Movie fans and music lovers the 2025 Oscars started with a bang or should we say a shimmer and a song? Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo the stars of the upcoming Wicked movie musical adaptation totally owned the opening ceremony with a tribute to The Wizard of Oz and their own movie. Get ready to hear all about this performance and the heartwarming reaction it got from a very special someone.
From Ruby Slippers to Green Skin: Ariana and Cynthia's 'Wicked' Oscars Medley Was Pure Magic
The Oscars decided to skip the usual monologue and jump straight into the music and what a start it was! Ariana Grande who is playing Glinda in the Wicked movie began the performance with a beautiful version of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow". This is of course the iconic song Judy Garland sang as Dorothy in the original Wizard of Oz movie.
Ariana was dressed to impress in a stunning ruby red gown. It was sparkly shimmering and totally Glinda-esque. But here is the fun detail her dress even had a nod to Dorothy's ruby slippers with matching red heels and a sneaky little ruby slipper detail on the back of the dress. Talk about commitment to a theme!
Then Cynthia Erivo who is playing Elphaba aka the Wicked Witch of the West took center stage. She belted out "Home" from The Wiz another Oz-related musical. Cynthia’s dress was also a tribute her strapless gown was similar to what Diana Ross wore in The Wiz movie.
Finally the two Wicked co-stars joined forces for a duet of "Defying Gravity" the show-stopping number from the Wicked musical itself. They nailed it especially Cynthia’s powerful high notes at the end. The whole medley was moving emotional and seriously impressive. It was a perfect way to kick off the biggest movie night of the year.
Judy Garland's Daughter Lorna Luft Reacts to Ariana Grande's Tribute: "Thank You for Honoring My Mother"
The performance was not just a hit with the Oscars audience. It also got a very special reaction from someone close to the original Wizard of Oz magic. Lorna Luft Judy Garland's daughter shared a heartfelt message about Ariana's performance.
Lorna wrote on her Instagram Stories "Thank you to @arianagrande @cynthiaerivo & @theacademy for honoring my mother's memory so beautifully." She signed off with "All Love Lorna" and a heart emoji. That is some seriously meaningful praise and a wonderful co-sign from Judy Garland's own family.
Frankie Grande's Over-the-Rainbow Reaction and Ariana's Secret Third Oscars Look
Ariana's performance also got an emotional response from her own brother Frankie Grande. He hosted an Oscars watch party which he hilariously called "The Gay Super Bowl". When Ariana started singing "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" Frankie was seen tearing up exclaiming "Oh my God oh my God". Clearly the performance hit home for him too.
And for those who thought Ariana's ruby red dress was her only fashion moment of the night think again. Eagle-eyed viewers spotted that she actually had a secret THIRD outfit change later in the show. During Queen Latifah's performance Ariana was seen dancing in the audience wearing a sheer black mini dress covered in sparkly beads. This dress was a totally different vibe from her Glinda-inspired gowns. Whether it was for an after-party or just a style switch-up Ariana definitely brought her fashion A-game to the Oscars.
'Wicked' Wins Big (Technically) at the Oscars: Costume and Production Design Statuettes
While Ariana and Cynthia's performance was the show-stopping opening Wicked itself also picked up some actual Oscar wins. The movie snagged two awards: Best Costume Design and Best Production Design. Paul Tazewell made history as the first Black man to win Best Costume Design Oscar and Lee Sandeles and Nathan Crowley took home Best Production Design.
While Wicked missed out on the bigger categories like Best Picture and Best Original Score those two wins are still a great recognition of the film's visual style and artistry. And with 10 nominations total Wicked was clearly a major contender at the 2025 Oscars.
Relive the Magic: Watch 'Wicked' Now and Get Ready for Part Two
Want to experience the Wicked magic for yourself? The movie is actually already available to purchase on Prime Video and Apple TV+. If you are patient you can also stream it on Peacock starting March 21st. And get ready for even more Wicked coming soon. The second part of the movie adaptation Wicked: For Good is set to premiere in theaters on November 21 2025.
Key Highlights of the 'Wicked' Oscars Performance:
- Oz Tribute Opening: The 2025 Oscars ceremony began with a musical medley honoring The Wizard of Oz and Wicked.
- Ariana Grande's "Somewhere Over the Rainbow": Ariana Grande sang the iconic song from The Wizard of Oz in a stunning ruby red gown.
- Cynthia Erivo's "Home": Cynthia Erivo performed "Home" from The Wiz in a Diana Ross-inspired dress.
- "Defying Gravity" Duet: Grande and Erivo joined together for a powerful duet of "Defying Gravity" from Wicked.
- Judy Garland's Daughter's Praise: Lorna Luft Judy Garland's daughter thanked Ariana and Cynthia for honoring her mother.
- 'Wicked' Oscar Wins: The movie Wicked won Oscars for Best Costume Design and Best Production Design.
'Wicked' Mania is Just Beginning: Oscars Performance Hypes Up the Upcoming Movie
The Wicked Oscars performance was more than just a great opening act. It was a statement. Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo showed everyone why they are perfect for these roles and reminded us all of the enduring power of the Wicked musical and the world of Oz. With the movie release coming later this year expect to see a whole lot more Wicked fever taking over pop culture. This is just the start of the magic.