Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo set the 97th Oscars’ stage on fire with spellbinding performances

The 97th Academy Awards delivered an unforgettable opening number as Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo took center stage to perform a mesmerizing musical medley celebrating the legacy of The Wizard of Oz, The Wiz, and Wicked. The performance not only showcased their vocal prowess but also paid tribute to one of the most beloved fantasy stories in cinematic and theatrical history.

Their showstopping collaboration marked one of the night’s most talked-about moments, drawing a standing ovation from the audience at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. With the highly anticipated Wicked film adaptation on the horizon, Grande and Erivo’s performance was both a preview of their on-screen chemistry and a love letter to fans of the iconic Broadway musical.

A Journey Through Oz: The Performance Breakdown

The Oz-inspired medley opened with a heartfelt tribute to Los Angeles, acknowledging the city’s resilience following recent wildfires. As the tribute concluded, the lights dimmed, and the familiar melody of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” filled the room.

Ariana Grande’s Enchanting ‘Somewhere Over the Rainbow’

Ariana Grande took the stage first, stunning the audience in a glittering, ruby-red gown reminiscent of Dorothy Gale’s famous ruby slippers. The multi-talented pop icon delivered an emotional rendition of the 1939 classic from The Wizard of Oz, channeling the wistful longing that has made the song a timeless anthem of hope and dreams.

Grande’s crystal-clear vocals soared as she infused the song with her signature vocal runs and delicate phrasing. Her performance honored Judy Garland’s original interpretation while adding her unique touch, making it a deeply personal and evocative moment.

Cynthia Erivo’s Powerful ‘Home’ from The Wiz

Following Grande’s breathtaking performance, the stage shifted to Cynthia Erivo, who emerged in an elegant white gown adorned with intricate floral designs. With her powerful, emotive voice, she performed “Home” from the 1975 musical The Wiz, a soulful reimagining of The Wizard of Oz.

Erivo, a Tony, Emmy, and Grammy winner, brought raw emotion to the song, delivering an awe-inspiring vocal performance that left the audience captivated. Her rendition was a poignant reminder of the song’s themes of self-discovery, resilience, and belonging—values that resonate deeply within the Wicked universe.

The Grand Finale: ‘Defying Gravity’ Unleashes a Standing Ovation

As the final notes of “Home” echoed through the theater, Grande and Erivo joined hands at center stage, signaling the transition into one of the most iconic duets in Broadway history—“Defying Gravity” from Wicked.

The high-energy number, which closes the first act of Wicked, is widely regarded as one of the most challenging and electrifying showstoppers in musical theater. As the song built toward its dramatic climax, Grande’s Glinda playfully stepped aside, allowing Erivo’s Elphaba to deliver the song’s famous “unlimited” high note.

When Erivo belted the final note, the Dolby Theatre erupted into applause, with many audience members visibly moved. Michelle Yeoh, a previous Oscar winner and celebrated actress, was seen wiping away tears. The performance was nothing short of spellbinding, solidifying itself as an Oscar night highlight.

A Performance That Went Beyond the Oscars

While musical numbers at the Academy Awards typically showcase Best Original Song nominees, this year’s ceremony took a different approach. The Oz medley was a celebration of cinema and musical theater, honoring a legacy that has inspired generations.

Though Wicked’s songs were ineligible for Best Original Song consideration (as they were first introduced on Broadway in 2003), the Academy made an exception to highlight the musical’s impact. This decision mirrors past Oscar moments, such as the 2022 “We Don’t Talk About Bruno” performance from Encanto, which became a viral sensation despite not being submitted for an award.

Other Star-Studded Performances at the 97th Oscars

Grande and Erivo’s breathtaking opener set the tone for a night of musical excellence. Other performers included:

• Queen Latifah delivered a jazz-infused tribute to classic Hollywood musicals.
• Doja Cat, who brought her signature avant-garde style to the stage.
• Lisa from BLACKPINK, making history as the first K-pop solo artist to perform at the Oscars.
• Raye, the rising British star who stunned audiences with her soulful vocal delivery.

The Los Angeles Master Chorale also made a special appearance, adding depth and grandeur to the evening’s musical moments.

The Cinematic Journey of Wicked

The highly anticipated Wicked adaptation, directed by Jon M. Chu, has been a monumental project in the making. Split into two films, the adaptation aims to bring the full depth of the beloved Broadway musical to the silver screen.

Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande lead the cast as Elphaba and Glinda, respectively. Their chemistry and vocal mastery were on full display during their Oscars performance, offering fans a taste of what’s to come when Part One premieres later this year.

The film has already garnered significant recognition, with ten Oscar nominations, including:

• Best Picture
• Best Actress (Cynthia Erivo)
• Best Supporting Actress (Ariana Grande)

A Stamp of Approval from Idina Menzel

Idina Menzel, the original Elphaba on Broadway, took to social media to praise Grande and Erivo’s performance, calling it a beautiful passing of the torch. Menzel’s endorsement carries great significance, as she originated the role that cemented Wicked’s place in Broadway history.

Her words underscored the intergenerational impact of Wicked as the film adaptation introduces the story to a new audience while honoring its Broadway roots.

What’s Next? ‘Wicked: For Good’ Arrives in November

While Wicked dazzled the 2025 Oscars, fans have even more to look forward to. The second half of the film, Wicked: For Good, is slated for release on November 22, 2025. This highly anticipated sequel will continue Elphaba and Glinda’s journey, exploring themes of friendship, power, and destiny.

Director Jon M. Chu has promised an emotionally rich, visually stunning conclusion to the story. With the first film’s success and the Oscars’ resounding praise for Grande and Erivo’s performances, anticipation for Part Two is at an all-time high.

A Night to Remember: The Legacy of Oz Lives On

The 97th Academy Awards will be remembered for many reasons, but Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo’s Oz-inspired performance undoubtedly stands out as one of its most unforgettable moments.

Their powerful medley reminded audiences of the timeless magic of Oz, proving that, no matter how many times the story is told, its themes of courage, friendship, and self-discovery will always resonate.

As the final notes of “Defying Gravity” faded and the standing ovation lingered, one thing was clear: the legacy of Oz is alive and thriving, and the world is ready to be spellbound once more.