Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande’s Malicious Opening Performance at the 2025 Oscars Shocked But Still Won. The Oscars Are Downhill

The 2025 Academy Awards were expected to be a night of celebration, a spectacle of Hollywood’s finest talents gathering to honor cinematic excellence. However, the event quickly took a turn into controversy when Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande delivered an opening performance that left audiences divided. What was meant to be a grand artistic statement instead sparked outrage, with some calling it an artistic breakthrough while others deemed it a tone-deaf spectacle.

Despite the backlash, the performance won critical acclaim, securing a place in Oscars history. Yet, the controversy surrounding it has raised significant questions about the direction of the Academy Awards. Has the Oscars reached a point where controversy is necessary to stay relevant? Is the prestige of Hollywood’s biggest night slowly eroding under the weight of sensationalism?

The Build-Up to the Oscars’ Most Talked-About Moment

Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, two of the most celebrated vocalists and performers of their time, were chosen to open the 2025 Academy Awards with a performance that was expected to set the tone for the night. Both women are known for their powerhouse vocals, commanding stage presence, and ability to bring emotion to their performances.

With the upcoming release of Wicked, in which they star as Elphaba and Glinda, respectively, the pairing made sense. The expectation was a stunning musical number that would captivate the audience and highlight their dynamic chemistry. Instead, what unfolded on stage stunned viewers in ways that no one had anticipated.

The Performance That Shook Hollywood

As the lights dimmed and the opening notes played, the audience held its breath in anticipation. From the first moment, it was clear that this was not going to be a typical Oscars opening. The stage design was bold and avant-garde, featuring eerie lighting, striking visuals, and a set that felt more like an otherworldly dystopia than a glamorous Hollywood celebration.

Erivo, known for her commanding stage presence, delivered hauntingly intense vocals, while Grande, typically associated with a light, airy style, shocked the audience with an unexpectedly dark and dramatic approach. The two singers, known for their vocal precision, infused the performance with an almost confrontational energy, as if daring the audience to engage with the intensity of their artistry.

Some elements of the performance seemed deliberately provocative. The choreography was aggressive, the lyrics were altered to include seemingly pointed messages about Hollywood’s failings, and the overall tone was more rebellious than celebratory. The choice to subvert expectations may have been intentional, but for some, it felt more like an act of defiance rather than an artistic statement.

Immediate Audience Reactions: Shock, Confusion, and Applause

The performance ended to a mix of stunned silence, scattered applause, and visible discomfort from some members of the audience. The camera panned to various A-listers, capturing expressions ranging from awe to confusion. Some viewers in attendance hesitated before clapping, while others appeared visibly unsettled.

On social media, reactions erupted immediately. While some praised Erivo and Grande for taking risks and delivering a powerful statement, others accused them of turning the Oscars into a spectacle of self-indulgence.

Critics and industry insiders were just as divided. Some hailed the performance as a daring artistic triumph, while others questioned its appropriateness for an event that has long been seen as a night of celebration rather than provocation.

The Backlash: Did the Oscars Go Too Far?

As the dust settled, debate surrounding the performance intensified. Detractors argued that the Oscars had once again prioritized shock value over genuine artistic expression. For years, viewership numbers had been declining, and some believed that the Academy was relying on controversy to stay relevant.

Many questioned whether the performance was an attempt to overshadow the awards themselves. The Oscars have faced criticism for being out of touch, overly political, and increasingly alienating to general audiences. Was this opening number another example of the ceremony losing sight of its original purpose?

Some critics went so far as to suggest that the Oscars had officially “jumped the shark,” claiming that the event had lost the prestige that once made it the pinnacle of Hollywood achievement. Others argued that the performance was an unnecessary distraction from the real purpose of the night—to honor filmmaking excellence.

Supporters Defend the Bold Artistic Choice

Despite the backlash, many came to the defense of Erivo and Grande. Supporters argued that art should challenge, provoke, and push boundaries. They praised the performance for its raw emotion, innovative approach, and willingness to address uncomfortable truths about the entertainment industry.

For many, the performance was a much-needed shake-up. The Oscars have long been criticized for being predictable, overly rehearsed, and lacking the excitement that once made them must-watch television. Erivo and Grande’s bold performance, while divisive, undeniably made an impact.

Additionally, some pointed out that controversy has always been a part of artistic expression. From Marlon Brando’s infamous Oscars boycott to the politically charged speeches of recent years, the Academy Awards have always been a platform where statements are made. In this sense, the performance was simply continuing that tradition.

Did the Performance Ultimately Win?

As the night went on, the controversy surrounding the performance did not stop Erivo and Grande from winning widespread acclaim for their work in Wicked. In fact, some believe that the backlash may have ultimately worked in their favor, drawing even more attention to the highly anticipated film and ensuring that their names remained at the center of discussion.

Moreover, as debates raged online and media outlets continued to dissect the performance, one thing became clear: it had successfully captured the public’s attention. Whether viewers loved it or hated it, they were talking about it, and in an era where attention is currency, that may have been the ultimate victory.

What This Means for the Future of the Oscars

The fallout from the performance raises important questions about the future of the Academy Awards. As viewership numbers decline and Hollywood struggles to maintain its grip on mainstream culture, will controversy become a necessary ingredient for success? Will future Oscars ceremonies embrace more unconventional performances in an effort to stay relevant?

Some believe that the backlash could push the Academy to rethink its approach, leading to a return to more traditional, glamorous ceremonies. Others argue that this is the future of award shows—bold, unpredictable, and designed to generate conversation.

Regardless of the direction the Oscars take moving forward, one thing is certain: Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande’s performance will go down in history as one of the most talked-about moments in the event’s long history. It may have been shocking, it may have been divisive, but it undeniably made an impact.

Conclusion

The 2025 Oscars will be remembered not just for the awards given out, but for the moment that Erivo and Grande took the stage and changed the conversation. Whether their performance was an artistic triumph or a misguided attempt at provocation will be debated for years to come.

What cannot be denied, however, is that it reignited discussions about the Oscars, the role of controversy in entertainment, and the evolving nature of Hollywood’s biggest night. In the end, whether critics liked it or not, the performance did exactly what great art is supposed to do—it made people feel something.