Ariana Grande Set to Shine as the Queen of the 2025 Oscars with a Dazzling “Wicked” Performance

The 97th Academy Awards are set to be a spectacular night filled with showstopping performances, A-list presenters, and groundbreaking nominations. As Hollywood prepares for its biggest night on March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, fans are eagerly anticipating an unforgettable evening celebrating the year’s best films. From Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo’s anticipated “Wicked” performance to history-making moments from artists like Lisa of BLACKPINK, this year’s Oscars promises to be a night to remember. Here’s everything you need to know about the 2025 Academy Awards.

Ariana Grande & Cynthia Erivo to Perform at the Oscars

One of the most exciting moments of the night will be the on-stage reunion of Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, the stars of the 2024 musical blockbuster Wicked. Both actresses have earned Oscar nominations for their performances—Grande for Best Supporting Actress and Erivo for Best Actress—and their performance at the Oscars will be a celebration of the film’s success. While their setlist remains a mystery, fans are speculating that the duo might perform some of the film’s most beloved numbers, such as:

• Popular: Ariana Grande’s energetic and playful solo
• Defying Gravity: A powerful duet that could bring the house down
• For Good: A heartfelt, emotional moment between their characters

Rumors suggest that their performance will open the ceremony, setting the stage for a magical night of music, film, and celebration.

Other Star-Studded Performances at the 2025 Oscars

In addition to Grande and Erivo’s performance, the Academy has confirmed a diverse lineup of top-tier musical acts, each bringing their unique artistry to Hollywood’s biggest night.

Doja Cat

One of the most innovative and talked-about artists of recent years, Doja Cat, will take the stage in what’s expected to be an electrifying and visually stunning performance. Known for her genre-blending music, avant-garde fashion, and viral stage presence, Doja’s Oscar performance is sure to be one of the night’s biggest highlights.

Lisa of BLACKPINK

K-pop fans have a major reason to celebrate—Lisa of BLACKPINK is making history as the first K-pop soloist to perform at the Academy Awards. Her global influence and record-breaking career have made her a trailblazer in the industry, and her Oscar performance is set to further cement K-pop’s worldwide dominance. With her latest solo project, “Alter Ego,” topping charts worldwide, Lisa’s show-stopping performance will undoubtedly be one of the most talked-about moments of the night.

Queen Latifah

A Hollywood and music industry icon, Queen Latifah, will take the stage to honor legendary music producer Quincy Jones in a tribute performance that celebrates his profound impact on music and film.

Raye

British singer-songwriter Raye is also set to perform, bringing her powerful vocals and heartfelt storytelling to the Oscars stage. With a voice that has been compared to the likes of Adele and Amy Winehouse, Raye’s performance is expected to be an emotional and unforgettable moment.

Los Angeles Master Chorale’s Special Appearance

Adding to the musical grandeur of the night, the Los Angeles Master Chorale will make a special appearance, lending their sweeping choral sound to elevate the night’s performances. Whether they accompany an in-memoriam segment or add depth to one of the live performances, their presence will bring a touch of orchestral magic to the Oscars.

Major Changes: No Live Performances for Best Original Song Nominees

In a major departure from tradition, this year’s Best Original Song nominees will not be performed live during the ceremony. Instead, the Academy has opted for a new approach, where songwriters will personally reflect on the inspiration behind their work. This controversial change has sparked mixed reactions, with some praising the intimate storytelling element, while others lament the absence of live musical numbers that have been an Oscars staple for decades.

Top Nominated Films at the 2025 Oscars

The biggest films of the year have racked up impressive nominations, with the following leading the pack:

• Emilia Pérez: 13 nominations
• The Brutalist: 10 nominations
• Wicked: 10 nominations

Each of these films has made a significant impact on audiences and critics alike, with “Wicked” standing out as the highest-grossing musical film of all time.

Presenters & Special Appearances

The Academy Awards are not just about the winners and performances—they also bring together some of the biggest names in Hollywood to present awards and celebrate cinema. This year’s A-list presenters include:

• Robert Downey Jr. (Oppenheimer)
• Cillian Murphy (Oppenheimer)
• Emma Stone (Poor Things)
• Zendaya (Dune: Part Two)
• Timothée Chalamet (Wonka)

With past Oscar winners and Hollywood icons gracing the stage, expect to see memorable speeches, unexpected moments, and heartfelt tributes throughout the night.

Historic Moments & Controversies at the 2025 Oscars

This year’s ceremony is also breaking barriers, with Karla Sofía Gascón making history as the first transgender actress nominated for an Oscar. Recognized for her role in Emilia Pérez, Gascón’s nomination marks a significant step toward diversity and representation in Hollywood. However, Gascón has also faced scrutiny over past social media posts, leading to heated discussions online. Despite the controversy, her nomination remains a landmark moment in Oscars history.

How to Watch the 2025 Oscars

For the first time ever, the Academy Awards will be available for live streaming! Here’s how you can tune in:

• Date: March 2, 2025
• Time: 7:00 PM ET / 4:00 PM PT
• Where to Watch:
  • ABC (live television broadcast)
  • Hulu (first-ever live streaming of the Oscars)

This new streaming option makes the Oscars more accessible than ever, ensuring that viewers worldwide can enjoy the ceremony in real time.

Final Thoughts: Why the 2025 Oscars Will Be Unforgettable

With a lineup of jaw-dropping performances, record-breaking nominations, and historic moments, the 97th Academy Awards is shaping up to be one of the most exciting ceremonies in recent years. Whether it’s Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo’s highly anticipated “Wicked” performance, Lisa’s groundbreaking K-pop moment, or Doja Cat’s electrifying set, there’s something for everyone to look forward to. As the countdown to March 2, 2025, continues, the excitement is at an all-time high. Will Wicked sweep the night? Will Karla Sofía Gascón make history? Only time will tell.