collaboration that would leave a lasting impression on the Oscars audience. Both Grande and Erivo have impressive songwriting abilities, and the idea of them creating something specifically for the Oscars would be enough to send fans into a frenzy. It could even become a chart-topping hit, sparking buzz beyond the award show itself.

Whatever they choose to perform, one thing is certain: the performance will be unforgettable.

Why It Matters

Beyond the spectacle, Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo’s potential performance at the Oscars represents something even bigger. It’s a celebration of the power of female artists in the music and film industries, highlighting the versatility and range of two women who have made their marks in multiple genres. It’s also a reminder that, despite the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, music and storytelling are at the heart of everything the Oscars stand for.

And let’s face it—after a couple of years of virtual ceremonies and remote performances, the Academy Awards could certainly use a performance that brings the magic back. A duet between Grande and Erivo would be exactly what the Oscars need to make the night unforgettable. Whether they take the stage together or not, it’s clear that their mutual respect and admiration for each other’s talent will continue to inspire fans across the globe.

So, to the Academy, the ball’s in your court. Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo are ready to shine. All you have to do is say the word.