Oscars 2025: Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo¡¯s ¡®wicked¡¯ opening left Michelle Yeoh in tears

The Oscars 2024 opened with a bang, scratch that, a spellbinding, goosebumps-inducing performance that had everyone clutching their imaginary broomsticks. Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, the dazzling duo from Wicked, took center stage to deliver a theatrical opening that sent chills down spines and tears streaming down cheeks.

Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo joined forces for Defying Gravity

Kicking things off with a nod to the legendary land of Oz, Grande floated onto the stage in a glittering red dress, reminiscent of Dorothy¡¯s iconic ruby slippers, serenading the audience with Over the Rainbow. If that wasn¡¯t enough to make the cinephiles in the room collectively sigh, Erivo stormed in with Home from The Wiz, proving yet again why she¡¯s an untouchable vocal powerhouse.

Then came the real moment of sorcery. As the lights dimmed and the orchestra swelled, Grande and Erivo joined forces for Defying Gravity, the anthem of ambition, rebellion, and absolute vocal slayage. The crowd? On their feet. Their Wicked co-star Michelle Yeoh? In tears. The entire Dolby Theatre? Probably reconsidering every life decision that didn¡¯t involve becoming a Broadway star.

Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo¡¯s Wicked

This wasn¡¯t just an opening performance; it was a cultural moment. While Wicked has been a Broadway legend for nearly two decades, its cinematic counterpart, directed by Jon M. Chu, has turned into a full-blown phenomenon, amassing 10 Oscar nominations and raking in numbers at the global box office that could make even Glinda proud.

But the Oscars performance wasn¡¯t just a grand showcase for Wicked, it was a reminder that this is only the beginning. With Wicked: For Good slated for a November release, Grande and Erivo might just make history again at next year¡¯s Academy Awards. Consider this a preview of what¡¯s to come.

As one attendee put it, the audience wasn¡¯t just watching the performance; they were ¡°holding space¡± for it, savoring every high note and dramatic pause. And if the standing ovation was any indication, the Wicked ladies just set the stage for an awards season that¡¯s nothing short of magical.