Movie lovers and music fans listen up! The 2025 Oscars just happened and let me tell you the show started with a serious bang thanks to Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo . These two "Wicked" stars totally stole the show not just with their amazing performance but also with their red carpet style . Ready to get the tea?
'Defying Gravity' and Dropping Jaws: Ariana & Cynthia's Opening Oscar Performance Was Pure Magic
Forget awkward monologues the 97th Academy Awards kicked off with pure musical fire. Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo took the stage and delivered a tribute to all things Oz cinematic. It was not just good it was goosebump-inducing.
First Ariana appeared in a sparkling red dress giving us major Dorothy from "The Wizard of Oz" vibes singing "Over the Rainbow". Then Cynthia stepped into the spotlight belting out "Home" from "The Wiz". Seriously these ladies were bringing down the house separately but then they joined forces for the ultimate "Wicked" anthem: "Defying Gravity".
And wow. Just wow. Their voices together? Insane. The crowd went wild giving them a huge standing ovation. Cameras even caught Michelle Yeoh in the audience getting emotional. That's how you know it was a powerful moment. This wasn't just a performance it was an event.
Turns out even though Ariana and Cynthia have been promoting "Wicked" like crazy and sound amazing in the movie they haven't actually performed live together that much. They did a duet at the Met Gala last year singing "When You Believe" which is another Oscar-winning tune but this Oscars performance? Next level.
Speaking of "Wicked" did you know the movie got a whopping 10 Oscar nominations? Ariana and Cynthia even got nominated themselves for Best Supporting Actress and Best Actress respectively. While "Wicked" wasn't tipped to win Best Picture having them open the show was a smart move. It brought some serious star power and a performance that everyone will be talking about.
Glinda Pink vs. Elphaba Green: Ariana & Cynthia's Red Carpet Fashion Was On Point Too
It wasn't just their singing that wowed everyone Ariana and Cynthia also seriously brought it on the Oscars red carpet. They understood the assignment and paid homage to their "Wicked" characters in the most fashionable way possible.
Ariana went full Glinda in a pale pink Schiaparelli gown from their spring collection. It was dreamy and perfect with a structured skirt and airy pleats. Cynthia always a fashion icon channeled Elphaba in a custom Louis Vuitton deep forest green gown. It had these amazing high shoulders and a triangular collar and of course Cynthia's signature killer nails were on display this time in black gold and emerald green a total "Wicked" nail tribute.
Fashion experts were loving their looks. One beauty editor said Cynthia always impresses with her beauty game and another fashion director noted that red carpet style is heading back to "old Hollywood glamour" which Ariana and Cynthia definitely nailed.
Metallics were also a big trend with Demi Moore Selena Gomez and Emma Stone rocking silver and metallic looks but Ariana and Cynthia definitely stood out bringing a touch of "Wicked" magic to the Dolby Theater. Talk about making an entrance!
Oscars 2025: A Night of Firsts and Fab Performances But 'Wicked' Duo Stole the Show
The 2025 Oscars had some historical moments like Adrien Brody becoming the first person to win Best Actor twice without losing and "Flow" being the first ever Latvian film to win an Oscar. Zoe Saldaña also made history as the first Dominican American woman to win an Oscar. Diversity was definitely shining bright throughout the night.
But let's be real even with all the awards and inspiring speeches Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo's opening performance and red carpet looks are what many will remember most from the 2025 Oscars . They brought the energy the glamour and the pure talent and proved that "Wicked" is more than just a movie it is a cultural moment.
Must-See Moments: Ariana & Cynthia's Oscars Takeover
- Epic Opening Performance: Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo's Oz tribute and "Defying Gravity" duet brought the house down.
- Michelle Yeoh's Reaction: Camera catches Michelle Yeoh in tears during the "Defying Gravity" performance.
- Glinda vs. Elphaba Fashion Face-Off: Ariana's dreamy pink Schiaparelli and Cynthia's bold green Louis Vuitton gowns wowed on the red carpet.
- Historic Wins: The 2025 Oscars celebrated diversity with wins for Zoe Saldana and Latvian film "Flow".
- "Wicked" Movie Buzz: Performance highlighted the movie's 10 nominations and box office success.
Get Ready for More 'Wicked' Magic: Part Two Coming Soon!
And the good news for "Wicked" fans? This is just the beginning! "Wicked" part one only covers the first act of the Broadway musical. "Wicked: For Good" the sequel is coming in November. So get ready for more Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo magic heading our way. If they brought this much energy to the Oscars imagine what they have in store for the second movie. The hype is real!