Ariana Grande, 'Wicked' co-star Cynthia Erivo deliver emotional Oscars performance: Watch
There's no place like the Oscars for Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo.
Pop superstar and Oscar-nominated actress Grande opened the 97th Academy Awards on Sunday night with a stirring tribute to her role in the fantasy movie musical "Wicked," which is up for best picture.
Following a touching montage of Los Angeles-inspired film scenes and California landmarks — a nod to the devastating wildfires that ravaged LA earlier this year — Grande began crooning Judy Garland's iconic "Wizard of Oz" ballad "Somewhere Over the Rainbow."
Grande, who was clad in a ruby red Schiaparelli gown mirroring Dorothy's slippers in the 1939 film, was later joined by her "Wicked" co-star Erivo.
What song did Cynthia Erivo sing at 2025 Oscars?
Erivo, who plays Elphaba opposite Grande's Glinda, captivated with a soaring rendition of Diana Ross' "Home," taken from "The Wizard of Oz" adaptation "The Wiz."
The climax of the performance came when Grande and Erivo joined musical forces for the fan-favorite "Wicked" duet "Defying Gravity." The women's voices boomed in unison as they tenderly held each other's hands.
Erivo capped off the emotional number, which earned a roaring standing ovation, with her now-viral belting riff.
In the Oscars race, Grande and Erivo's performances in "Wicked" earned them nominations for best supporting actress and best actress, respectively.
Watch Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo Oscars performance
Oscars performances: Lisa, Doja Cat and Raye
Although this year's Academy Awards might be eschewing the traditional best original song performances in a rare – but not unprecedented – move, producers aren't skipping the music entirely.
With spotlights turned to "Wicked," the James Bond franchise and a tribute to the late Quincy Jones, the 2025 Oscars are as heavy, if not heftier, than in recent years when it comes to uniting music and movies.
An homage to producer-songwriter titan Jones will feature Queen Latifah, while rapper/singer Doja Cat, Blackpink star Lisa and British soul singer Raye are expected to team up for a group number.
(This article has been updated to correct a typo.)
Contributing: Melissa Ruggieri, Paste BN