Movie fans and musical lovers listen up! The 2025 Oscars kicked off with a bang thanks to the stars of the upcoming Wicked movie! Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo totally owned the stage in a performance that was pure Oz-tastic magic. Forget ruby slippers this opening was all about green dresses and gravity-defying vocals.
'Defying Gravity' and Oz Magic: Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo's Epic Oscars Opening Performance
The show started with a sweet movie montage celebrating iconic Los Angeles moments a nod to those recent California fires you might remember. Then boom Ariana Grande appeared in a dreamy pink dress. She started singing "Over the Rainbow" giving us major Dorothy vibes but in a super glamorous way. Think Glinda meets Judy Garland.
Next up Cynthia Erivo took over the stage belting out "Home" from The Wiz. Her voice? Seriously powerful. It was a beautiful tribute to all things Oz. But the real showstopper? When Grande returned and they both launched into "Defying Gravity". Yes THE "Defying Gravity" from Wicked. The crowd went wild. Standing ovation tears in the audience - Michelle Yeoh was even caught on camera getting emotional. It was a moment.
Even though Ariana and Cynthia are promoting the Wicked movie they actually don't perform live together that often. They did a duet at the Met Gala last year singing "When You Believe" but this Oscars performance felt extra special. It was a perfect way to highlight Wicked and get everyone excited for the movie.
Emerald City Glam: Cynthia Erivo's Green Gown Channels Elphaba's Iconic Look
Let's talk fashion for a second because Cynthia Erivo's Oscars dress was on another level. She rocked a custom green velvet ball gown by Louis Vuitton and it was EVERYTHING. The color the fabric the whole vibe? Totally Elphaba chic. It was like a stylish nod to the Wicked Witch of the West and the Emerald City all rolled into one amazing outfit.
And it wasn't just the dress. Cynthia is known for her incredible nails and her Oscars manicure did not disappoint. She showed off green and gilded nails that were seriously extravagant. Every detail of her look seemed to be a tribute to Elphaba and the world of Oz. Talk about commitment to a role!
'Wicked' Movie Buzz is Real: Box Office Success Merchandise Mania and a Sequel on the Way
Wicked is already a massive Broadway hit and the movie is set to be just as huge. Even though it is not a frontrunner for Best Picture at the Oscars it's actually the highest-grossing movie nominated this year. It beat out other big films like Dune: Part Two at the 2024 worldwide box office which is pretty impressive.
Part of the Wicked phenomenon is all the buzz it has generated . Think tons of merchandise viral moments and just general excitement. Remember that interview where a reporter asked Ariana and Cynthia about people "holding space" for "Defying Gravity" lyrics? That kind of thing just adds to the hype.
And get ready because there is more to come! The Wicked movie only covers the first part of the Broadway musical story. The sequel Wicked: For Good is already set to come out in November. So we are just at the beginning of the Wicked movie era.
Method Dressing Magic: 'Wicked' Cast Embraces Oz-Inspired Fashion on the Red Carpet
Cynthia's green dress was not the only Wicked inspired fashion moment at the Oscars. The whole cast seems to be on board with "method dressing" which means wearing clothes that are inspired by their characters. Ariana Grande's pink gown totally looked like something Glinda would wear especially the sparkly tulle and ball gown shape.
Even Michelle Yeoh who plays Madam Morrible in Wicked showed up in a blue strapless dress. Blue is totally Madam Morrible's color in the movie. And Marissa Bode who plays Nessarose rocked a sparkling red dress with red shoes a clear nod to Nessarose's ruby slippers which are a big deal in the second Wicked movie.
It's fun to see the cast embracing their roles even off-screen and giving fans these little fashion Easter eggs. It just adds to the whole Wicked experience.
Oscar Night 'Wicked' Fashion Highlights:
- Cynthia Erivo (Elphaba): Custom green velvet Louis Vuitton gown and green and gold extravagant nails - channeling Elphaba and the Emerald City.
- Ariana Grande (Glinda): Pale pink Schiaparelli dress with peplum top and sparkly tulle - reminiscent of Glinda's ball gown.
- Michelle Yeoh (Madam Morrible): Blue strapless gown - nodding to Madam Morrible's signature blue dresses.
- Marissa Bode (Nessarose): Sparkling red dress and red shoes - a tribute to Nessarose's ruby slippers.
Get Ready to Be Spellbound: Elphaba and 'Wicked' Mania is Just Beginning
From that show-stopping Oscars performance to the incredible fashion moments it's clear that Wicked is having a major moment right now. Cynthia Erivo's Elphaba is definitely taking center stage and fans are loving it. Get ready for even more Wicked magic as we get closer to the movie release and the sequel. It's going to be one thrilling ride to Oz!