Wicked Stars Open The 2025 Oscars With A Magical Performance

Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo shared the stage at the 2025 Oscars to deliver a heartfelt performance in tribute to Wicked. 

The Oscar nominees set the tone for their upcoming performance on the red carpet, dressed in outfits that embodied their characters from the film. Ariana channeled Glinda in a baby pink Schiaparelli ballgown, complete with a wide tulle glitter skirt, while Cynthia stunned in a dramatic, dark green velvet Louis Vuitton ballgown that captured the essence of Elphaba and the Emerald City. Their striking outfits turned heads and teased the magical performance ahead.

Ariana appeared on stage in a red glitter dress that referenced the infamous ruby slippers worn by Judy Garland in the 1939 Wizard of Oz. Viewers with an eye for detail will notice a remarkable feature on the upper-back of her dress — a ruby red stiletto heel. Grande sang a beautiful cover of ‘Somewhere Over the Rainbow’. Cynthia then made her entrance to perform a powerful rendition of Diana Ross’ ‘Home’ from The Wiz.

Following this, the dynamic duo collaborated to bring the magic of Wicked to the Oscar stage with a live performance of the musical hit ‘Defying Gravity’. Their stage presence and undeniable chemistry enriched their impressive and passionate vocals that tugged at the heartstrings of many, including fellow Wicked star, Michelle Yeoh, who shed tears as she joined the standing ovation. Cynthia’s powerhouse vocals did not disappoint as she closed the Wicked melody with soaring high notes that delivered the iconic ending of the song. As described by Ariana, it was “A celebration of Oz”, and a phenomenal performance that will go down in Oscar history.

Although both Grande and Erivo left without awards in their nominated categories, Wicked took home two Academy Awards. The beauty of the film was recognised with Paul Tazewell’s award for Best Costume Design, and Lee Sandeles’ and Nathan Crawley’s award for Best Production Design. These accolades celebrate the film’s stunning visuals and costumes that brought the magical world of Oz to life on the big screen.