The Oscars in 2025 did music a little differently. And instead of opening with Conan O’Brien’s monologue, they opened with a Wizard of Oz tribute courtesy of Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande.
Erivo and Grande, of course, were both nominated for their roles in Wicked, and, of course, their tribute included a rendition of “Defying Gravity,” complete with battle cry. But it began with a montage of scenes from classic movies, before Grande appeared on stage in a ruby-red gown with a sequined detail that referenced a certain very famous pair of slippers.
Grande then performed her own version of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” inarguably the most famous song from the 1939 film.
Following Grande’s performance, Erivo came on stage in her own incredible ballgown, a white dress with floral details and a subtle green tint on the hem of her skirt referencing Elphaba’s green skin. Erivo sang “Home,” from The Wiz, another Broadway rendition of The Wizard of Oz, which features an all Black cast.
Then, for the pièce de résistance, the two came together to sing “Defying Gravity” from Wicked, which obviously showcases both singers’ vocals, but especially Erivo’s. Even Erivo’s Wicked costars aren’t immune from being overwhelmed by her singing voice. On stage, Grande looked on adoringly as Erivo belted out that famous riff, while in the audience Michelle Yeoh, who plays Madame Morrible in the film, was brought to tears.
In addition to Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, who are nominated for Best Actress and Best Supporting Actress, respectively, for Wicked, the movie was also nominated for makeup and hairstyling, costumes, and visual effects, as well as for Best Picture at the 2025 Oscars. While the film could not be nominated for original songs, because all of the music was written for the Broadway show, it simply wouldn’t be right for the ceremony to go without at least one Wicked musical performance.
To see all of Glamour’s Oscars 2025 coverage, click here.
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