Okay movie lovers award season just hit a high note thanks to none other than Ariana Grande! The pop superstar and now Oscar-nominated actress brought all the sparkle and charm to the 97th Academy Awards and let me tell you it was a moment.
'Wicked' Wonders: Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo's Spellbinding Performance Channels Ozian Magic
The Oscars kicked off with a truly enchanting performance thanks to Ariana Grande and her Wicked co-star Cynthia Erivo. These two absolutely nailed a medley of songs from the upcoming Wicked movie and it was pure goosebump material. They started with Ariana singing "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" which is pretty iconic and then transitioned into a tear-jerking Wicked medley.
Seriously if you weren't already hyped for the Wicked movie this performance probably changed your mind. Ariana and Cynthia's voices together? Next level. And the way they gazed lovingly at each other while Cynthia belted out "Defying Gravity"? Iconic. It was like a total genuflect moment for fans and everyone in the press room reportedly cheered like crazy after it was over.
Plus there was a little nod to Oz in Ariana's look even before she started singing. Keep an eye out and you might have spotted a shoe heel sticking out from under her glittering red dress. Ruby slipper vibes anyone?
Glinda-fied Glamour: Decoding Ariana Grande's Stunning Schiaparelli Haute Couture Oscars Gown
Speaking of looks can we just talk about Ariana's dress for a minute? She showed up on the red carpet in a blush pink Schiaparelli Haute Couture gown that was straight out of a fairytale. Seriously this dress was the definition of "fresh off the runway" having just been shown in Paris a few weeks before but originally in champagne color. Ariana's stylist Mimi Cuttrell had it customized in a soft Glinda-pink because of course.
The gown was decked out in over 190000 crystal sequins rhinestones and cut beads. NINETY THOUSAND! That is some serious sparkle. Designer Daniel Roseberry was inspired by an Alberto Giacometti lamp for the sculptural clam basque at the waist. Basically it was high fashion art and Ariana wore it like a queen.
This whole awards season Ariana has been channeling Glinda with her fashion choices. Remember her pink gowns at previous events? This Oscars look was the ultimate Glinda-coded moment and fashion fans are living for it.
Oscar Nominee Ariana Grande: Up for Best Supporting Actress and Celebrating 'Wicked's' Big Night
Beyond the amazing performance and the killer dress let's not forget Ariana was actually nominated for an Oscar! This was her first ever Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress for her role as Glinda in Wicked. Even though she didn't take home the trophy this time being nominated is a huge deal and she was clearly thrilled about it.
Before the show Ariana shared a super emotional message on Instagram alongside photos of herself dressed as Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz. She wrote about how humbled and honored she was and how tiny little Ari who loved Judy Garland and "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" would be freaking out. So sweet right?
And Wicked wasn't just nominated for Ariana's performance. The movie racked up a total of 10 Oscar nominations including Best Picture! That's a massive achievement and the whole cast and crew had plenty to celebrate on Oscars night.
From Oz to Beyond: What's Next for Ariana Grande and the 'Wicked' Journey?
Even though the Oscars ceremony is over the Wicked hype train is just getting started. Wicked: Part One is set to release in November 2024 and Wicked: Part Two is coming later. Ariana teased that the second movie is going to be "very emotional" and "really embodies unconditional love and forgiveness and friendship." Sounds like we should prepare the tissues now.
And don't think Ariana's amazing "Wicked" inspired fashion is going anywhere either. She and Cynthia Erivo have been serving Oz-tastic looks for over a year and it seems like they are just getting started. Get ready for even more pink and green magic as we get closer to the movie release. Ariana Grande's Oscars appearance was just a taste of the "Wicked" whirlwind to come and we are here for it!
Key Highlights of Ariana Grande's Oscars 2025 Appearance:
- Stunning Performance: Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo opened the Oscars with a breathtaking medley of songs from The Wizard of Oz and Wicked.
- Glinda-Inspired Gown: Ariana wore a custom blush pink Schiaparelli Haute Couture gown dripping in over 190000 crystals.
- Best Supporting Actress Nomination: Ariana was nominated for her role as Glinda in Wicked her first ever Oscar nod.
- Ozian Fashion: Ariana's Oscars look continued her trend of channeling her Wicked character Glinda with pink and sparkly ensembles.
- Tease for Wicked 2: Ariana hinted that the second Wicked movie will be very emotional and focus on love forgiveness and friendship.